Davao City-grown durian is gaining a stronger position in the Chinese market as Maylong Enterprises Corporation increases exports of fresh and frozen fruit to key buyers, including China Resources Holdings Co. Ltd., one of China's largest state-backed conglomerates.
The company's growing export activity aligns with higher market demand and closer trade relations between the Philippines and China. Davao farmers have expressed confidence that the expanded shipments will help secure consistent, long-term buyers for their produce.
On October 30, 2025, Chinese Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen led a media visit to Maylong's 14,000-square-meter processing facility in Barangay Ula, Tugbok District, together with company chairman Meiman Li.
The facility handles the sorting, packaging, and cold storage of durian for export to China. Shipments include both fresh and frozen fruit varieties to meet import requirements and maintain product quality during transport.
Industry observers note that the Philippines' access to the Chinese durian market has improved since the signing of a bilateral trade agreement in 2023, which opened new opportunities for Mindanao-based producers. Davao, the country's main durian-growing region, continues to expand its supply base and post-harvest infrastructure to meet export demand.
With growing interest from Chinese importers, exporters in Davao are focusing on product consistency, cold-chain reliability, and certification standards to strengthen market access and ensure compliance with Chinese import regulations.
Source: SunStar
