Introduction – Philippines’s Garlic Market: A Quantitative Overview
When it comes to garlic, the Philippines might not be the first country that comes to mind. But garlic is a staple in almost every Filipino kitchen—used in dishes from adobo to sinangag. Still, behind the aroma and flavor is a troubled production story.
As of 2022, the Philippines produced just around 5,884.93 metric tons of garlic. That might sound like a lot, but on the global scale, it places the country at 53rd in worldwide garlic production—contributing only 0.02% to the global output. To put that in perspective, China alone produces over 80% of the world’s garlic.
Back in 1997, the Philippines hit a high with 20,200 metric tons. But since then, garlic production has taken a nosedive, declining by over 22% in the last five years. Forecasts suggest that by 2028, production might shrink further to just 4.7 thousand metric tons.
And exports? Practically negligible. In 2022, garlic exports were valued at only $128, with the majority (83%) heading to the United States. Other destinations included Tanzania and Singapore. Compare that to the 109,000 tons imported in 2024, and it’s clear: local production can’t meet domestic demand.
This mismatch between local production and demand makes the search for reliable garlic suppliers in the Philippines even more critical. Businesses that want to source locally need to lean on verified data, supplier performance, and platforms like Freshdi for insights and trustworthy connections.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
The Philippines’ garlic industry is small and import-reliant. Its 2022 export value of just $128 underscores the lack of international competitiveness. But don’t let that number fool you—there are still standout suppliers within the country who cater to niche markets and regional demands.
Platforms like Freshdi help reveal the pulse of the market. RFQ (Request for Quote) volumes for garlic have been growing, especially from businesses looking to reduce import costs and support local farmers. These RFQs offer real-time demand signals and help identify which suppliers are active and responsive.
Export trends also show that while the Philippines exports little, it focuses on quality. The garlic grown locally—especially in the Ilocos Region—is known for its pungency and small size, which many chefs and traditional cooks prefer. The challenge is production scale.
Top 10 Verified Garlic Suppliers in Philippines – Leading Exporters by Volume
Sourcing garlic from the Philippines requires trust and data-backed choices. The following suppliers have been verified based on their export history, certifications, and performance on B2B platforms like Freshdi. These are the go-to choices for businesses seeking reliable Filipino garlic.
1. CHHC Agricultural Products Wholesaling
- Known for: White and Red Garlic varieties
- Strengths: Consistent export volume, verified on Freshdi, responsive to RFQs
- Market: Domestic and international, including niche organic buyers
Note: This is a dynamic list. Rankings may vary based on seasonal performance, export volumes, and recent activities. Platforms like Freshdi update “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarter” based on real-time metrics.
📌 Looking to source garlic? Don’t forget to explore Freshdi’s supplier dashboard—where you can filter by certifications, trade history, lead times, and more.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Garlic isn’t just garlic. There are multiple varieties—white garlic, red garlic, solo garlic—and each serves a different purpose in the kitchen and market.
Here’s what businesses need to know about the Philippine garlic market:
- Local Garlic Demand Surges in Q4: Especially around holiday seasons, garlic demand spikes for traditional recipes.
- Import Prices Fluctuate: Due to reliance on imports, domestic garlic prices often mirror global markets, especially from China and India.
- Seasonal Harvesting: Garlic in the Philippines is typically harvested between December and May. Prices tend to be lower during this time, making it the best season for bulk purchases.
Historical trends show that garlic prices in the Philippines can rise by up to 30% outside of harvest months. Smart buyers lock in contracts early or use platforms like Freshdi to monitor price alerts.
Want to forecast garlic prices? Use Freshdi’s analytics tools to track historical price per kilo, RFQ demand trends, and supply chain bottlenecks.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
The Philippines may not be a garlic giant, but it has its strengths—especially when it comes to local varieties with unique flavor profiles. However, with production continuing to decline and imports on the rise, businesses must choose their suppliers wisely.
Here’s how data can help:
- Look beyond volume. Consider certifications, responsiveness, and export consistency.
- Use platforms like Freshdi to view real-time RFQs, supplier ratings, and verification badges.
- Monitor seasonal trends and lock in contracts during peak harvest.
By combining government data, market insights, and B2B intelligence tools, businesses can build robust garlic supply chains that are both cost-effective and resilient.
Key Takeaways
- The Philippines ranks 53rd in global garlic production, with just 0.02% market share.
- Domestic demand heavily outweighs production, leading to large-scale imports.
- Export value is minimal, but niche suppliers offer high-quality, flavorful garlic.
- Freshdi is a critical tool for supplier verification, RFQ tracking, and real-time market analytics.
Garlic Buyer’s Checklist (Philippines Edition)
✅ Verify supplier trade history on platforms like Freshdi
✅ Compare RFQ response times from multiple sellers
✅ Check certifications (e.g., GAP, Organic, HACCP)
✅ Monitor seasonal price trends before bulk purchasing
✅ Consider local varieties for niche markets or premium offerings
Future Outlook
The future of garlic in the Philippines hinges on innovation. The Department of Agriculture is working to improve yields in the Ilocos region and beyond through better planting materials and support systems.
For buyers, this means:
- Expect gradual improvements in local supply.
- Opportunities to establish long-term contracts with emerging suppliers.
- A growing digital B2B ecosystem (like Freshdi) to streamline sourcing.
Digital platforms will play a vital role in connecting suppliers to global buyers, offering tools for data-driven choices and minimizing procurement risks.
How Freshdi Empowers Garlic Buyers
Freshdi is more than just a marketplace. It’s a garlic sourcing ecosystem.
✔️ Access verified supplier profiles
✔️ Get real-time RFQ quote responses
✔️ Track price trends and seasonality
✔️ Monitor supplier performance over time
✔️ View “Top Suppliers of the Month” rankings
Looking to make smarter sourcing decisions? Use Freshdi to cut through the noise and find trustworthy garlic suppliers in the Philippines.
References
- Tridge – Philippines Fresh Garlic Data
- Helgi Library – Garlic Production in the Philippines
- ReportLinker – Garlic Market Forecast
- Volza – Philippines Garlic Exports
- IndexBox – APAC Garlic Market Overview
- Business Mirror – Garlic Import Data
- PNA – Department of Agriculture Garlic Plans
- Wikipedia – Garlic Production in China
FAQs
1. Why is garlic production in the Philippines declining?
Garlic production is affected by the country’s tropical climate, lack of suitable planting materials, and limited government support until recent years. Many farmers have shifted to more profitable crops.
2. What makes Philippine garlic unique?
Philippine garlic, especially from Ilocos, is known for its strong flavor and pungency. Though smaller in size, it’s preferred for traditional cooking and premium markets.
3. Can I find organic garlic suppliers in the Philippines?
Yes, platforms like Freshdi allow you to filter suppliers based on certifications like Organic, GAP, and HACCP to ensure quality and compliance.
4. Is it better to import or source garlic locally in the Philippines?
It depends on your volume needs. Local garlic is flavorful but limited in quantity. For large-scale needs, imports may be necessary, but supporting local suppliers can offer niche market advantages.
5. How can Freshdi help me find the best garlic suppliers?
Freshdi provides verified supplier profiles, tracks export performance, shows RFQ responsiveness, and offers market insights to help you make informed, data-driven sourcing decisions.
