GENERAL SANTOS CITY(July 1) — Philippine pineapples are back on supermarket shelves in the United Arab Emirates, reopening a key Middle East market and giving local growers and exporters another boost.
The first shipment since logistics disruptions affected the region arrived on June 28, carrying 18 metric tons of premium MD2 pineapples from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The fruit was unloaded through the Port of Khor Fakkan before being showcased at Dubai’s bustling Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market.
For Filipino farmers and exporters, the shipment signals more than just another delivery—it marks the return of a promising market hungry for fresh tropical fruit.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said regular shipments are now expected every two weeks, reflecting strong demand in the UAE, where a growing population, booming tourism industry and limited local farm production continue to fuel food imports.
The export was made possible through Davao-based Mensch Fil-Am Trading and Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc., with Dubai-based Octagon General Trading LLC distributing the pineapples across the UAE.
The DA said reopening the UAE market is part of a broader effort to expand Philippine agricultural exports beyond traditional buyers and strengthen the country’s footprint across the Gulf region.
Government agricultural officials in Dubai are also working with Philippine embassies and the private sector to open more markets, connect exporters with international buyers and help ensure Philippine farm products meet overseas import standards.
The renewed trade comes as the Philippines continues to cement its place as a global pineapple powerhouse. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the country remained the world’s second-largest pineapple exporter in 2025, shipping 775,028 metric tons—14 percent more than in 2024.
With fresh shipments now scheduled every two weeks, Philippine pineapples appear poised to regain a firm foothold in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing food markets.
