A significant shipment of fresh MD2 pineapples has successfully landed in the United Arab Emirates, marking a milestone for the country's pineapple industry. The 18-metric ton shipment, containing 1,500 boxes of pineapples from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato, arrived at the Port of Khor Fakkan on June 28. This inaugural shipment is expected to be followed by regular exports every two weeks.
The Department of Agriculture announced the successful landing of the shipment after a ceremonial launch at the Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dubai. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai, as well as representatives from the private sector.
The export of pineapples to the UAE is expected to expand the industry's footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where demand for imported fresh produce is growing due to population growth and tourism. The shipment was made possible through a partnership between Mensch Fil-Am Trading and Avante Agri-Products Philippines, Inc., with distribution in the UAE organized by Octagon General Trading LLC.
The successful export of pineapples to the UAE is seen as a significant development for the country's pineapple industry, which is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for fresh produce in the region. With regular shipments expected to follow, the industry is likely to experience a significant boost in the coming months.
