The first-ever COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, held from December 2-4, 2024, at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall, has concluded with resounding success, marking a significant leap forward for the Philippine coconut industry. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and 14 other implementing agencies, the event served as a dynamic platform to showcase the vast potential and innovation within the country’s coconut sector.

The trade fair drew significant attention, highlighting the Philippines’ position as one of the leading producers of high-quality coconut products. A total of 100 exhibitors from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao proudly displayed a diverse range of coconut-based products, encompassing virgin coconut oil, coconut 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, reassuring them of the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipino coconut farmers and entrepreneurs.

Adding a festive touch to the event, a Christmas tree crafted entirely from coconut materials stood as a centerpiece, symbolizing the resilience, versatility, and enduring spirit of the Philippine coconut industry. This unique creation of the coconut palm as a ‘tree of life’ served as a powerful reminder of the industry’s potential to bring prosperity and joy to the nation, particularly during the holiday season. It was adorned with Christmas 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 DTI-BMDPO Director Marievic Bonoan as head of the organizing team.   “This event has successfully showcased the ingenuity and diversity of our coconut products, paving the way for increased market access and global recognition.”

PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in driving the industry forward. “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,” he stated.

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.