Mindanao is composed of ethnically diverse communities that produce unique crops, food products, handmade goods, textiles, and raw materials. These Mindanao products are shipped from the provinces to Manila and other major economic hubs in the country, accounting for a large portion of the Philippines’ gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2024. You can find goods such as chocolates, sardines, malong, ham, and coconut products sold in major supermarkets and retailers.
If you are a business owner that is looking to source new goods or materials, you should check out the top products made in Mindanao.
Top 13 Mindanao Products
Sardines (Zamboanga)
Canned and bottled sardines are a common staple in every Filipino household, and you can thank the Zamboanga region for that. The sardine capital of the Philippines is home to famous producers of one of Mindanao’s top products. Montaño, Alavar, Family’s, Ligo, and Master distribute their products all over the country.
Pearls (Zamboanga)
Family-owned businesses like Mindanao Pearl Center and Lantaka Pearls are recognized for their craftsmanship. They are your go-to makers of South Sea Pearl products. These lustrous items are farmed by pearl divers in Sulu and Zamboanga.
SLERS Ham (Bukidnon)
The juicy, tasty SLERS Ham is a famous product in Mindanao, particularly in Region X. They began as a family-run smoked ham business in the 1960s, and has now expanded to a wide range of ham, chicharon, and other meat products. Their products are available in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro.
Coconut Products (Lanao del Norte)
Coconut-based goods are also some of the Northern Mindanao products that empower local coco farmers. The Kauswagan Coco Processing Hub creates virgin coconut oil, coconut juice, and nectar, while agri-enterprise Laregina Coconut Products develops organic cosmetics, hair care, and aromatherapy products.
Binaki (Bukidnon)
This sweet, steamed corn cake is a famous product in Mindanao. It originated in Bukidnon province, one of the country’s largest corn producers. Binaki makers combine yellow corn with milk, butter, sugar, baking powder, and cheese to create this delicacy. You can buy it from any market or street vendor in the province.
Durian (Davao Region)
The Davao region produces some of the highest quality Mindanao products, with durian as a standout. This spiky, large, and strongly-scented fruit comes in many varieties, like the famous puyat, kob, native, duyaya, arancillo, monthong, D101, and D24. The durian is sweet and creamy with a soft texture. It is used as a versatile ingredient for other desserts.
Pomelo (Davao Region)
The pomelo (or suha) is one of the Mindanao famous products you can also find in Davao. Its pink, juicy fibers have a mildly sweet citrus taste. Pomelos are popular for their many health benefits, such as antioxidant properties, vitamins, and minerals.
Tablea (Davao Region)
Chocolate lovers will love the variety of products made from cacao. Tablea, or unsweetened chocolate tablets are used in diverse beverages, desserts, and delicacies. You can buy items from trusted brands like Cacao de Davao, Malagos Chocolate, Davao Fine Tablea, and more.
Tuna (General Santos City)
Gensan is known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, serving as a major hub for tuna and a wide range of marine products. You can pay a visit to the fishport and directly buy massive, high-grade tuna to bring home. Many processing plants and facilities in the province also produce different seafood products, which are shipped to different parts of the country.
T’nalak Handwoven Products (South Cotabato)
The famous ‘dreamweavers’ are the T’boli people in South Cotabato. T’nalak is a symbolic, prized cloth that is woven by the women of this tribe. It is considered sacred as patterns are woven from the dreams given to them by Fu Dalu, goddess of the abaca. This traditional cloth is woven into different items such as headscarves, clothing, tabletops, pillow covers, and other home accessories.
Palm Oil (Agusan del Sur)
Palm oil is a famous Mindanao product from the CARAGA region, one of the largest cultivators of oil palm trees. The Caraga Oil Refinery Inc., processes and distributes palm oil products to major food manufacturers in the country, such as Monde Nissin and Universal Robina Corporation.
Malong (Maguindanao)
The malong is a hand-woven fabric wrap that resembles a long skirt. It is highly versatile; simple designs can be used as blankets and head coverings, while more intricately-designed fabrics are worn as skirts, dresses, pants, and more. It is one of the products produced by the Maranao tribe.
Agar-agar (Tawi-Tawi)
Seaweed (agar-agar) is the main livelihood of many communities in the island chain of Tawi-Tawi. Families harvest this marine algae and use it to create byproducts like carrageenan, which is used widely in the food industry. It is a common ingredient for gelatin, ice cream, jellies, and other desserts.
Proudly Pinoy-made products are not just a symbol of economic progress, but also an identity of the people who develop them. By making these products available in wider markets, makers, residents, and local communities can achieve substantial growth and recognition.
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