The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted the diversity and innovation of the Philippine coconut industry at the inaugural COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, held from December 2 to 4.
Organized by the DTI-Bureau of Marketing and Development Promotions Office (BMDPO), in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and other stakeholders, the event featured over 90 exhibitors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Visitors explored a variety of coconut products, including virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, coco coir, charcoal briquettes, food and beverages, cosmetics, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The event opened with the lighting of a coconut-themed Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments crafted from coconut materials, symbolizing the growth, creativity, and sustainability of the coconut industry.
CocoMania mascots—CocoMania Buko and CocoMania Niyog—were also introduced at the fair. Representing fresh and dried coconut varieties, the mascots will serve as ambassadors for the industry in future promotional efforts.
The trade fair marked the official launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand, a unified identity aimed at strengthening the global presence of Philippine coconut products. The brand represents the efforts of farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in producing high-quality, sustainable, and innovative coconut-based goods.
The event also served as a platform for product launches, market testing and benchmarking, business matching, networking, and direct selling.
The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), mandated under Republic Act No. 11524, or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. The program focuses on income diversification, market expansion, and poverty alleviation for coconut farmers.
PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted highlighted the importance of 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 sustains this industry. Through a whole-of-government approach, we aim to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” Buted said.