CAVITE - The 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is now open at the SMX Convention Center Manila, running until August 30, 2026, and featuring around 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country showcasing innovative coconut-based products . Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), this free-admission event goes beyond traditional coconut products to highlight the incredible versatility of the "Tree of Life".
From Farm to Market: The Rise of "Cocopreneurs"
The five-day gathering puts the full, untapped potential of the coconut on center stage, featuring food, wellness, personal care, furniture, fashion, and sustainable materials . The fair reflects the industry's growing focus on moving beyond raw and traditional coconut products, showcasing how Filipino entrepreneurs are transforming the country's most iconic agricultural resource into higher-value businesses .
The event forms part of the 40th National Coconut Week, observed annually under Presidential Proclamation No. 142, which highlights the contribution of the coconut sector to livelihoods and the broader economy . "The coconut industry has been blooming for the past several years, and it's high time that we did something for our coconut farmers to improve their lifestyle and the sustainability of their income," said Elmer Castillejo, Science Research Specialist at the PCA Albay Research Center .
Boosting MSMEs and Driving Export Growth
DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bau announced during the opening that the agency is targeting over PHP1 billion in sales from national trade fairs this year, up from about PHP700 million in 2025 . The Coconut Philippines Trade Fair is a key part of this strategy, helping MSMEs secure orders, find institutional buyers, and establish new market partnerships .
The sector's strong performance supports this ambition. Coconut exports surged by 34.4% to $3.6 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly 50% of the country's total agro-based exports . DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized this momentum, stating, "The world already knows the exceptional quality of Philippine coconut products. Now, we must create more Filipino success stories that will bring better lives to our farmers and uplift communities nationwide" .
What to Expect and How to Visit
Visitors can explore a diverse array of products spanning multiple categories:
Food and Beverages: Innovative culinary delights, health drinks, and gourmet ingredients
Wellness and Beauty: Nourishing skincare, organic cosmetics, and therapeutic personal care essentials
Home and Lifestyle: Eco-friendly furnishings, sustainable decor, and functional daily goods
The fair also features Business Connect sessions for targeted business-matching between "cocopreneurs" and potential institutional buyers, along with business talks and cooking demonstrations covering product development, food applications, and market trends .
