The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday that an 18-metric ton (MT) shipment of fresh MD2 pineapples has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, as reported by BusinessWorld.

The announcement was made during a ceremonial launch at the Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dubai, organized by the DA’s Office of the Agricultural Counselor. The shipment marks a step in expanding Philippine agricultural exports to the Middle East.

The MD2 pineapple variety, known for its sweetness and consistency, is a key export product for the Philippines. The DA aims to strengthen market access for local fruits in the UAE and other Gulf countries.