DALI may soon sell local agricultural produce

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and DALI Everyday Grocery are exploring a partnership that could give Filipino farmers a direct and expanding market for their produce while opening greater opportunities for contract growing.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and DALI board director Thirdie Icasas recently held a meeting which focused on connecting DALI’s rapidly expanding grocery network with local farmers and cooperatives.

“DALI can provide a ready market for our local farm products and potentially become a contract-growing partner for our farmers. This can help give them more stable markets, encourage them to produce more, and ultimately raise their incomes,” Tiu Laurel said.

The meeting highlighted DALI’s potential as a major private-sector buyer as the retailer expands its footprint nationwide. The company reported having 1,403 stores serving more than 10 million customers a month and opening roughly one store a day.

DALI is targeting 1,600 stores by the end of 2026 and has mapped an expansion program toward 16,000 stores by 2035.

DALI, which follows a neighborhood-store model focused on basic necessities and a limited assortment, said it wants to maximize the farm-to-customer supply chain. Its first major agricultural sourcing initiative involved potatoes, with the company seeking to support farmers while developing direct supply relationships.

The retailer is also looking for reliable cooperatives and farmer groups that can supply highland and, increasingly, lowland vegetables.

Icasas said DALI is considering warehouses near Benguet and Pangasinan, allowing produce to be consolidated closer to farms before being shipped to its Metro Manila stores.