Are you thinking of venturing into farming but don’t know what profitable fruits to plant to maximize your earnings? Well, you come to the right place. The Philippines has a lot to offer and in this article, we are going to give you the list of the most profitable fruits and fruit trees to grow in both short-term and long-term farming.
The Philippines is a tropical country and the number of fruit species to grow is more than those in the temperate and subtropical countries. Fruits can be seasonal, all-year-round, or one-time harvest. There are native fruits and non-native fruits and as long as the species can thrive in this climate, the opportunities are endless.
The following list is not in order. You can pick anything you want. Some of these fruits may be new to you but it does not mean you can plant them. Some fruits are available only in specific locations but all of these, (except for strawberries that can only grow in a cooler climate), can be planted anywhere in the country.
Most Profitable Fruits to Plant
1. Mango (scientific name: Mangifera indica)
There is no doubt that mango is the most popular fruit in the Philippines. In fact, the Philippine Carabao mango is the holder of the Guinness Book of World Records as “the sweetest mango in the world“. Mango trees can last more than 100 years. If planted from seed, it will take five to seven years to start fruiting but budded and grafted seedlings can bear fruits as early as two years. Mango prices per kilo vary depending on location and availability and can go sold for up to P300 per kilo during the off-season.
2. Mangosteen (scientific name: Garcinia Mangostana)
Not many people have mangosteen trees but this fruit is becoming popular due to its many health benefits and unique flavor. before, mangosteen trees are only found in Mindanao but today, they can be seen anywhere in the Philippines. Mangosteen is one of the most expensive fruits with prices as high as P700 per kilo.
3. Durian (scientific name: Durio Zibethinus L.)
Not many people love durian due to its unique smell but Durian is one of the most expensive fruits. Durian is widely available in Mindanao island, particularly in Davao and General Santos. Durian is a tricky fruit tree to manage. You have to support each fruit with nets so they won’t fall down which could become a safety liability. Durian prices range from P200 to P350 per kilo.
4. Lanzones (scientific name: Lansium Domesticum)
Everyone loves Lanzones and this is the reason why this fruit is widely popular. The only downside of this fruit is, it takes more than five years to bear fruits even when planted from budded or grafted seedlings. Lanzones need full sun to bear fruits. The price of Lanzones depends on the season. The cheapest price per kilo starts as low as P30 and can cost as high as P200 when the supply is scarce.
5. Rambutan (scientific name: Nephelium Lappaceum)
Rambutan is one of the weirdest-looking fruits for people who are not from South East Asia but it is also one of the sweetest fruits. Most farmers who plat Lanzones also plant Rambutan as both trees can be planted together. Here in Batangas, farmers who have older Lanzones trees prefer to plant Rambutan instead of planting new Lanzones trees to replace the older and less-productive trees. Rambutan starts to bear fruit within 2 to 3 years after it is planted from budded or grafted seedlings. Rambutan price range from P30 per kilo when the supply is abundant but can reach up to P200 per kilo when the supply is low.
6. Jackfruit (scientific name: Artocarpus Heterophyllus)
Jackfruit (langka, nangka) can be harvested either young or mature. Young jackfruit is used in cuisine but matured jackfruit are ripened and sold. Here in Malvar and Tanauan City, Batangas, a ripe jackfruit can cost between P40 to P100 per kilogram in the fruit market. A jackfruit farmer here in Malvar who has a 1.5-hectare plantation makes more than P1M per year. The farmgate price of jackfruit here is around P20.00 and one jackfruit can weigh between 10 to 30 kilos. Jackfruit is the largest tree fruit in the world, capable of reaching 50 kilos.
7. Guyabano (scientific name: Annona Muricata)
Guyabano is one of the most underrated Philippine fruits due to its massive health benefits. Guyabano is one of the easier fruit trees to grow and also fast to bear fruits. If planted from seed, Guyabano can bear fruits in just three years if the tree is receiving enough sunlight. Ripe Guyabanos can be sold between P30 to P80 per kilo in fruit markets.
