Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company
PHDEC is a Pakistani government entity under the Ministry of Commerce that promotes horticulture exports through quality-enhancement programs (mango bagging, solar dryers), food-safety certification support, training, and market access facilitation for the country's growers, exporters, and processors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersIslamabad, Pakistan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company does
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) is a government-owned entity established in 2003 under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan, headquartered in Islamabad with regional offices in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. The organization functions as a sector-specific coordination platform for Pakistan's horticulture export industry, with a small team of approximately 15 staff delivering facilitation, capacity building, technology transfer, and market access services to growers, exporters, processors, and academic institutions across the country. PHDEC's mandate covers major horticulture categories including mangoes (Pakistan ranks 5th-7th globally in production/exports at ~1.8-1.88MMT annually), citrus/Kinnow (~2.4MMT), potatoes (~8.7MMT), bananas, dates, onions, chilies, and vegetables.
PHDEC's core programs include the Mango Bagging initiative (protective fruit bags shielding mangoes from fruit flies, dust, and sunburn for 30-45 days, which has scaled from a 150,000-bag government pilot in 2023 to 1 million grower-self-procured bags in 2025 and a projected 10 million bags), the Banana Bagging Project launched in 2024, the Food Safety Certification Project supporting Global GAP, HACCP, and ISO 22000 certifications, and a Solar Tunnel Dryers program for chili exporters in Umerkot funded by the Export Development Fund. The organization also produces market intelligence reports, runs webinars and workshops, and organizes the FoodAg Manufacturing Expo jointly with TDAP. Its institutional partnership base spans multilateral lenders (ADB, World Bank, EU), bilateral agencies (USAID, USDA), UN bodies (FAO, UNIDO), and seven academic and research institutions under MOUs.
PHDEC does not generate commercial revenue. It is funded through Pakistani government budgetary allocations and the Export Development Fund for specific programs, and provides its services to industry stakeholders free of charge. Its "products" — mango bags, solar dryers, certification support, training — are distributed through government-subsidized pilots or organized events rather than commercial sales channels. This makes PHDEC a public-sector development and trade-promotion institution rather than a commercial enterprise, with no equity ownership, no private investors, and no stated privatization plans.
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company
- Legal name
- Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company
- Website
- https://phdec.gov.pk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- PHDEC is a Pakistani government entity under the Ministry of Commerce that promotes horticulture exports through quality-enhancement programs (mango bagging, solar dryers), food-safety certification support, training, and market access facilitation for the country's growers, exporters, and processors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Horticulture Export Promotion and Trade Facilitation Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Crop Production (11511)
- SIC
- Agricultural Services (700), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Agribusiness, Farm Management & Compliance (EDAOAOAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Horticulture, Nursery & Greenhouse Operations (EDAOAOAB), Agriculture & Food Production (EDABALAA), Farm Operations Planning & SOP Development (AFACAJAB)
Keywords
Where Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Islamabad
- HQ country
- Pakistan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices4 records
Markets served
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Government Funding: PHDEC is a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan. It operates as a public sector organization funded by the government to promote and develop Pakistan's horticulture sector, providing support services to growers, exporters, and processors rather than generating commercial revenue.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PHDEC promotes and develops Pakistan's horticulture sector through capacity building, technology transfer, quality improvement programs (mango bagging, banana bagging, solar drying of chilies), food safety certification support (Global GAP, HACCP, ISO 22000), market intelligence, training webinars, and trade facilitation connecting Pakistani growers and exporters with international markets. The organization operates as a government-owned facilitation entity funded by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Development Fund.
Product overview
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) is a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Commerce that offers a portfolio of programs and services to promote the growth and global competitiveness of Pakistan's horticulture sector. The core offerings include quality enhancement initiatives such as the Mango Bagging Program and Banana Bagging Project, which protect fruits from pests and environmental damage to improve export quality and prices. The Food Safety Certification Project supports growers and exporters in obtaining international certifications (Global GAP, HACCP, ISO 22000). Additionally, PHDEC provides Market Intelligence Reports, Product Brochures, and educational Webinars/Training Programs covering various horticulture topics. The organization also facilitates participation in expos like FoodAg Manufacturing and maintains regional offices in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Mango Bagging Program A quality enhancement initiative involving covering mango fruits with protective bags for 30-45 days to shield them from fruit flies, dust, and sunburn, resulting in up to 70% price increase for exporters ($30 vs $17-18 per 5kg pack). Targeted at Pakistani mango growers and exporters.
- Banana Bagging Project A pilot project distributing banana bunch bags to progressive growers to enhance cosmetic appeal and quality of bananas for entry into more lucrative international markets, particularly Iran and Central Asian Republics. Targeted at banana growers in Sindh and Balochistan.
- Food Safety Certification Project
Quantifiable outcome
- 70% price increase for bagged mangoes ($30 vs $17-18 per 5kg pack)
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture MultanminorMOU signed for collaboration in horticulture research, training, and capacity building. University provides academic expertise and research facilities for PHDEC initiatives.
- Quaid-e-Azam University IslamabadminorMOU signed for academic collaboration on horticulture sector research, training programs, and knowledge sharing.
- University of Punjab LahoreminorMOU signed for research collaboration and capacity building in horticulture sector development.
- Potato Research Institute SahiwalminorMOU signed for collaboration on potato sector development, export procedures, and processing guidelines. Joint workshop conducted on Potato Export Prospects, Harvest Procedures, and Processing.
