Some 30 farmer-entrepreneurs from six provinces of Eastern Visayas on Friday joined the first-ever regional trade fair that features coconut-based products.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office, the Eastern Visayas Regional Coconut Trade Fair at the Robinsons Place here is in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
Exhibitors are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have been assisted under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan program.
“We are committed to helping our coconut farmers and processors to succeed in today’s competitive environment. We aim to serve as a bridge from farm to shelves, from local communities to the global market,” DTI Regional Director Celerina Bato said in her message during the trade fair’s opening.
The DTI official shared that their agency continues to help coconut-based producers to improve their products, look for new market opportunities, enhance their products, and share their inspiring stories with the global market.
Coconut-based products on display and being sold at the trade fair included coconut vinegar, coconut wine, virgin coconut oil, coconut coir, coconut shell handicrafts and accessories, coconut shell souvenir products, coconut-based food, and many more.
“We encourage our exhibitors to explore new and innovative ways to present coconut-based products to the market,” Bato said.
Bato said that seven of the coconut-based products from the region will be given a chance to participate in an international trade fair in Japan in September.
A coconut-based product producer from Talalora town — Axel Integrated Farming — will soon be shipping its products to Australia, the United States, and Europe after finding trade partners during its participation at the “Flavor Finds” of the International Food Exhibition held last May at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila.
The Eastern Visayas Regional Coconut Trade Fair will run until August 10 with a PHP1.5 million sales target. (PNA)
