The Philippines is strengthening its position in the Middle East fresh fruit market after shipping 18 metric tons of premium MD2 pineapples to the United Arab Emirates, marking another step in the government’s effort to diversify agricultural exports beyond its traditional markets.

The latest shipment, which arrived on 28 June, consisted of 1,500 boxes of fresh MD2 pineapples sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The cargo entered the UAE through the Port of Khor Fakkan before being distributed to buyers across the country.

Agriculture officials said the successful delivery reflects growing demand for Philippine tropical fruits in the Gulf region, where expanding populations, tourism, and limited domestic agricultural production continue to drive food imports.

Regular shipments are expected every two weeks, providing a steady export outlet for local pineapple growers while strengthening the country’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing food import markets.

The launch was held at Dubai’s Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market and brought together representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Dubai, the Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Agricultural Attaché in Dubai, and private sector partners involved in the export initiative.

The Department of Agriculture said the Office of the Agricultural Attaché continues to work with Philippine foreign service posts and exporters to expand market access, connect local suppliers with overseas buyers, and help companies comply with import requirements in foreign markets.

The shipment was organized by Davao-based exporter Mensch Fil-Am Trading in partnership with Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc., while UAE-based Octagon General Trading LLC handled local distribution.

The exporter also supplies other Philippine fruits, including bananas, mangoes, durian, and pomelo, to buyers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf markets.

The export initiative supports the Department of Agriculture’s broader strategy of expanding overseas markets for high-value crops, improving agricultural logistics, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Philippine farm products.

Officials said strengthening exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council forms part of the country’s long-term effort to reduce dependence on traditional trading partners while creating higher-value opportunities for Filipino farmers through improved market access and stronger agricultural value chains.