The Philippines is the top producer and exporter of bananas in South East Asia and the second largest in the world.
The country's main producing varieties include Cavendish, Saba, and Lakatan. In 2018, 84% of Cavendish bananas were produced in the islands of Mindanao, the southernmost islands of the Philippines. The top three producing regions in Mindanao are Davao, Northern Mindanao, and Socsargen.
As for the Saba variety, the largest production regions are Davao, Socsargen, Northern Mindanao on the island of Mindanao, and Cagayan Valley.
The main production region for Lakatan bananas is Soccskargen, Davao, and Northern Mindanao. Until Q2 of 2021, the total production volume of the Philippines has increased by 1.3% compared to the previous year of the same months (Q2). Out of the 3 varieties, Cavendish bananas dominated national production accounting to 52% of the total production. The country is set to expand its share of global banana export volume from 15.6% to 18.6% by 2029, further consolidating its position as the second leading supplier of bananas globally behind Ecuador.
Banana is a tropical plant that grows in all regions in the Philippines. It is not seasonal and bears fruit at any time of the year