THE EXPORT of durian in 2024 has doubled compared to last year, Davao City Durian Industry Council (DCDIC) president Emmanuel Belviz reported Friday.
Belviz said during Business Matters at Hukad, Ayala Malls Abreeza while there were some quality issues such as maturity and rejects, the number of exports is “relatively better” compared to last year.
Data from DCDIC showed that from January to September 2024, the durian export rose to 9,351 metric tons, which has doubled the export for the whole year of 2023 with only 4,088 metric tons.
“Season is still ongoing, we still have harvest from high elevation areas like Tamayong, Sirib,” Belviz said, stressing that only an estimated 30% of harvest is done.
From Jan to Sep 2024, the group already exported 9,295 metric tons of fresh durian to China, 55 metric tons to Singapore and Japan with 184.25 kilos.
Meanwhile, for the frozen durian, Belviz said Thailand is the top 1 buyer with 3,129 metric tons, followed by Korea with 185 metric tons and Malaysia with 25 metric tons.
He added the number is expected to increase as China just approved and allowed the export of frozen durian in their country last month.
“The exporters are working out, usually after season na sila nagpapadala and they are holding on for the approval of CIFER in China,” he said.
The China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) is one of the requirements for business establishments to manage product entry to China.
Businesses can directly export to China, provided they comply with the CIFER. Previously, direct export to China was not allowed, hence transhipping is via Thailand.
