Philippines pineapples arrive in UAE

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine pineapples have arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the country’s push to broaden its agricultural export markets, the Department of Agriculture said yesterday.

In a statement, the DA said 18 metric tons (MT) of MD2 variety pineapples arrived in the UAE on June 28 and were showcased at Dubai’s Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market.

The shipment marks the reopening of the Middle East market following logistics constraints affecting the region. It consisted of 1,500 boxes of fresh MD2 pineapples sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato and arrived via the Port of Khor Fakkan.

The DA said regular shipments are expected to continue every two weeks, “signaling sustained demand for premium Philippine tropical fruits in one of the region’s fastest-growing food import markets.”

Davao-based exporter Mensch Fil-Am Trading, in partnership with Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc., facilitated the exports to the UAE, while Octagon General Trading LLC handled the distribution of the produce.

The latest export is part of the agency’s strategy to reduce the country’s reliance on traditional markets for its agricultural goods by expanding its presence across the Gulf states.

The DA said that rising populations, tourism and limited domestic agricultural production would continue to fuel demand for Philippine produce in the Middle East.

The agency’s attaché in Dubai will continue to open new markets for Philippine farm products, strengthen trade linkages and promote the country’s exports across the Middle East.

The agricultural attaché, in coordination with Philippine foreign service posts and the private sector, works to secure market access, link exporters with international buyers and support compliance with entry requirements for Philippine farm products.

The Philippines maintained its rank as the world’s second-largest pineapple exporter in 2025, shipping 775,028 MT, a 14-percent increase from 2024, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.