Davao: Premium durian from this city has successfully reached the Omani market following a trial shipment to its capital, Muscat, the Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) announced Wednesday. In an online video, DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said Engseng Food Products shipped 56 boxes of fresh Puyat and Duyaya durians from Calinan's Belviz Farm to Muscat as a market trial on July 27.
According to Philippines News Agency, the consignment, with an estimated value of USD3,000 or about PHP183,000, will be exported to Jeel Almaaly International in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The export coordination began six years ago when Jeel Almaaly owner Aziz Alismaili expressed interest in sourcing premium Philippine durian. 'Aside from China, we now have a second country -Oman. They really wanted our durian,' Gonzaga stated.
Gonzaga explained that this development offers fresh opportunities for local farmers and exporters, complementing the region's booming durian exports to China. In 2023, DA-11 shipped 18 metric tons of durian to China, opening a market for varieties such as Puyat, D-101, Cob, and Duyaya. The trial aims to secure regular orders in Oman, boosting local growers and elevating the global profile of Philippine durian.
Gonzaga urged farmers, including smallholder producers, to uphold high standards. 'We encourage our farmers to continue producing high-quality fruits that meet market requirements so that more market opportunities can be created for our local producers,' he added.
