Photo courtesy of PNA
Philippine Saba bananas are expanding their overseas reach after exporters secured distribution arrangements in Hong Kong and New Zealand, adding to a recent shipment destined for Saudi Arabia.
The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region said the new deals were finalized during Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 in Hong Kong on Sept. 2, as Philippine producers sought to widen international market access for locally grown fruits.
Under the agreements, Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc. will supply Saba bananas to Cozy and Korner Trading Co., which will handle exclusive distribution in Hong Kong, and Fresh Produce Group Ltd., which will serve as exclusive importer and distributor in New Zealand.
The deals followed the shipment of about 20 tons of Cardava bananas to Saudi Arabia in August by accredited exporter GERB Golden Hands Corp. The cargo consisted of 1,540 boxes weighing 13 kilograms each and was expected to reach its destination within 35 days.
DA-11 said the agreements could strengthen commercial links between Philippine suppliers and overseas buyers while creating additional demand for export-quality Saba bananas.
The agency led Philippine fruit industry representatives at the Hong Kong trade event, where the delegation promoted local agricultural products and explored opportunities with prospective international buyers.
Davao Region representatives also joined the Sabah International Expo 2026 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from Sept. 2 to 6. The event brought together businesses from ASEAN and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area.
DA-11 Regional Technical Director Marie Ann Constantino stressed that Philippine exporters must meet the protocols and standards imposed by destination markets to compete internationally. The agency said participation in overseas trade events could also create opportunities for Halal-certified enterprises and other agricultural producers from Davao Region.