DTI vows support for coco industry’s export ventures

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) vowed to work closely with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to take advantage of global demands of coconut products abroad, particularly in South Korea.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez made this pronouncement during the recently concluded IFEX Digital Expo 2021 spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Lopez expressed support for the industry by ensuring that the various programs developed with the PCA on capacity building, research and standards, finance, marketing and leads generation, among others, are ready for farmers, manufacturers, and exporters to avail.

Jose Ma. “Jojie” Dinsay, Commercial Counsellor in Seoul, South Korea, said that the market opportunities for coconut products in Korea is huge.

In Dinsay’s presentation, he provided a brief background on the Philippine-South Korea trade relations, the common fruit-based products in the Korean market, imports like coconut derivatives, drivers for demand, challenges, and areas of improvement for exporters.

Held last September 23-25, 2021, IFEX Philippines  brought the salu-salo to the global stage through the IFEX Digital Expo 2021, the first digital iteration of the country’s banner sourcing event for Philippine food.

The three-day online event offered a multi-channel show experience, shining the spotlight on top and local food products, services, practices, and market opportunities, including the opportunity of coconut growers and other organic farmers to expand their market reach here and abroad.

The IFEX Digital Expo gathered over a thousand participants from 39 countries. Local and foreign buyers, exhibitors, government officials, event partners, media guests, and visitors were able to discover more about Philippine ingredients, learn valuable industry insights, and enjoy special artisanal sessions.

Over 200 foreign trade buyers were able to network and meet with Philippine food product manufacturers and distributors, experiencing firsthand how digital food sourcing works and how this can present strong advantages for early adopters in the market. 

A total of 141 business-to-business meetings were held during the 3-day event, with food buyers from Japan, USA/Canada, Australia, and Taiwan topping the list. B2B meetings were also facilitated by various Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in East Asia, China, and SARs immediately after the event.

“This culture of sharing, with food at the fore, is what guided us in shaping the theme for this year’s IFEX Digital Expo: salu-salo. Much like its namesake gathering and free flow of ideas at the dining table, the salu-salo concept for this year’s expo is an open call to join our community of farmers and producers, product developers, manufacturers, distributors, buyers, retailers, culinary professionals, storytellers, and foodies,” shares Pauline Suaco-Juan, Executive Director of CITEM.

The expo also featured organic farming efforts from Abanse Negrense, introducing Negros Occidental’s organic agriculture program, efforts in strengthening farming infrastructure, research and development, economic opportunities, environmental and farm tourism, public health and safety measures, and related practices.

Also featured were organic products such as muscovado, shade-grown coffee, and colored rice variants, as well as the concept of slow food and heritage ingredients from the region.

“As a united front, our community will work together to showcase Philippine food that nourishes and delights, sparks old memories and creates new ones, inspires innovation in the kitchen and beyond, and captivates the world’s taste buds. With initiatives such as this expo, CITEM will make sure that the work continues. While building this community, we will keep telling the world of the stories, the hard work, and the best ideas behind the signature flavors of the tropics, pandemic notwithstanding,” added Suaco-Juan.