- Agriculture University of PeshawarminorMOU signed for academic partnership on horticulture research and training in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.
- University of SargodhaminorMOU signed for collaboration on citrus and horticulture research, with joint workshop on Good Agricultural Practices of Citrus.
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)coreFAO's Senior Food Safety Officer Catherine Bessay featured in PHDEC podcast on strengthening Pakistan's food control system. Collaboration on food safety, Codex Alimentarius, and EU compliance standards.
- Agriculture Research Department TandojamminorGovernment research department collaborating with PHDEC on banana bagging seminar and good agricultural practices training in Sindh.
- Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine SciencesminorUniversity partner for banana workshop in Uthal region of Balochistan, covering pre-harvest, harvest, post-harvest handling, processing, packaging, storage, and reefer transportation.
- Sindh Agriculture University TandojamminorKey academic partner in mango bagging pilot project. Provided technical expertise and hosted launching ceremony at Genuine Delight Farms, Tando Allah Yar.
- Sindh Abadgar BoardminorFarmer representative organization collaborating on mango bagging initiative, representing progressive growers in Sindh.
- Sindh Mango Growers AssociationminorIndustry association partner in pilot project on mango bagging for improving mango quality and export competitiveness.
- UNIDOcoreUnited Nations Industrial Development Organization partnering with PHDEC for industrial development aspects of horticulture value addition in Pakistan.
- Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)coreTDAP is the parent organization under Ministry of Commerce with CEO of PHDEC serving as DG Agro Foods at TDAP. Close operational partnership for trade promotion, joint organization of FoodAg Manufacturing Expo, and shared mandate for export development.
- University of Agriculture FaisalabadminorAcademic partner collaborating with PHDEC on research, training, and capacity building for horticulture sector development.
- PUM NetherlandsminorDutch volunteer organization providing expertise and technical assistance to Pakistani businesses including horticulture sector.
- Corporate Sustainability Forum (CSF)minorSustainability forum partnering with PHDEC on corporate sustainability initiatives in the horticulture sector.
- Department of Plant Protection (DPP)coreGovernment regulatory body providing phytosanitary certificate issuance procedures and regulatory requirements for importing countries. Joint efforts on cherry exports to China.
- National Logistics Cell (NLC)minorGovernment logistics provider presenting reefer transportation services for shipping bananas from Pakistan to CARs at PHDEC workshops.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- FAMA - Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Malaysia): Malaysian statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture that coordinates agricultural marketing, farmer training, certification support, and export linkages — comparable government-to-grower model with similar scope.
- COLEACP (Europe-ACP Liaison Committee for the Promotion of Horticulture): Trade association coordinating horticulture standards, certifications, and capacity building between African, Caribbean, and Pacific producers and EU markets — directly comparable facilitation/certification function.
- National Horticulture Board (NHB, India): Indian government agency dedicated to horticulture development, capacity building, and post-harvest infrastructure — directly comparable to PHDEC's domestic horticulture development and quality enhancement remit.
- APEDA - Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (India): Indian statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce that promotes agri and processed food exports, supports exporters with quality and certification programs, and runs market development initiatives — the closest cross-border analog to PHDEC's mandate.
Others
- UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization: UN agency already partnering with PHDEC on industrial value-addition in horticulture; relevant for its standards, SME upgrading, and agribusiness support programs.
Broad incumbents
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): UN agency partnering with PHDEC on food safety and Codex Alimentarius compliance; operates at global scale with related technical and capacity-building mandates.
- International Trade Centre (ITC): Joint UN/WTO agency supporting SME export competitiveness in developing economies — overlapping PHDEC's trade facilitation, certification, and market intelligence functions at a global level.
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS): U.S. government agency that links U.S. agriculture to global markets through market intelligence, trade facilitation, and capacity building — significantly broader scope than PHDEC but the most established global analog.
Regional players
- Horticulture New Zealand: New Zealand industry body representing fruit and vegetable growers on trade, compliance, and R&D — similar grower-advocacy and export-promotion mandate but anchored to a different geography.
- KEPHIS - Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service: Kenyan statutory body handling phytosanitary certification, market access compliance, and quality assurance for horticulture exports — closely aligned with PHDEC's Department of Plant Protection-facing compliance work.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company social profiles
Digital presencePakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company
What does Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company do?
PHDEC promotes and develops Pakistan's horticulture sector through capacity building, technology transfer, quality improvement programs (mango bagging, banana bagging, solar drying of chilies), food safety certification support (Global GAP, HACCP, ISO 22000), market intelligence, training webinars, and trade facilitation connecting Pakistani growers and exporters with international markets. The organization operates as a government-owned facilitation entity funded by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Development Fund.
Is Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company a public or private company?
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company founded?
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company based?
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company is headquartered in Islamabad, Pakistan, in the Asia region.
How does Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company make money?
One revenue line is on record: government Funding.
Who are Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are FAMA - Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Malaysia), COLEACP (Europe-ACP Liaison Committee for the Promotion of Horticulture), National Horticulture Board (NHB, India) and APEDA - Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (India). UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Trade Centre (ITC) and USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Regional players are Horticulture New Zealand and KEPHIS - Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.
Does Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company.
What industry is Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company in?
Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company's product category is Horticulture Export Promotion and Trade Facilitation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAOAN, Agribusiness, Farm Management & Compliance, with a secondary code of EDAOAOAB, Horticulture, Nursery & Greenhouse Operations. Its NAICS code is 11511 and its SIC code is 700.