The Coco Bazaar 2025, initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental, will provide a platform for coconut farmers and small businesses engaged in coconut products to grow their market reach, an official said Tuesday.

Benjamin Limbaga, DTI-Negros Oriental trade and industry development specialist and provincial focal person for the coconut industry cluster, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that at least 25 exhibitors are participating in the fair.

“This event is specifically for coconut farmers and coconut-based MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) to showcase their products during the week to enhance visibility and bring in more income,” Limbaga said.

“The bazaar is part of the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan under the DTI,” he added.

Products on display include handicrafts, musical instruments, food items, coco poles, fertilizer, vinegar, virgin coconut oil and condiments that are coconut-based.

Cacao products such as chocolate candy bars and “tablea” (pure, roasted cacao beans ground into paste and molded into balls or tablets for chocolate drinks) are also being sold at the exhibit.

Limbaga said they are encouraging inter-cropping and diversification, as the chocolate producers are also coconut farmers who cultivate cocoa trees amidst coconut trees.

The showcase runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at the Robinsons Place mall in this Negros Oriental capital. (PNA)