DAVAO CITY — Fresh durian from the Philippines has reached the Arabian Peninsula for the first time, opening a new chapter for Mindanao’s fruit industry. A trial shipment of 56 boxes, weighing 1.08 metric tons, departed Davao City bound for the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman, signaling the start of a promising export corridor.
A Sweet Taste of Davao for a New Market
The shipment carried two premium varieties: Puyat, prized for its rich, creamy flesh with a hint of bitterness, and Duyaya, a heritage cultivar with dark, custard-like pulp. Valued at approximately $3,000 or ₱183,000, the fruit was sourced from Belviz Farms in Calinan district and exported by Engseng Food Products. The consignee, Jeel Almaaly International, will distribute the durian to eager Omani consumers.
Department of Agriculture‑XI Regional Executive Director Macario Gonzaga highlighted the significance of the breakthrough. Oman now becomes the second country after China to import fresh Davao durian. The achievement diversifies the export base and provides growers with a valuable alternative market, reducing over‑reliance on a single buyer.
Six Years of Persistence Pay Off
The success was not instant. Omani entrepreneur Aziz Alismaili of Jeel Almaaly International had been working for six years to bring Philippine durian to his homeland. In July 2026, Alismaili personally visited Belviz Farms, inspecting orchards and sampling the fruit before confirming the trial order. His commitment reflects the growing international appetite for Davao’s unique cultivars.
The Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry supported the export with rigorous inspections. Gonzaga stressed that the shipment’s success depends on consistent quality. He reminded farmers to adhere to Good Agricultural Practices, ensuring that every fruit meets stringent international standards. The trial run will determine whether Oman becomes a regular buyer.
Farmers Gear Up for Global Standards
The export opportunity challenges local producers to elevate their operations. Belviz Farms owner Emmanuel “Nel” Belviz noted that export‑grade durian must be harvested at peak ripeness, cleaned meticulously, and packed to withstand long transit. The Bureau of Plant Industry verifies that each fruit is free from pests and diseases before clearing it for air freight.
Workers at the Engseng facility carefully selected only the best specimens for the pioneering shipment. The labor‑intensive process reflects the premium value that Davao durian commands abroad. As demand grows, farmers are expected to expand their orchards and adopt better post‑harvest handling to sustain the overseas market.
Beyond China: Expanding the Global Footprint
Davao durian first entered the Chinese market in 2023, with frozen variants following two years later. Gonzaga dismissed rumors that China had suspended imports, confirming that trade remains robust. The Oman deal proves that there is room for growth beyond established markets, opening doors to the wider Middle East.
The send‑off ceremony at the Engseng facility drew local government officials and industry stakeholders. For Davao’s thousands of durian farmers, the shipment is a tangible reward for years of hard work. It also demonstrates the power of public‑private collaboration in opening new trade routes for Philippine agriculture.
A Promising Future for Philippine Durian
The trial export to Oman is more than a symbolic first step. It is a test of Davao’s capacity to supply high‑value, perishable goods to a distant and demanding market. If the fruit wins over Omani consumers, regular shipments could follow, bringing stable incomes to farming communities and strengthening the region’s reputation as a world‑class durian producer.
