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The Philippine Fruit Industry: An Overview

Conference Paper October 2016

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The Philippine Fruit Industry: An Overview1

ARLAN JAMES D. RODEO

Postharvest and Seed Sciences Division, Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture
University of the Philippines Los Baos, College, Laguna, Philippines

INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is an archipelago composed of 7,107 islands stretching to an area of 300,000
square kilometers. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are the three largest island groups. Its
favorable climate and fertile soils make it an ideal location for tropical fruit production. The
country boasts of more than 300 species of edible fruits and nuts but only 20 species are
cultivated commercially. The major fruit species grown in the country are banana, pineapple,
mango, papaya and calamondin which are also major export winners. South Korea, Japan,
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East are the major markets
for Philippine fruit exports.

In 2015, banana ranked first in terms of production volume among the major fruit crops
commercially grown in the country, followed by pineapple, mango, papaya and calamondin.
In terms of area cultivated, banana remained on top followed by mango, pineapple and
calamondin. Papaya was ranked much lower in terms of cultivated area, but ranked fourth in
terms of volume of production.

Fruit production system in the Philippines ranges from backyard to highly integrated
operations intended for the export market. The majority of bananas and pineapples produced
in the country come from commercial farms managed by multinational companies based in
Mindanao, the southern island of the country. Mangoes, on the other hand, are produced
throughout the country in backyard and small farms, with a few commercial farms dedicated
for mango monocropping. Papaya is predominantly produced in the Visayas (central islands)
and Mindanao areas due to the presence of devastating viral disease, papaya ringspot, in the
island of Luzon. Calamondin, locally known as the indigenous calamansi is grown in small and
scattered farms across the country.

INDUSTRY STATUS

From 2008-2012, total production volume and area planted to fruit crops followed an
increasing trend with an average annual growth rate of 0.26% and 16%, respectively (Espino
and Espino, 2015; PSA, 2014). However, a drop for both parameters was experienced in 2013
following the devastation brought about by a strong typhoon which hit major production areas
in the south. In the same period, average yield per hectare ranged from 14.8 to 15.21 metric
tons.

The countrys fruit exports had an average annual growth rate of 7.98% from 2008-2013.
Volume of exported fresh fruits had increased from 2.5 million metric tons in 2008 to 3.3

1
Country paper presented at the International Training Workshop on Cultivation Techniques for Fruit Trees, 10-24
October 2016, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China.
million metric tons in 2013. A decline in the volume of fruit exports was observed in 2009 and
2010 but the industry has recovered since then owing to the improved economic conditions
of the importing countries.

Fresh fruits are one of the countrys biggest dollar earners with fresh banana ranking first
when it comes to total volume exported in 2013 (2.88 million metric tons or 86.9% of total
export volume) followed by pineapple at 0.41 million metric tons (12.5%), mango (0.15%)
and papaya (0.15%). Other fruits contributed 0.30% to the total volume of fruits exported in
2013.

Philippine fruit imports grew at an average of 3.68% annually from 2008-2013, lower than
the average annual growth rate for fruit exports. This means that the country has a positive
trade balance when it comes to fruit products. The countrys top fruit imports include apple
(27%), mandarin (18%), orange (8%) and grapes (6%). Figure 1 shows the trend in fruit
crops production, area planted and fruit trade volume from 2008-2013.

Figure 1. Total production (metric tons), area planted (ha) and trends in trade volume
of fruit crops in the Philippines, 2008-2013 (PSA, 2014).

MAJOR FRUIT CROPS

BANANA

The banana industry in the Philippines is divided into two distinct sectors: those for domestic
market and those for export. From among the six important banana cultivars produced in the
Philippines, two are intended for the export market (Cavendish and Bugulan) while the
remaining four (Lakatan, Latundan, Saba and Cuarenta Dias) are grown for local markets.
Banana for the domestic market is grown across the archipelago in small farms with minimal
care.

The Philippines is one of the top exporters of banana in the world. Cavendish-type cultivars
which are grown under intensive cultivation in large integrated farms situated in southern
Philippines have made its way to the international markets which include Japan, South Korea,
Hong Kong, China and the Middle East. Organic Bugulan which is mostly grown in Mindanao
areas is starting to gain ground in the Japanese market.
Figure 2 shows the total production volume and area planted to bananas from 2010-2015.
Production increased from 9.1 to 9.2 million metric tons from 2010 to 2012 before settling for
a decline in 2013 (8.6 million metric tons) due to a strong typhoon that hit major producing
areas in Mindanao. The industry has recovered since then. The same trend goes with the area
planted with bananas.

Figure 2. Total production (metric tons) and area planted (ha) to banana in the
Philippines, 2010-2015 (PSA, 2016).

