The durian export industry in Davao City is experiencing remarkable growth, with the number of companies shipping the tropical fruit overseas increasing dramatically since international shipments began.
Exporter Numbers Surge
According to the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO), 19 durian exporters are now operating in Davao City, a significant increase from the initial two to three companies when exports started two years ago. Fe Oguio, CAgrO’s fruit and cacao focal person, highlighted this expansion during an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio on Wednesday, November 14.
"Before, the lines at the plants were very long because only three were operating, but now there are many," Oguio stated, emphasizing how the increased capacity has reduced waiting times for farmers delivering their produce.
Export Performance and Market Access
Under the bilateral agreement with China, Davao City has an annual export quota of 52,000 metric tons of durian. As of November 2025, the city had shipped approximately 20,000 metric tons toward this target.
The export growth trajectory is impressive. From January to September 2023, Davao exported 5,443 metric tons of fresh and frozen durian, more than double the 2,300 metric tons shipped in 2022. The following year, from January to September 2024, exports nearly doubled again to 9,351 metric tons, with the vast majority (9,295 metric tons) being fresh durian shipped to China.
Challenges and Quality Control
Despite the growth in exporter numbers, the industry faces production challenges. Oguio acknowledged that production volumes have decreased this year, with output at roughly 30% of last year's levels, which she described as a natural cyclical pattern following last year's abundant harvest.
"In 2024, plants could produce one container van per day. This year, it takes longer, and some smaller plants have temporarily stopped operations due to the low volume," Oguio explained.
However, she emphasized that quality remains consistent despite lower production, as exporters maintain strict quality control measures at processing plants to ensure only fruits meeting export standards are shipped overseas.
The increased competition among exporters for available durian volumes presents both challenges and opportunities. While exporters compete for supply, farmers benefit from more options for selling their produce and reduced processing delays.
Local government and Department of Agriculture support continues through funding for farm expansion, rehabilitation, training programs, and agricultural inputs provided to farmers' associations, cooperatives, and organized groups.
