Durian is Philippines’ favourite and most sought-after fruit which is popular in many countries too. In the month of April, 2023, it entered China and it’s doing wonders. Surprisingly it is accepted widespread and has become very prevalent. In India we have jackfruit and it taste similar to it To know more, Mewati Sitaram, Editor in Chief Mumbai Messenger Newspaper had a candid chat with Counsellor, Agriculture Ana GM.B. Abejuela in Embassy of Philippines in China based at Beijing, an excerpts.
- Being an agriculture counsellor in China, you introduced the Durian fruit to Chinese people, what made you conceptualise this idea?
Every portfolio of counsellor is equally important. Being an agriculture counsellor, my job and priorities are to promote agricultural products whichever are in good demand. It was a part of my job to look for various agricultural products to be exported to China. After doing ample of Research and development, we could assess that there is a good demand for durian as well as the supply in the Philippines. Indeed, it was a natural progression to request for market access for Philippine fresh durian in the Chinese market.
- How’s the response from Chinese people for the Durian fruit?
The Durian fruit is a natural choice for Chinese people. They love it very much. There is a very good demand for durian and it sells like a hot cake. It is evidenced in the export value of durian from other countries like Thailand, Malaysia and more recently Vietnam.
- What is the current volume of Durian fruit you export to China
We are at a nascent stage to supply Durian to China, as we have just begun. The Chinese government gave final approval for the export of Philippine fresh durian on 3rd, April 2023. To begin with, we have been shipping durian about 18 – 28 tons every alternate day for the past 3 weeks since 6th April,2023. Slowly and gradually, we will intensify our supply so the demand can be met. We are optimistic that we will be having an upward trend in future.
- What is your expected targeted export of the Durian fruit in future?
We are anticipating good growth in export and we are on the drawing board to estimate the volume of supply. Nonetheless, we hope and aim to export about US$ 240 million of fresh durian to China in 2023. Every country wants good revenue generation through export, we are optimistic that in future, we will have good export volume to China.
- In which part of the Philippine Durian fruit is grown?
Durian is a favourite fruit, largely grown all over the Philippines. But, majority of durian is grown in the south of the Philippines, in Davao City, in the island of
- Does the supply and demand match the target?
The Demand for fresh durian in China is very high and a large population loves to eat it. There are four countries accredited to export durian to China, including the Philippines, to try to meet this demand.
- What are the other fruits you export to China?
The Philippines is known for growing various fruits which are good in taste and are in good demand in various countries including China. Our number one agricultural export to China is fresh Cavendish bananas which are in good demand and relished by every Chinese consumer. Followed with Banana, fresh pineapple is also in good demand. There are other fruits which we export to China are, non – Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Papaya, Young Green Coconut, Philippine Super Mango, Hass Avocado and the latest being the fresh Durian.
- How about getting the Durian fruit to India, as Indians love fruit of all kinds?
We are well aware that Indians are fruit lovers and numerous countries export various types of fruits. Definitely India is our targeted market in future. Of course, we are keen to export Durian to India no sooner than everything worked out. We will ask our Philippine Trade Office in New Delhi to check the feasibility report for market/demand for durian. After doing a market survey, they would advise us and recommend appropriate steps to be taken. According to their recommendation we will decide to send Durian to India. I am sure, the day is not far when Philippine’s Durian will be available in India too
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
