DTI-BMDPO Presents The First COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair

DTI-BMDPO continues to highlight MSMEs, this time with the first-ever COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair (CTF) at Megatrade Hall 1 of SM Megamall from December 2-4, 2024.

COCONUTPhilippines aims to empower coconut farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase their products as a way to create more income opportunities and help reduce poverty especially the marginalized, and foster social equity as well.

This landmark event is a vital component of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), guided by Repubic Act (RA) 11524, also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. The CFIDP reaffirms the government's dedication to supporting coconut farmers and improve the coconut industry's competitiveness, driving inclusive growth and expand market potential for Philippine coconut products. 

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is designed to be a premier platform for showcasing the vast potential of Philippine coconut-based products while exploring innovative industry directions. The event will gather farmers, MSMEs, institutional buyers, and key stakeholders for sourcing opportunities, order-taking, and collaborative discussions. It will also feature product launches, market testing, benchmarking, business matching, negotiations, and direct selling.

The event will also highlight the launch of COCONUTPhilippines brand and the unveiling of the COCOMania mascots. 

DTI demonstrates its commitment to the CFIDP through the implementation of research, marketing, and market promotion sub-programs. With the support of the BMDPO, the agency has successfully integrated coconut-based products through special settings in flagship trade shows such as the National Food Fair and National Trade Fair, creating opportunities for coconut farmers to connect with consumers and business partners while enhancing public awareness of these products in the domestic market. 

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair was conceptualized in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and 14 inter-agency stakeholders. The fair celebrates and empowers coconut farmers across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, showcasing the efforts of 90 exhibitors who will present a diverse array of food and non-food coconut products for both local and international markets. 

In line with the ongoing promotional campaign, a domestic market research initiative is also underway. This initiative aims to assess demand and consumption trends for coconut-based products, particularly in the food and beverage sectors. It also seeks to provide insights into economic factors driving consumers behavior and identify growth opportunities that directly benefit program beneficiaries. 

CFIDP is a collaborative effort led by 14 government agencies, each playing an important role in the development of the coconut industry:

• Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA): Lead agency for program implementation.
• Department of Agriculture (DA): Focuses on intercropping, livestock integration, and farm diversification.
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Promotes enterprises, product development, and market access.
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Provides research and technology support for improved coconut varieties and innovations.
• Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): Enhances farm-to-market infrastructure.
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA): Offers skills training for farmers and industry workers.
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED): Supports educational programs related to coconut agriculture.
• Cooperative Development Authority (CDA): Strengthens coconut farmer cooperatives.
• Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP): Provides credit and financial support.
• Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP): Finances industry projects.
• Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC): Protects farmers with crop insurance.
• Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech): Promotes post-harvest technologies.
• Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI): Supports livestock integration and animal health.
• Agricultural Training Institute (ATI): Conducts training on good agricultural practices.

Event Details

• Dates: December 2–4, 2024
• Venue: Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
• Admission: Free and open to the public