In the first quarter of 2016, banana production volume reached 4.26 million metric tons.
Davao Region is the top producer of banana in the second quarter of 2016 with 40.9%
followed by Northern Mindanao (18.3%) and SOCCSKSARGEN (9.8%). Cavendish variety
accounted for 54.3% of the countrys total banana production. Saba and Lakatan varieties
were next with 26.3 and 9.2% shares, respectively (PSA, 2016).

PINEAPPLE

The pineapple industry accounts for about 1.4% of total national agricultural production on
an annual basis. The Philippines produces two major cultivars of pineapple for fresh
consumption and processing namely, Smooth Cayenne and Queen or Formosa. Smooth
Cayenne varieties are being produced by two multinationals (Del Monte and Dole) situated
in Bukidnon, Davao and South Cotabato while both varieties are produced by small farms in
Luzon (Laguna, Cavite) and the Visayas (Camarines Norte, Southern Leyte).

The Philippines is among the top exporters of pineapple in the world and is touted to be the
second largest exporter of Sweet Golden Pineapple following the shift of fresh fruit exports
from Smooth Cayenne to Golden Sweet MD2. The countrys pineapple exports dominate
major markets in Japan and South Korea (Lorenzo, 2010).
From 2010 to 2015, the total volume of production of pineapple increased from 2.16 to 2.58
million metric tons (Figure 3). Areas dedicated to pineapple cultivation also jumped from
58,547 to 62,812 ha in just a matter of 6 years. It can be said that the improved volume of
production was partly attributed to the additional harvest areas for the commodity.

Figure 3. Total production (metric tons) and area planted (ha) to pineapple in the
Philippines, 2010-2015 (PSA, 2016).

In the first quarter of 2016, pineapple production volume reached 1.26 million metric tons.
Northern Mindanao registered the biggest production at 345,183 metric tons representing
55.6% of the national output. SOCCSKSARGEN came next by about 35% share (PSA, 2016).

MANGO

Mango is grown across the Philippines as a backyard tree or in small farms, with few areas
dedicated for monocroppping and large scale production. Three cultivars are widely grown
namely Carabao, Pico and Katchamita or what is locally known as Indian. Among the
three, Carabao and its various strains are the most popular cultivar valued for its sweet
taste. Katchamita is usually consumed as a green mango.

The Carabao variety is the export cultivar known internationally as the Philippine Super
Mango. Its exquisite blend of acidity and sweetness and golden yellow color remains to be a
top choice abroad. In 2013, 34.4% of mangoes exported were Japan-bound while 27.4% and
25.3% were imported by Hong Kong and Korea, respectively. Recently, Katchamita has
found a niche in South Korea for processing as puree and beverage.

The Philippine mango industry is characterized by wide variation in growing conditions leading
to a considerable variation in fruit quality. Since most mangoes are produced in backyards
and small farms, fruits of exportable quality account for barely 50% of the total crop harvested
(Esguerra et al., 2002).

Mango production volume has fluctuated over time within the last six years, as well as the
area planted and harvested. Production dropped from 825,676 metric tons in 2010 to 768,410
metric tons in 2012. However, with increased area and new production technologies, the
volume of mango produced is augmented and reached 902,739 metric tons in 2015 (Figure
4).

Figure 4. Total production (metric tons) and area planted (ha) to mango in the
Philippines, 2010-2015 (PSA, 2016).

In the first half of 2016, total volume of mango produced was 724,874 metric tons, accounting
for 70% of harvest following the peak season in the months of April to June. Ilocos Region
shared 24% to the total mango produced in the second quarter of 2016, followed by
Zamboanga Peninsula with 14.7% and Cagayan Valley with 10%. Carabao mango comprised
the largest volume of production with 80.9% of the total.

PAPAYA

Papaya is also one of the major fruit crops being grown in the country. Most production areas
are small and concentrated in the Visayas and Mindanao. The papaya ring spot disease in the
Luzon island has limited the production of this crop. However, a moderately resistant variety,
Sinta has been bred and remains to be a popular variety aside from the large Cavite Special
and the small Solo variety.

Papaya can be consumed ripe as a dessert fruit or immature as a vegetable. The immature
fruit is also a raw material in the production of papain (meat tenderizer) and extracts for
cosmetics.

Philippine papaya exports grew from 1,391 metric tons to 5,002 metric tons in 2013 with an
average annual growth rate of 23.89% (PSA, 2014; Espino and Espino, 2015). Japan and
Singapore are the main markets for fresh papaya fruit export.

