DAVAO City-based Maylong Enterprises Corporation has become the first Filipino company to secure official approval from China’s General Administration of Customs to export frozen durian meat and paste.
On February 11, 2025, Maylong Enterprises shipped 300 boxes of frozen durian paste and 1,050 boxes of frozen durian meat—valued at P8.2 million—to Nansha District, Guangzhou Province.
The shipment, set to arrive by February 18, meets China’s stringent import standards, backed by Phytosanitary Certificate Nos. W 473547 and W 473548.
During the send-off ceremony, Mr. Macario D. Gonzaga, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Davao Region (DA-Davao), hailed the achievement as a testament to the collaborative effort behind this historic export.
"From the fertile soil of the Davao Region to the vast markets of China, this frozen durian represents not only the quality of our agricultural produce but the aspirations of countless farmers," Gonzaga said. "This milestone is a clear example of what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared vision."
He recalled Davao durian's success in the Chinese market, citing the shipment of 28 metric tons of fresh durian in April 2023.
Gonzaga praised the hard work of farmers and exporters who have earned the region's durian international recognition, stating, "This accomplishment highlights the power of teamwork and dedication in overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities."
Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines President Larry Miculob highlighted the industry's economic significance. "As one of the country’s leading export commodities, the durian industry generates significant revenue and creates thousands of jobs for farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs," Miculob said.
"With the Philippines home to some of the world's finest durian varieties, this export to China not only enhances our global reputation but also strengthens sustainable agricultural practices and preserves our cultural heritage,” he added.
Maylong Enterprises' historic export to China is expected to open new opportunities for the Philippine durian industry, boosting the country’s position as a top supplier of high-quality durian globally.
Bureau of Plant and Industry-Davao OIC-Regional Manager Flor de Hasmin C. Bayo credited durian producers for their compliance with China’s regulations, underscoring the importance of teamwork.
"This milestone is not just a victory for Maylong Enterprises, but for the entire Philippine durian industry," she stated. "As the Philippines continues to expand its presence in international markets, this achievement promises growth, opportunity, and global recognition for our world-class produce."
Maylong Enterprises remains committed to empowering Davao’s durian growers by connecting them with international markets.
The Philippines is currently the world’s fourth-largest durian exporter, with China accounting for 89 percent of its durian exports.
As demand continues to rise, the country solidifies its role as a key player in the global durian trade. DEF