DAVAO — The Madayaw Coconut Philippines Trade Fair wrapped up a successful week at SM Lanang Premier on August 3, 2026, generating a total of ₱47.607 million in sales. The event connected 30 coconut farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) directly to consumers and commercial buyers.
A Bountiful Week at SM Lanang Premier
The fair, which ran from July 28 to August 3, transformed the mall atrium into a showcase of Davao Region’s coconut creativity. Shoppers browsed coconut sugar, virgin coconut oil, natural cosmetics, and artisanal handicrafts. Each product told a story of how local communities are transforming raw nuts into high‑value goods.
The Department of Trade and Industry Region 11 organized the event in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Cooperative Development Authority. Their goal was to create direct market linkages for coconut producers who often lack access to retail channels. The fair gave these small businesses a rare chance to stand alongside national brands and meet shoppers face‑to‑face.
Sales Beyond the Booth
Of the total ₱47.607 million, ₱45.24 million came from sales under negotiation through business‑to‑business matching sessions. DTI business advisors facilitated meetings between exhibitors and institutional buyers, opening doors to long‑term supply contracts. Another ₱2.37 million was generated from direct cash and booked sales at the fair itself.
The business matching component turned the fair into more than a weekend market. It became a serious trade platform where farmers’ cooperatives could secure purchase orders from hotels, restaurants, and export consolidators. These negotiated sales represent future income that will sustain communities long after the booths have been packed up.
Empowering Coconut Farmers and MSMEs
DTI 11 Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga emphasized that market access is essential. “Otherwise, we make a product, but there’s no market access, so it becomes nothing,” he said. The fair was designed to bridge that gap, helping producers move up the value chain from selling cheap raw materials to offering branded consumer goods.
Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut noted that expanding trade fairs enables coconut farmers to become “cocopreneurs.” By learning packaging, pricing, and customer engagement, they can capture more value from their harvests. The fair is part of a broader DTI strategy to use regional expos as engines of inclusive economic growth.
A National Industry with Global Reach
The event aligns with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, a national program that modernizes the sector. The Philippines remains the world’s second‑largest coconut producer, and coconut product exports reached $3.6 billion in 2025. Davao Region, with its rich agricultural base, plays a key role in that global supply chain.
Looking Ahead
DTI 11 plans to make the Madayaw Coconut Trade Fair a signature annual event. Organizers believe consistent market exposure will strengthen the region’s reputation as a source of world‑class coconut products. For the 30 participating groups, the fair was not just a sales opportunity—it was a stepping stone toward sustainable livelihoods.
