UBE (purple yam) and ube-based products sold $3.06 million overseas in 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) said on Friday.
This reflects the transition of a local staple into a premium export product in the Middle East, the United States, United Kingdom and Italy, the DTI-EMB noted.
Preliminary data showed a steady growth in sales of ingredients such as ube powder, puree, halaya and ube flavor extracts, the agency said, with foreign manufacturers mixing ube in ice cream, baked goods, confectionery, specialty beverages and ready-to-eat desserts.
Online platform Mintel’s 2025 Global New Products Database reported 359 worldwide launches of ube products across various markets. The products range from cakes, pastries and other sweets, to dairy such as ice cream and frozen yogurt. Product development continues to evolve to serve markets in Japan, China and the United States.
In Japan, ube is consumed in chilled and shelf-stable desserts. In China, it is added to cakes, pastries, malt and hot beverages. In the US, it is mixed in dairy-based ice cream, frozen yogurt, sweet biscuits and cookies.
The consumption of ube abroad opens opportunities for exporters to enter higher-value segments and demonstrates the country’s ability to turn a traditional agricultural product into a competitive, value-added export, said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.
“Behind every ube product enjoyed overseas are Filipino farmers and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) whose dedication sustains their families and rural communities,” she pointed out. “That is why we continue to strengthen support for the sector by improving quality standards and reinforcing supply chains, so that Philippine ube can compete confidently and sustainably in international markets.”
Philippine exports totaled $6.99 billion in December 2025, a 23.3-percent jump from 2024, and the third month in a row of impressive growth.
For the full year, exports reached $84.41 billion, a 15.2-percent increase from $73.27 billion in 2024. It is a record high, up by over 20 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025.