SME

By FedEx | January 9, 2025

Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot started out as a small family-run farm in the Philippines. Today, they’re the world’s largest hybrid dragon fruit producer, exporting unique varieties around the globe.

• The world’s largest hybrid dragon fruit farm is in Central Luzon, Philippines.
• Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot started as a small family farm, and now grows over 200 varieties of dragon fruit in demand around the world.
• As well as perfecting unique fruit varieties, the depot exports to over 80 countries, and empowers local farmers through free training and community partnerships.

In the rolling farmlands of Pulong Yantok, Bulacan, a quiet revolution in farming is taking root. 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.

Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot began as a personal journey. When one family member was diagnosed with cancer, the Eliscupides family turned to dragon fruit for its perceived potent health benefits. 

To better access the plant’s rich nutrients and antioxidant properties, they decided to start growing it for themselves. Starting as a backyard experiment, it quickly expanded and, by 2012, they had transformed their passion into a pioneering business venture. The family are now the proud curators of the largest collection of hybrid dragon fruits in the world, featuring varieties that boast unique flavors like coconut, lychee, and strawberry.

The seeds of innovation and growth

Dragon fruit farming is not new to 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. 

The 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 at five times that size, proving that even small-scale farmers can achieve significant output with the right strategy.

“We’ve turned the smallest backyards into productive dragon fruit farms,” says Kevin Eliscupides, owner of the depot. “The trellis method allows us and other farmers to maximize land use, saving both space and resources. It’s a gamechanger for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture.”

Today, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s 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 their journey to international markets was not without challenges.

"Exporting hybrid dragon fruits requires not only knowledge of cultivation, but logistical precision," says Kevin. "That’s where FedEx came in. From the very start, the process has been seamless. Their global network and reliable freight service enabled us to send our dragon fruit cuttings quickly and efficiently, even to distant locations."

With tailored freight solutions for perishables, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot can maintain the quality and freshness of its temperature-sensitive planting materials over long distances. 

“FedEx has made things so much easier for us,” Kevin explains. “They pick up the materials from our farm and handle all complex logistics needs from delivery to customs clearance. Within a week, the products are in our customers’ hands in mint condition.” 

Empowering the next generation of farmers

At the heart of Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s mission is a desire to help others. Instead of 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 collaborating with institutions like the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the depot is equipping the next generation of Filipino farmers to succeed.

“We don’t see ourselves as competitors, but allies,” says Kevin. “Our goal is to help other farmers thrive so that hybrid dragon fruits can reach more people. We’re committed to making a positive change to the community, and raising the standard for agriculture across the country.”

With soaring demand for hybrid dragon fruits, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot is staying ahead of the game. In addition to their training programs, they’re now expanding capacity to increase supply to both local and international markets. They hope to one day enter markets that are currently untapped.

The key to Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s success lies in a readiness to adopt new innovations, and strong community values. The way they see it, they’re not just growing fruit. They’re cultivating a future where the Philippines is recognized as a global agricultural powerhouse.

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Discover more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific here.