8. Marang (scientific name: Artocarpus Odoratissimus)
Not many people know what Marang is but this fruit is very popular in Mindanao and Negros Occidental where it can be found abundantly. Marang is sold per piece based on its weight. Marang is considered an exotic fruit and is seldom seen in fruit markets because of its high popularity which is always sold out at the farm. Depending on the species, an average Marang fruit can weigh between 800 grams to 1.3 kg and can cost around 60 per kilo depending on the availability. In rural areas of Silay City where I grew up, Marang is sold per piece, and today, the price per piece ranges from P30 to P60.
9. Avocado (scientific name: Persea Americana)
Considered a superfood, Avocado is probably one of the easiest fruit trees to grow and fast to bear fruit. Avocados can be planted from seeds and can bear fruit in just three years. Although Avocado is considered one of the most expensive fruits in the West, here in the Philippines, it is widely available. In fact, in rural areas of Negros island, it is sometimes given away for free to neighbors. Avocados in the Manila fruit market can cost between P150 and as high as P500 per kilo (which is a shame if you own an Avocado tree and couldn’t find a buyer in the province).
10. Sineguelas (scientific name: Spondias Purpurea)
Sineguelas, also known as Scarlet plum, and Spanish plum, is a fruit popular mostly with children. Parents always buy Sineguelas not for adults but for children. Sineguelas are easy to grow and can be planted from cut-off stems. The price of Sineguelas varies widely as this fruit cannot be found just anywhere. At the local market here in Tanauan City, Batangas, Sineguelas are sold between P60 to P120 per kilo during its season which is from April to June. It costs up to P600 per kilo in Metro Manila though.
11. Sarali (scientific name: Flacourtia Jangomas)
Unless you grow up in the Visayas and Mindanao, you’ll probably don’t know what Sarali is. It is also called Sirali in Negros Occidental and Iloilo. Sarali is one of the most interesting fruits because your teeth will turn purple when you eat it due to its colorful sap. Sarali is an exotic fruit and can rarely reach fruit markets. Other names include Governor’s plum, Indian plum, and Mansanitas, and can cost up to P400 per kilo.
12. Guava (scientific name: Psidium Guajava)
Everyone knows what Guave or Bayabas is and it can be found anywhere in the Philippines. It is also the most available fruit in the wild and on everyone’s farm. Although native Guava varieties are seldom seen in fruit markets, hybrid Guavas (big varieties) can cost between P50 to P80 per piece, or up to P320 per kilo. Native Guava varieties are still more delicious though.
13. Coconut (scientific name: Cocos Nucifera)
Coconuts need no introduction as everyone knows what it is. Young coconuts (buko) can cost from P15 per piece in street makeshift stores and as high as P250 per piece in touristy areas. Selling buko and/or making buko juice is more profitable than selling mature coconuts for coconut milk. Despite its high profitability, coconut farmers who are far from fruit markets are not making that much due to the low price of copra.
14. Pomelo (scientific name: Citrus Maxima)
Pomelo, also known as Suha, Lukban, and Kabugaw, is the biggest fruit in the citrus family. The fruit has a thick skin and needs a little bit of skill to get the edible part inside. pomelo is usually sold skinless. Pomelo in Bicol, particularly in the town of Balatan, Camarines Sur was priced at just P20 per piece – the cheapest Pomelo I’ve ever seen when I visited there last 2016. Today, Pomelo can cost from P120 to P350 per kilo in urban fruit markets.
15. Kamias (scientific name: Averrhoa Bilimbi)
Kamias (cucumber tree) is unique in this list because although it is a fruit, it is not consumed the way fruits are consumed. Kamias is farmed and used as a souring agent in many Filipino dishes. Fresh Kamias can cost between P50 to P80 per kilo while dried Kamias can be sold for up to P700 per kilo in Metro Manila. Kamias is not so popular though in Western Visayas as Hiligaynon people use Batwan as the souring agent. Kamias is called Iba in the Visayas and Mindanao.
