In the serene farmlands of Pulong Yantok, Bulacan, a farming revolution is taking root. What began as a backyard passion project in search of healing has blossomed into the Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot—the world’s largest repository of hybrid dragon fruit varieties. With over 200 unique cultivars, this family-run business is at the forefront of sustainable and innovative farming practices in the Philippines.
From Healing to Global Recognition
The journey of Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot is a deeply personal one. When a member of the Eliscupides family was diagnosed with cancer, the family turned to dragon fruit for its renowned health benefits, including rich nutrients and antioxidants. What started as a backyard experiment to grow this superfruit soon evolved into a full-fledged enterprise. By 2012, their passion had transformed into a pioneering business, with the family curating an unparalleled collection of hybrid dragon fruits. Among their unique offerings are varieties with flavors reminiscent of coconut, lychee, and strawberry, captivating both local and international markets.
Innovating Philippine Agriculture
While dragon fruit farming is not new to the Philippines, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot has redefined the practice through cutting-edge farming techniques. Their trellis-based growing system, similar to vineyard setups, maximizes land productivity by enabling more crops to grow in less space. This innovation effectively turns their three-hectare farm into an operation with the output of a farm five times its size.
“We’ve transformed even the smallest backyards into productive dragon fruit farms,” shares Kevin Eliscupides, co-owner of the depot. “The trellis method allows farmers to maximize land use, saving both space and resources. It’s a game-changer for sustainable agriculture.”
Expanding to a Global Stage
The depot’s success extends far beyond the Philippines, with planting materials shipped to over 80 countries, including South Africa, Greece, and the United States. Their dedication to cultivating rare and high-quality dragon fruit hybrids has established the Philippines as a significant player in the global dragon fruit industry.
Breaking into international markets, however, presented its own challenges.
“Exporting hybrid dragon fruits demands both cultivation expertise and logistical precision,” explains Kevin. “That’s where FedEx became an invaluable partner. Their global network and reliable freight service ensured that our dragon fruit cuttings reached distant locations quickly and efficiently.”
Leading the Way in Sustainable Farming
From healing beginnings to global success, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot is not just a business—it’s a movement championing innovation and sustainability. By blending traditional farming wisdom with modern techniques, the Eliscupides family continues to inspire farmers worldwide to explore the endless possibilities of dragon fruit cultivation.
With their remarkable achievements, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot has firmly placed the Philippines on the agricultural map, proving that passion, innovation, and resilience can yield extraordinary results.
Thanks to FedEx’s extensive network and specialized freight solutions for perishables, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot can ensure the quality and freshness of their temperature-sensitive planting materials as they cross international borders.
“FedEx has truly simplified the process for us,” says Kevin Eliscupides, co-owner of the depot. “They pick up the materials from our farm, manage all the complex logistics like delivery and customs clearance, and within a week, our products are safely delivered to customers in perfect condition.” With the logistics in capable hands, Kevin has peace of mind and is able to focus on growing the business without worrying about shipping.
Empowering the Next Generation of Farmers
At the core of Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot’s mission is a commitment to uplift and empower others. Rather than keeping their knowledge to themselves, the depot actively shares it with aspiring farmers. They offer free training programs and seminars, teaching innovative farming techniques and promoting the advantages of hybrid dragon fruits. Through partnerships with institutions like Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the depot is preparing the next generation of Filipino farmers for success.
“We don’t see ourselves as competitors but as allies,” explains Kevin. “Our mission is to help other farmers succeed so that hybrid dragon fruits can reach even more people. We want to make a positive impact on our community and raise the standard for agriculture throughout the Philippines.”
Scaling Up to Meet Growing Demand
As demand for hybrid dragon fruits continues to rise, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot is expanding its farm to increase supply for both local and international markets. Their goal is to eventually meet the high demand for dragon fruits in untapped markets and further solidify the Philippines’ reputation as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
For the depot, the key to their success lies in innovation, community collaboration, and dependable partnerships. With FedEx’s support, Bulacan Dragon Fruit Depot is not only growing fruit but also cultivating a future where the Philippines is recognized as a global agricultural powerhouse.
Discover more inspiring stories of entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and how FedEx supports SMEs at FedEx Business Insights.
