DTI champions PH coconut industry at first-ever COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair

Posted: December 6, 2024
The 1st COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair opened on December 2, alongside the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village Fair and the National Fiesta Haraya. In photo (L-R): Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter Buted, DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP Director Marievic Bonoan, DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Special House Committee Chairman on Creative Industries Congressman Christopher de Venecia.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showcased the diversity and innovation of the country’s coconut industry at the first COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair held from December 2 to 4.

Organized by the DTI-Bureau of Marketing and Development Promotions Office (BMDPO), in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and other key stakeholders, the event brought together over 90 exhibitors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Attendees explored a wide range of coconut products, including virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, coco coir, charcoal briquettes, food and beverages, cosmetics, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Symbolizing the growth and resilience of the coconut industry, the fair opened with the lighting of a coconut-themed Christmas tree. This tree was decorated with ornaments made from coconut materials to represent the creativity and sustainability that define the industry.

The event also saw the debut of CocoMania mascots—CocoMania Buko and CocoMania Niyog—representing fresh and dried coconut varieties. These mascots will serve as industry ambassadors in future campaigns.

Furthermore, the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair marked the launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand—a unified brand identity that seeks to strengthen the global presence of Philippine coconut products. This brand attests to the hard work and innovation of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in promoting high-quality, innovative, and sustainable coconut-based goods worldwide.

Beyond festivities, the trade fair provided a platform for product launches, market testing and benchmarking, business matching and networking, and direct selling.

With representatives from the implementing agencies of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program.

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is integral to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), mandated under Republic Act No. 11524, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. This comprehensive program underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the coconut farming sector through income diversification, market expansion, and poverty alleviation.

PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted emphasized the importance of the collaboration among CFIDP’s implementing agencies.

“The CFIDP is not just a roadmap—it’s a commitment to the future of our coconut farmers and entrepreneurs, whose hard work and dedication sustain this industry. Through an integrated, multi-sectoral and whole of government approach, we hope to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Dr. Buted.

For updates on the trade fair and other DTI initiatives, follow DTI-BMDPO’s social media pages. For inquiries, send an email to Director Marievic M. Bonoan at [email protected]. ♦

Date of Release: 06 December 2024