Philippine fruit exporters book $17.5 million in sales at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong

The Philippine delegation secured $17.5 million in total export sales at Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 in Hong Kong, marking the country's return to the fresh produce trade show after nearly a decade, the Department of Agriculture said.

The Philippine delegation secured $17.5 million in total export sales at Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 in Hong Kong, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said, according to GMA News. The delegation, made up of local fruit producers and growers, marked the country's return to the trade show after nearly a decade.

The DA said the booked and negotiated sales came from Cavendish and Cardava (saba) bananas, durian, mangoes and dragon fruit.

At AsiaWorld-Expo

The Philippine delegation, led by Undersecretary Philip C. Young, joined the Sept. 2 to 4 trade show at AsiaWorld-Expo, the DA said in an earlier release. The 2026 edition featured more than 760 exhibitors and around 14,000 buyers from 80 countries.

Philippine Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. joined Young and Agricultural Counsellor Marlito C. Cabuños at the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, which was led by Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza.

Industry groups on the Philippine pavilion included:

• The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association and the Philippines Banana Council Inc., with Cavendish bananas
• The Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines Inc., with fresh durian
• The National Mango Farmers and Stakeholders Federation Inc., with fresh and frozen mangoes
• The Philippine Dragon Fruit Growers Association, with fresh dragon fruit

Demand outran supply

Participating exhibitors reported strong interest from international buyers, with some orders deferred or declined because demand exceeded available supply capacity, the DA said. Young said the delegation secured long-term commercial agreements through coordinated efforts with private-sector partners and industry associations.

"Every new export market we open is another opportunity for Filipino farmers and agribusinesses to compete on the world stage," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

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