The Department of Trade and Industry is working to expand global exports of Philippine ube as international demand continues to rise for what officials describe as a new export “star.” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said ube and calamansi are emerging as new export “stars,” alongside established agricultural exports such as coconut, banana and pineapple.
“We also saw the growth in the banana, pineapple. But the latest stars are the ube and the calamansi,” Roque said during a media conference for the upcoming Manila Tech Summit. Data from the DTI Export Marketing Bureau showed that ube-based exports reached $3.06 million in 2025. The products were shipped to markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy and the Middle East.
The DTI said processed ube products such as powder, puree, halaya and flavor extracts have posted steady growth. Global manufacturers are also showing interest in using ube in ice cream, baked goods, beverages and other food products.
“In fact, Starbucks UK has an ube drink now,” Roque said.
The agency said the rising demand could create higher-value opportunities for local exporters, farmers and MSMEs. It added that it will continue strengthening quality standards and supply chains to help Philippine ube compete in international markets.
Roque also said exports could receive an additional boost if the Philippines signs free trade agreements with the European Union, Chile and Canada, as these deals could provide local products with better tariff access in global markets.
