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A shipment of premium fresh pineapples from South Cotabato have been shipped out to the United Arab Emirates
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The shipment, organized by exporter Mensch Fil-Am Corp., consists of 18 metric tons of fresh MD2 pineapples from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato
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The pineapples bound for Khorfakkan Port were sent off on June 6 at the Unifrutti Port in Davao City, and are expected to arrive in the UAE on June 25 or 26
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Government data show pineapple has become the country’s top export to the UAE
A shipment of premium fresh pineapples from South Cotabato have been shipped out to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expanding a promising export destination for one of the country’s top agricultural products.
The shipment, organized by exporter Mensch Fil-Am Corp., consists of 18 metric tons of fresh MD2 pineapples packed in 1,500 boxes and sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced.
The fresh pineapples bound for Khorfakkan Port were sent off on June 6 at the Unifrutti Port in Davao City and are expected to arrive in the UAE on June 25 or 26.
The entry of fresh pineapples into the UAE via commercial shipping vessel despite severe logistical bottlenecks reopens vital pathways into the Middle Eastern market, DA said.
DA noted that data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that pineapple has become the country’s top export to the UAE.
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Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the milestone as a strategic step in expanding overseas markets for Philippine agricultural products while creating broader economic benefits for farming communities.
“Every box of Philippine produce that reaches a new or existing market represents more income for farmers, more jobs for workers, and more value created at home. That is why we are aggressively pursuing new export opportunities for Philippine agriculture,” Tiu Laurel said.
“Our goal is not merely to export more products but to build a stronger and more competitive farm sector where Filipino farmers directly benefit from global market opportunities,” the DA chief added.
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By connecting local growers to high-value markets such as the UAE, the DA said it encourages greater investments in agricultural production, creates sustainable livelihood opportunities, and helps rural communities become active participants in economic growth.
DA noted that the export breakthrough comes despite persistent logistical disruptions and elevated freight costs linked to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, underscoring the resilience of Philippine exporters and the growing competitiveness of the country’s high-value crops sector.
DA said the successful shipment also demonstrates the industry’s ability to comply with stringent international phytosanitary standards and UAE import requirements, paving the way for future exports to the Gulf region.
Beyond the commercial transaction, DA officials see the shipment as a catalyst for stronger trade relations with the UAE and a gateway to broader opportunities across the Middle East.
The initiative also supports the administration’s efforts to narrow the country’s agricultural trade gap, which remained substantial at US$11.1 billion in 2025 despite a 5% improvement from the previous year.
