DAVAO CITY – The premium durian of Davao City has taken another significant step toward expanding its global footprint after a trial shipment of fresh fruits was dispatched to Muscat, Oman, marking another milestone in the Philippines’ growing agricultural export industry.
The ceremonial send-off of 1.08 metric tons of fresh durian was held on July 27 at the Engseng Facility in Calinan, Davao City, with officials from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI (DA-11), exporters, and local growers celebrating what could become another breakthrough for Mindanao’s most valuable fruit export.
The shipment signals the continued expansion of Philippine durian into international markets, particularly in the Middle East, where demand for premium tropical fruits has steadily increased.
Leading the send-off ceremony, DA-11 Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga emphasized that the success of export initiatives ultimately depends on the ability of farmers to consistently produce fruits that meet international standards.
“We encourage our farmers to continue producing quality fruits that comply with market requirements so that more market opportunities can be created for our local producers,” Gonzaga said.
He stressed that maintaining superior fruit quality is essential not only for sustaining export markets but also for strengthening domestic demand, improving food quality, and increasing the income of local farmers.
The trial shipment was facilitated by Engseng Food Products and consists of 56 boxes of fresh Puyat and Duyaya durian varieties harvested from Belviz Farm in Barangay Wangan, Calinan, Davao City.
The premium fruits are destined for Jeel Almaaly International in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman, where they will be introduced to consumers as part of efforts to assess market demand and pave the way for regular commercial exports.
Industry stakeholders view the shipment as more than just a single export consignment. If successful, it could serve as the foundation for larger and more consistent orders from Oman and neighboring Middle Eastern markets, providing local growers with a stable international customer base.
Officials noted that every successful trial shipment enhances the credibility of Philippine durian in highly competitive global markets, reinforcing Davao’s reputation as one of the country’s premier producers of world-class durian.
Engseng Food Products also underscored the importance of continuously implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure that fruits consistently meet international requirements for quality, food safety, and post-harvest handling.
Adherence to GAP standards has become increasingly critical as importing countries impose stricter regulations on agricultural products, making quality assurance a key factor in maintaining long-term export relationships.
The ceremony was attended by DA-11 Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann M. Constantino, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Janet F. Dobli and her team, Emmanuel Belviz and Mary Grace Belviz of Belviz Farm, and Ruby Bernales of Engseng Food Products.
The latest shipment reflects the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to diversify export destinations for agricultural commodities while strengthening Mindanao’s position as a major supplier of premium tropical fruits.
For Davao’s durian industry, the shipment represents more than a new trading opportunity—it symbolizes the growing confidence of international buyers in Philippine produce and the dedication of local farmers to meeting world-class standards.
As global demand for premium tropical fruits continues to rise, stakeholders are optimistic that this trial export to Oman will evolve into sustained commercial trade, bringing increased income to local growers, expanding employment across the agricultural value chain, and further cementing Davao’s reputation as the home of one of the world’s finest durians.