Over the last six years, area planted to papaya has decreased considerably from 8,751 in
2010 to 7,748 in 2015. However, volume of production followed an increasing trend since
2011, reaching a peak in 2015 with 172,650 metric tons (Figure 5).
 Figure 5. Total production (metric tons) and area planted (ha) to papaya in the
Philippines, 2010-2015 (PSA, 2016).

CALAMONDIN

Calamondin, locally known as calamansi, is a member of the citrus family valued for its distinct
sour taste. The extract of this small round fruit has a wide food and non-food applications. It
is used in making refreshing drinks and hot beverages for the common cold, as flavor
enhancers and souring agent to main dishes, and candied or preserved. It can also be used
in bleaching agents, stain removers and deodorants.

Calamondin, which is produced primarily in the Philippines, is available in the market the
whole year but peak harvest coincides with the months of July to September. The country is
the only major exporter of calamondin globally with juices accounting for the largest portion
of exported products. Major markets for calamondin include USA, Japan, South Korea, Canada
and Hong Kong.

Over the last six years, calamondin production has decreased from 188,340 metric tons in
2010 to only 162,676 metric tons in 2015 (Figure 5). Area planted to calamondin also suffered
the same fate. This can be attributed to the presence of citrus greening disease in most
production areas resulting to decline in yield and death of trees.

Calamondin produced during the first half of 2016 was 34,176 metric tons, a decline from the
same period last year. This can be attributed to the lingering effect of decreased number of
trees due to a typhoon which hit major production areas in Luzon. MIMAROPA recorded the
highest production contributing 39.1% to the national output. Central Luzon and Zamboanga
Peninsula followed with 11.4 and 9.8%, respectively (PSA, 2016).
 Figure 6. Total production (metric tons) and area planted (ha) to calamondin in the
Philippines, 2010-2015 (PSA, 2016).

FRUIT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and
several agencies under its wing such as the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), High Value
Commercial Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) and the Philippine Council for
Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) are responsible
for coordination of all research and development efforts for fruit crops in the Philippines.

Research and development programs in fruits are commodity-based and will depend on its
economic importance and the required intervention for its advancement. Current research
and development themes include the use of biotechnology for crop improvement, increasing
production efficiency, genetic conservation, site-specific integrated crop management,
organic production systems, value chain analysis for different commodities, postharvest
systems improvement, Good Agricultural Practices and traceability systems, technology
commercialization and adoption, and development of markets for export.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

With trade liberalization and the opening of common markets for the ASEAN community and
the increased domestic production of importing countries, the Philippine fruit industry faces a
big challenge of producing high quality commodities at competitive prices. Fruit farmers and
producers must adopt Good Agricultural Practices and pursue certification schemes which are
now essential not only in the international trade but also in the local scene with the increased
awareness and demand for safe and quality products. In addition, the advent of supermarket
chains and the shift from the traditional markets necessitates that production is reliable,
quality is assured and appropriate consolidation systems are put into place.
 Intensification of production and its integration with marketing systems can be done to
address the problem. Production and post-production technologies must also be optimized to
benefit the industry. Additional funding and investments are needed to bolster research and
development efforts, as well as the transfer of resulting technologies to the stakeholders.
Moreover, new export markets must be explored for less popular but outstanding varieties
and other promising fruit species.

REFERENCES
ESGUERRA, EB. 2002. Year-end Report: Postharvest system improvement for Carabao
mango. Report submitted to PCARRD, Los Baos, Laguna, July 2002.

ESPINO RR, ESPINO MR. 2015. The status of the fruit industry in the Philippines. Food and
Fertilizer Technology Center, Taipei, Taiwan.

LORENZO FX. 2010. Fresh fruit exports from the Philippines: The Lapanday Foods
Opportunities. Presented in the Asia Fruit Congress, Sep 8-10, 2010, HongKong,
China.

PSA [Philippine Statistics Authority]. 2015. Selected statistics on agriculture. Diliman, Quezon
City, Philippines. June 2015. ISSN-2012-0362.

PSA [Philippine Statistics Authority]. 2016. CROPSTAT. www.psa.gov.ph

PSA [Philippine Statistics Authority]. 2016. Major fruit crops quarterly bulletin. April-June
2016. Volume 10 No. 2. Quezon City, Philippines.

SALAZAR, BM. 2011. The tropical fruit industry: The Philippine case. Report presented at the
7th International Training Workshop on High Quality and High Efficiency Cultivation
Techniques of Subtropical Fruits Baise City, Guangxi, China, 15-28 October 2011

SERRANO, EP. 2004. Reduction of Postharvest Losses of Fruits Under Philippine Setting.
Report presented at the Seminar on Reduction of Postharvest Losses of Fruits and
Vegetables sponsored by the Agricultural Productivity Organization, 5-11 October
2004, New Delhi, India.

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