16. Dalanghita (scientific name: Citrus Reticulata)
Dalanghita (Naranghita, Citrus, Mandarin Orange, Sinturis, Sintunis) is a popular Filipino fruit that can be found anywhere in the Philippines, particularly in Calabarzon where it is widely cultivated. Sinturis is one of the most profitable fruits in Batangas where it can cost P30 per kilo during its fruitful season but the price can also reach P180 per kilo when the harvest is not good.
17. Calamansi (scientific name: Citrus × Microcarpa)
Calamansi or Kalamansi ( ) is the most important fruit in Philippine cuisine and is widely cultivated throughout the country. Like Kamias, it is not consumed directly but rather used as a souring agent. Some people cannot eat without “sawsawan with calamansi”, especially in Calabarzon. It is used with siling labuyo (hot chili pepper) and is available in every market all year round. Calamansi’s price varies widely from P20 to P200 per kilo depending on location and availability. It is also called calamondin, Philippine lime, or Philippine lemon.
18. Papaya (Carica Papaya)
Another economically important fruit is the papaya. Papaya can be seen anywhere and along with guava, it is widely distributed in the wild. Papaya is one of the two main ingredients of Tinolang Manok – the unofficial Filipino dish. Both green and ripe papaya are widely available in every Philippine market and there is no average price for this fruit but the cheapest starts at P25 per kilo in the province and as high as P200 per kilo for the ripe papaya in high-end fruit stands in Metro Manila. Like coconut, papaya has no season and is available all year round making it one of the most profitable fruits.
19. Banana (scientific name: Musa)
Banana is the most important fruit the Philippines has and is the number one fruit export of the country. Bananas are considered both tree and herb and different banana cultivars have their own scientific name.
There are 20 known varities of bananas cultivated in the Philippines and the most common and economically important cultivars include saba, cavendish or lakatan, señorita (arnibal), latundan (tundan or turdan), guyod (umambak/cadiznon/balngon), morado (murado or red banana), mundo or mondo, lagkitan, utungan, tindok, dalili, inabaniko, bulkan, tudlo-dlaga, magbanwa (magbanua), and bungulan among others.
Banana is a highly-profitable crop to grow and farmers can make more than P1M per year per hectare. The only challenge is the Panama disease, also called banana wilt, which has been creating havoc among banana farmers not only in the Philippines but also in South America where it originated. The price of banana depends on the location.
20. Santol (scientific name: Sandoricum Koetjape)
Santol, also called cotton tree, or Bangkok, is another fruit that needs less care but is highly profitable especially if you plant hybrid Bangkok varieties. Santol is another widely-distributed fruit tree in the wild as native santol species can be found anywhere, especially on the Negros island. Native varieties which are mostly sour, are not economically important, but hybrid Bangkok varieties with cotton-like meat can be sold for around P60 per kilo. The Santol tree trunk is also a good source of timber which is used in both house construction and furniture. Native Santol trees can grow up to 150 meters in the wild and can last for centuries.
21. Star Apple (scientific name: Chrysophyllum Cainito)
Star apple or caimito (kaimito) is another fruit tree that has a milky flavor. There are two known varieties of caimito – white and purple when ripe. Most star apples are not intentionally planted but are naturally grown. Although its wood is very hard, climbing up a star apple tree is very dangerous as its branches can easily snap. Star apple prices in urban cities can range from P40 to P120 per kilo.
The Following List of Fruits are not Trees
22. Pineapple (scientific name: Ananas Comosus)
The Philippines is second only to Costa Rica in the list of the biggest pineapple-exporting countries. Pineapple is a very common fruit in the Philippines and although it is widely available during the summer months, pineapple is available all year round and prices differ based on location and availability. Here in Calabarzon, pineapples are sold per piece during its peak season between April and July. During these months, pineapples per piece can be bought from P40 to P120 depending on the size.
