COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair Ushers In A New Era for The Philippine Coconut Industry

The Philippine coconut industry has marked a turning point at the first-ever COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair last December 2-4, 2024 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall. The trade fair highlights the Philippines' as one of the leading producers of high-quality coconut products and the event also served as a venue to showcase its vast potential and innovation within the coconut sector. 

The trade fair is a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), along with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and 14 other implementing agencies.

Exhibitors from across the country proudly displayed a range of coconut-based products that includes VCO, coco sugar, coco coir, charcoal briquettes, innovative food and beverage creations, cosmetics, and eco-friendly packaging solutions. The 53 CFIDP-vetted and approved beneficiaries of the program participated in the event and received special tokens.

There's also a Christmas tree crafted from coconut materials and adorned with ornaments bearing the names of the 14 implementing agencies, signifying their commitment to bring a brighter future to all Filipinos through the benefits of the CFIDP program.

"The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is a testament to the collective effort of the government, farmers and industry stakeholders to revitalize the Philippine coconut industry," said Marievic Bonoan, Director at DTI-BMDPO. "The event has successfully showcased the ingenuity and diversity of our coconut products, paving the way for increased market access and global recognition."

"The success of this trade fair underscores the power of a unified approach in implementing the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). By working together, we can unlock the full potential of the coconut sector and uplift the lives of our coconut farmers," said Dexter Buted, PCA Administrator. 

Key highlights of the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair included:

• Debut of the COCONUTPhilippines Brand and CocoMania Mascots: The event marked the official launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand, a unified brand identity designed to strengthen the global presence and competitiveness of Philippine coconut products. This brand will serve as a guarantee of quality, sustainability, and innovation, boosting consumer confidence and market penetration. At the same time, the introduction of the CocoMania mascots, CocoMania Buko and CocoMania Niyog, added a festive and engaging element to the launch, symbolizing the vibrancy and versatility of the coconut industry.

• Championing Sustainability and Innovation: The trade fair emphasized the industry's dedication to sustainable practices and innovative product development. Many exhibitors showcased eco-friendly products and cutting-edge technologies, demonstrating the sector's commitment to environmental responsibility and value creation.

• Facilitating Business Linkages and Market Access: The event fostered valuable business connections and networking opportunities, enabling local producers to engage with potential buyers, distributors, and investors from both domestic and international markets. This facilitated crucial partnerships and opened doors to new markets for Philippine coconut products.

• Generating Substantial Economic Impact: Initial assessments indicate that the trade fair generated significant interest and facilitated business deals, injecting a much-needed boost to the Philippine coconut industry and contributing to its overall growth and development.

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is a crucial component of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP), mandated under Republic Act No. 11524, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. This comprehensive program, implemented through the collaborative efforts of 14 key agencies, underscores the government's commitment to revitalizing the coconut industry by empowering coconut farmers, diversifying income sources, expanding market reach, and alleviating poverty.

The resounding success of the inaugural COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair signals a promising future for the Philippine coconut industry. With heightened global recognition, enhanced market access, and sustained growth, the industry is poised to make significant contributions to the country's economic development and uplift the lives of millions of Filipinos.

For updates on the trade fair and other DTI initiatives, follow the DTI-BMDPO on social media. For inquiries, please contact Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.