Fresh papayas market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the domestic fresh papaya market in the Philippines contracted gradually, with market volume falling from 165 thousand tons to 151 thousand tons. This decline occurred alongside a notable expansion of export activity, which diverted supply abroad. The industry's resilience was underpinned by the widespread cultivation of the Sinta papaya variety, a Philippine-bred hybrid tolerant to the papaya ringspot virus, which helped stabilize production on a limited land area and supported recovery from historical disease pressures.

Export channels for fresh papayas strengthened significantly during the period, particularly for the Sunrise variety. Grower associations, such as those in South Cotabato, leveraged international trade exhibitions like IFEX Philippines to establish direct export deals, first with Singapore and later with broader Asian, Middle Eastern, and African markets. This strategic pursuit of export opportunities altered the supply balance, reducing the volume available for domestic consumption.

Domestic consumer preferences shifted towards high-quality, blemish-free locally grown papayas, sustaining demand even at premium price points. This focus on quality, combined with the traditional appreciation for papaya's health benefits, provided a stable foundation for the local market despite the overall reduction in volume. Regional production data from key growing areas like Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN reflected these ongoing dynamics of localized output and sustained external market access.

Production fresh papayas in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines ranked 11th globally in fresh papaya production volume.

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

Fresh papaya production in the Philippines declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 163.3 thousand tons, marking a 1.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 169.1 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 1.8% decline, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports fresh papayas from the Philippines

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a sixfold difference between these years. In 2020, the Philippines exported 5 122 tons of fresh papayas, representing a sharp 60.5% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 964 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 233.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China, Japan, and New Zealand were the primary destinations for fresh papaya exports from the Philippines. China accounted for 29.7% of exports in volume, Japan for 28.2%, and New Zealand for 14.9%, together making up 72.8% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for fresh papayas from the Philippines increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5 626 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 6.5% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values grew by 124%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan, China, and New Zealand formed the main cluster of markets for fresh papaya exports in value terms. Japan contributed 29.4% of export value, China 28.6%, and New Zealand 15.3%, collectively accounting for 73.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Philippines in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh papayas to the Philippines

According to a desk-based market study, the Philippines did not import any fresh papayas from 2017 to 2020.