AGUSAN DEL NORTE — Four Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Agusan del Norte and Butuan City are bringing the flavors and creativity of the local coconut industry to a wider market through the Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair 2026, held from September 10 to 13 at Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao City. Representing Agusan del Norte are Deseo Food Products, ARDA Integrated Farm, Libas Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, and Butuan Coconut Products, Inc. The event marks the inaugural Mindanao edition of the trade fair, gathering more than 100 coconut farmers, cooperatives, and micro enterprises from across the island to showcase innovative products and strengthen Mindanao's reputation as a major producer of quality coconut-based goods.
From Coconut Resources to Market-Ready Products
The Agusan del Norte exhibitors are showcasing a diverse range of products that demonstrate how the region's abundant coconut resources can be transformed into higher-value offerings. Visitors can discover coconut water, naturally infused flavored coconut water, virgin coconut oil (VCO), artisan handcrafted chocolates, and premium tableya, giving consumers and potential buyers a glimpse into the growing variety of products emerging from the local coconut industry. Deseo Food Products is featuring its handcrafted chocolates, while ARDA Integrated Farm is presenting premium tableya and chili sauce made with coconut oil. Butuan Coconut Products, Inc. is highlighting its virgin coconut oil, while Libas Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative is also showcasing its own coconut-based products. Beyond serving as a retail showcase, the fair gives participating enterprises an opportunity to introduce their products to new customers, connect with potential buyers, and establish relationships with industry partners.
Turning Coconut Farmers Into “Cocopreneurs”
The participation of the Agusan del Norte MSMEs is supported by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). The comprehensive program seeks to strengthen the coconut industry by connecting farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises to wider markets while encouraging value-added processing. Through initiatives such as the trade fair, DTI promotes the concept of “cocopreneurs” coconut farmers who can increase their income by transforming raw coconut resources into higher-value products rather than relying primarily on traditional copra and charcoal production. The event also features business-to-business matching sessions, creating opportunities for participating enterprises to explore potential orders, investment partnerships, and market-testing opportunities for emerging products. For Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, the trade fair provides more than a venue to sell local products. It places the region's coconut-based innovations before a broader market and demonstrates how local entrepreneurs can turn an agricultural resource into products with greater value, stronger market potential, and opportunities for sustainable business growth.
