A fresh shipment of 18 metric tons of Philippine MD2 pineapples has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, marking the start of regular exports aimed at meeting the growing demand for Philippine tropical fruits in the Gulf region.
The shipment, consisting of 1,500 boxes of MD2 pineapples grown in South Cotabato, arrived at the Port of Khorfakkan on June 25 before being transported to Dubai on June 27 for distribution across the UAE.
The pineapples are now available at the Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market, one of Dubai’s major wholesale markets for fresh produce.
According to the Philippine Embassy in the UAE, the shipment reflects the growing demand for premium Philippine tropical fruits in the Middle East and strengthens the country’s agricultural export presence in the region.
The embassy added that similar shipments are expected every two weeks, highlighting the strong market potential of Philippine pineapples and other high-value agricultural products in Gulf countries.
The shipment was organized by Mensch Fil-Am Trading, with Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc. facilitating the export.
Davao-based Mensch Fil-Am Corporation exports a variety of Philippine produce, including MD2 pineapples, Cavendish bananas, mangoes, durian, and pomelo sourced from Mindanao. In the Middle East, the company partners with Octagon General Trading LLC and Qutoop Trading Inc. to distribute Philippine fruits across the Gulf.
The ceremonial launch was attended by Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso III, Vice Consul Kenneth Jimeno, Trade Commissioner Vychael Angelo Roaring, and Agricultural Attaché Michael Sollera.
Philippine officials said the shipment forms part of ongoing efforts to expand the country’s agricultural exports and strengthen trade ties with the UAE and the broader Middle East region.
