Emmanuel S. Belviz, president of the Davao City Durian Industry Council (DCDIC), said at the Business Matters forum held recently at Hukad, Abreeza Ayala Malls, that the international experts—three from Malaysia and one from Thailand—and local experts are expected to share new techniques to help improve the quality of Davao Durian fruits and achieve consistency in exports.
Up to 350 participants from various sectors across the Philippines are expected to join the summit.
DCDIC has partnered with the Davao City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO) and the Department of Agriculture to launch the summit.
Belviz cited low quality and maturity issues as among the challenges currently facing the Durian export industry.
He said the summit will serve as a venue to level up the Durian export industry which is slowly making waves in the global market since its pilot shipment in 2023.
“Di pa tayo naka two years sa exports but we already see very significant results,” Belviz said. He said the country had exported 4,088 MT of fresh Durian in 2023. This soared to more than 9,351 MT as of January to September 2024 . Moreso, they are looking at 30 percent more harvests since the season is still ongoing.
China remains as the country’s top market for the country’s fresh Durian cornering 85 percent or 9,295 MT followed by Singapore 55.70 MT, and Japan at 184.25 kilograms in the nine months to September this year, Belviz said.
Other export markets include Thailand, Hongkong, Malaysia, UAE, Korea, USA, Australia, and United Kingdom (UK), he said. The Philippines is eyeing Taiwan and New Zealand as potential markets for Durian.
DavaoRegion top Durian producer in Mindanao
Davao Region accounts 75 percent of the total Durian production in the country and most of the so-called “king of fruit” comes from Davao City, Belviz, owner of Belviz DurianFarms in Barangay Wangan, Calinan District said.
Most of the city’s durian farms are found in Calinan and barangays Tamayong and Sirib.
Data furnished by Belviz showed Davao Region, the top durian producer in Mindanao produced a total of 60,331.33 Metric Tons (MT) in 2023. Of this, Davao del Sur, particularly Davao City had the biggest production of 44404.5 MT, followed by Davao del Norte of 14815.1 MT, Davao de Oro -787.2MT, Davao Occidental-255.96, and Davao Oriental - 68.56 MT. He said most of the durian farms in the city are found in Calinan District, and elevated barangaysTamayong and Sirib.
At least 62 accredited durian farms in Davao Region are set to supply the fruit’s premium Puyat variety to China this year, the regional Department of Agriculture(DA-11) earlier confirmed.
Belviz has identified the varieties of Puyat and D101 to top the exportable Durian. Majority of the Davao Durian exporters have maintained factories for these varieties in barangays Ulahand Lacson in Davao City.
FrozenDurian exports
Meanwhile, frozen Durian is also making its way to the global market.
Belviz identified Thailand as the current biggest buyer of frozen durian. It took about 3.13 million kilograms of frozen durian this year. This is followed by South Korea with 185,664 kilograms and Malaysia 25,650 kilograms.
He also said that China has allowed just last month the export of frozen fruits including Durian provided it gets the approval of a requirement called China Import Food Enterprise Registration(CIFER). It is a primary requirement for the export of food products to China.
At present, three exporters are the approval of CIFER for the shipping of frozen Durian to China. These are Eng Seng Food Products, SQ Fresh Fruit Corp., and D’ Farmers Market Fruits and Pastries Center, Belviz said.
Belvis Durian Farms photo
Emmanuel S. Belviz, president of the Davao City Durian Industry Council
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