Davao Accounts for 80% of Durian Exports; China is the Fastest Growing Market

The rain had just stopped, and the off-road vehicle struggled along the slippery mountain road, its wheels churning up waves of mud. The Philippine durian season was nearing its end, and most of the fruit in the lowlands had already been harvested. Recently, Xinhua News Agency reporters arrived in Davao, southern Philippines, following local fruit farmers into the mountains to visit durian plantations.

According to a Xinhua report on the 6th, Davao is known as the "Durian Capital of the Philippines," accounting for more than 80% of the country's durian exports. Durian here mostly grows in volcanic soil and on damp slopes, giving the flesh a thick and rich aroma. Since Philippine durians were approved for entry into the Chinese market in 2023, China has rapidly become its fastest-growing overseas market.

In Katigan Village, Toril District, Davao, the terrain is rolling and lush green. Looking out, durian trees are lined up one after another, with some branches densely packed with fruit. In one orchard, farmers are busy applying chicken manure and cutting grass. “We use all organic fertilizers, no herbicides; all the grass is cut by hand,” said one farmer, wiping sweat from his brow.

In the nearby Inayangan village, durian grower Gemarie De O told reporters that since the durians could be exported to China, her family’s income has grown significantly, even affording their first car. “In the past, a bumper crop of durians didn’t necessarily mean good sales, but now, harvesting one more fruit means one more sense of security,” she said with a smile.

Li Xiaomei, head of local Meilong Company, who is responsible for purchasing and exporting durians to China, said that durian fruit is heavy, with a hard, spiky shell, and can only be picked by hand, then carried down the mountain in bags. In the mountainous areas, farmers mainly rely on motorcycles or tricycles to transport the fruit; sometimes only three to five fruits are delivered at a time, but that can represent a family's living expenses for several days.

Meilong Company is located in Tibungco district, north of Davao, surrounded by orchards and storage areas. In February this year, the Philippine Department of Agriculture announced that Meilong Company became the first enterprise in Davao approved to export frozen durian pulp to China. “We want to build a smooth and reliable bridge between local farmers and the Chinese market,” Li Xiaomei said.

In the Meilong Company’s yard, workers are busy sorting, cleaning, and drying. Only the highest-grade durians can be exported as fresh fruit. Li Xiaomei is directing workers to pack durians into boxes marked with "Philippine Durian" in Chinese characters. In the cold chain workshop, workers dressed in protective clothing are busy extracting the flesh, sorting, and packing. Female worker Aisa Tipan said: "With this job, I can not only help make ends meet at home, but also allow my children to continue their schooling."

President of the Philippine Durian Exporters Association, Larry Miculong, said: “Exporting to China makes us more confident about our lives and also encourages us to improve our planting methods.”

“From Davao’s fertile land to China’s thriving market, our durians carry the hopes and dreams of countless farmers,” said Macario Gonzaga, an official at the Philippine Department of Agriculture.

Zhao Xiuzhen, Chinese Consul General in Davao, said that China continues to expand its high-level opening-up, creating new opportunities for cooperation with countries including the Philippines. As the world's largest durian importer, China has opened up a broader space for the Philippine durian industry.

Before departing, the reporters asked local Davao farmers to say a few words to Chinese consumers. Gemarie De O said: “When Chinese consumers open a durian, I hope they know that the journey of a durian is not just a story of trade, but also a road that connects hope.”