23. Grapes (scientific name: Vitis)
Not many Filipinos know that grapes are being planted and cultivated in the Philippines, especially in the province of La Union where large-scale farming was first started. Although farming grapes in the Philippines is not yet considered a commercial level, many Filipinos around the country plant grapes in their backyard. The majority of grapes sold in the Philippine market are still imported but local farmers who farm grapes are already making profits. Locally-produced grapes can be bought from P200 to P350 per kilo.
24. Strawberry (scientific name: Fragaria × Ananassa)
Strawberries have long been associated with the province of Benguet, where they grow in abundance and are sold fresh or as value-added products. While strawberries are generally found in vast open fields of La Trinidad, Benguet, some local growers raise them in a unique way and planted them in pots. Strawberries can grow anywhere in a cold climate. Strawberries in the Baguio City market can be bought anywhere from P300 to P600 per kilo.
25. Watermelon (scientific name: Citrullus Lanatus)
Watermelon is another high-value fruit that is abundant in Ioilo during the summer months. Although it is one of the most profitable fruits to grow, farming watermelon needs skills and experience. Many Iloilo watermelon farmers became rich through planting and selling watermelons. Watermelons are available in the Philippines all year but summer is the peak season and a kilogram of watermelon can cost anywhere between P60 and P180.
25. Melon (scientific name: Cucumis Melo var. Cantalupensis)
Melon is mostly lanted together with watermelon as they require similar care. Melon is more expensive than its close relative though. A kilogram of melon can cost anywhere from P80 to P350 depending on location and season.
27. Dragon Fruit (scientific name: Selenicereus Undatus)
Dragon fruit (pitaya, pitahaya) is another fruit that is becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines. Dragon fruit farming is relatively new in the Philippines but farmers are already making a good profit. Although dragon fruit may not be welcome to some people’s palates, others who want to try to eat could expect to pay between P100 to P250 per kilo.
28: Singkamas (scientific name: Pachyrhizus Erosus)
Singkamas or jicama is a tuber and can be planted all year round but summer is its peak. It is one of the easiest fruits to grow as it requires less care compared to other annual fruits like watermelon and melon. Singkamas price can range from P30 to P80 per kilogram and is a high-yield plant.
Questions Related to Profitable Fruits to Grow in the Philippines
What is the famous fruit in the Philippines?
The mango is the national fruit of the Philippines. The Philippine mango or “mangga” is grown in many parts of the country and comes in different varieties including the Manila mango, honey mango, carabao mango, and even Indian mango.
What is the No 1 exported fruit of the Philippines?
Bananas and pineapple rank as the country’s top agricultural exports, aside from coconut oil and other coconut products.
What unique fruits are from the Philippines?
Still, the one that stands out is the sweet variety called Carabao Mangoes, named after the national animal of the Philippines. This sweet variety was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1955 as the sweetest in the world. Carabao mangoes usually grow from late May to early July.
What are the major fruit crops in the Philippines?
Major fruit crops in the Philippines include banana, mango, pineapple, and calamansi.
What is the king of fruits?
Durian has been called the King of Fruits but, like Marmite, it sharply divides opinion between those who love the taste of its custard-like pulp and those revolted by its putrid smell.
How many species of fruits are found in the Philippines?
The Philippines has more than 300 edible fruit and nut species but only a few are commercially cultivated. In terms of volume of production, banana, pineapple, and mango are the major fruits grown, followed by citrus, papaya, jackfruit, and durian.
What is the Philippines known for producing?
The country’s major agricultural crops are rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, banana, cassava, pineapple, and vegetables. The major livestock products are hog, cattle, carabao, goat, and dairy products. Chicken and duck are the leading poultry products.
What product is abundant in the Philippines?
The Philippines is known for its crop production. The country’s major agricultural products include rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, and mangoes.
See Also:
- Lists of Fast-growing Trees in the Philippines with High Economic Value
- Best Trees for Flood Control
- How to Raise Pigs Cheaply and Make Organic Pig Feed on a Budget
- Pig Profit Calculator
- Watermelon Farming in the Philippines: How to Plant and Grow Pakwan