In the rolling farmlands of Pulong Yantok, Bulacan, a quiet
revolution in farming is taking root, literally. What started as a small
backyard hobby born from a family's search for healing has blossomed into
Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot, now the world’s largest source of hybrid dragon
fruit varieties. With its remarkable collection of over 200 unique dragon fruit
cultivars, this family-run enterprise is spearheading the movement toward
sustainable, innovative farming in the Philippines.
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| Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s vibrant display of hybrid dragon fruits. |
The Seeds of
Innovation and Growth
Dragon fruit farming is not new in the Philippines but
Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot has taken the practice to new heights with
innovative farming methods. Using a trellis-based growing system reminiscent of
vineyards, they have maximized their farm’s potential. This system allows them
to cultivate more dragon fruits in a fraction of the space typically required.
As a result, their farm, which spans roughly three hectares, operates as though
it were five times that size, proving that even small-scale farmers can achieve
significant output through ingenuity.
“We’ve turned even the smallest backyards into productive
dragon fruit farms,” says Kevin Eliscupides, co-owner of the depot. “The
trellis method allows us and other farmers to maximize land use, saving both
space and resources. It’s a game-changer for anyone interested in sustainable
agriculture.”
While Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s success has flourished
locally, their influence has gone global. In fact, they have shipped their
planting materials to over 80 countries across the globe -- from South Africa
to Greece and the United States. The depot’s commitment to cultivating rare,
high-quality varieties has placed the Philippines on the map as a leading
dragon fruit producer. But the journey to international markets was not without
challenges.
"Exporting
hybrid dragon fruits requires not only knowledge of cultivation but also
logistical precision," says Kevin. "That’s where FedEx came in. From
the very start, they’ve made the process seamless. Their global network and
reliable freight service enabled us to send our dragon fruit cuttings quickly
and efficiently, even to distant locations."
Through FedEx
extensive network and tailored freight solutions for perishables, Bulacan
Dragon Fruit Depot can maintain the quality and freshness of their temperature-sensitive
planting materials as they journey across borders. “FedEx has made things so
much easier for us,” Kevin explains. “They pick up the materials from our farm,
handle all the complex logistics needs such as delivery and customs clearance,
and within a week, our products are in our customers’ hands safely and in mint
condition.” The ease of working with FedEx gives Kevin a peace of mind, enabling
him to focus on other areas of the business while knowing that shipping is well
taken care of.
Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers
At the heart of
Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s mission is a desire to uplift others. Not content
with keeping their success to themselves, the depot actively shares its
knowledge with aspiring farmers. They provide free training and seminars,
teaching innovative farming techniques and promoting the benefits of hybrid
dragon fruits. By partnering with institutions like the Central Luzon State
University (CLSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the
depot ensures that the next generation of Filipino farmers is equipped to
succeed.
“We don’t see
ourselves as competitors but rather as allies,” says Kevin. “Our goal is to
help other farmers thrive and succeed so that hybrid dragon fruits can reach
more people. We’re committed to making a positive change to the community, and
through that, we’re raising the standard for agriculture across the country.”
With the soaring
demand for hybrid dragon fruits, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot is constantly ahead
of their game. In addition to their training programs, they are now expanding
the capacity of their farm to increase supply of their dragon fruits to both
local and international markets. They hope to one day meet the high demand for
dragon fruits in markets that are currently untapped, as well as further boost
the Philippines' reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
For Bulacan
Dragon Fruit Depot, the key to their success lies in a combination of
innovation, community, and reliability. And with FedEx by their side, they’re
not just growing fruit -- they’re cultivating a future where the Philippines is
recognized as a global agricultural powerhouse.
Discover more
inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and how FedEx supports
SMEs at FedEx Business Insights.
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