DAVAO — The Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair 2026 officially opened on September 10, 2026, at the Ayala Malls Abreeza Activity Center. The four-day event showcases coconut-based products from over 100 farmers, cooperatives, and micro enterprises across Mindanao, running until September 13.
A Celebration of Coconut Innovation
The trade fair carries the theme “Endless Opportunities of Coconut,” aiming to match industry players with a wider market. It is organized by the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry regional offices and the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism of BARMM.
Participants come from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The diverse representation reflects the coconut sector’s vital role in the region’s agricultural economy.
From Copra Farmers to Cocopreneurs
DTI Davao del Sur Provincial Director Maria Victoria Placer said the event aims to generate millions in combined cash, booked, and negotiated sales. More importantly, it seeks to transform traditional copra farmers into “cocopreneurs” who earn more by processing coconut into higher-value products.
Placer noted that many farmers are accustomed to producing only copra, charcoal, and coconut oil. The trade fair encourages them to explore new products like coconut water, which is increasingly recognized as a natural electrolyte. This shift adds value to their harvests and boosts household incomes.
Diverse Products on Display
The fair features both food and non-food products derived from coconut. Food items include coconut sugar, syrups, virgin coconut oil, and refreshing coconut water. Non-food offerings range from cosmetics and personal care products to fashion accessories and innovative home décor.
Live cooking demonstrations highlight coconut-based recipes and culinary applications. These interactive activities draw mall-goers and introduce them to the versatility of the coconut. For many MSMEs, the fair provides a direct platform to reach new customers and test market response.
Eyeing Export Markets
Placer said coconut products have strong growth potential in international markets, particularly in East Asia and the Middle East. She cited growing demand for coconut milk and coconut water in China, where many consumers seek plant-based dairy alternatives.
Citing information from Philippine consular officials, Placer noted that up to 80 percent of China’s population is lactose intolerant. This creates a potentially massive market for Philippine coconut processors. However, local enterprises must overcome significant barriers to entry.
Challenges Facing Coconut MSMEs
DTI-Davao said MSMEs continue to face high costs and operational challenges in entering foreign supply chains. Meeting Food and Drug Administration requirements can be expensive, with Certificate of Product Registration fees reaching tens of thousands of pesos per product.
Export-related certifications such as Halal accreditation can cost even more. Producers also face infrastructure constraints, including limited farm-to-market roads. Meeting the large container-volume requirements of overseas buyers remains a persistent hurdle for smaller enterprises.
Supporting Farmers Through CFIDP
To address these challenges, DTI works with 15 government and industry partners under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. TESDA provides technical training, while the National Dairy Authority helps farmers diversify income through intercropping and livestock production.
Farmers can add high-value crops like coffee and cacao to their coconut farms, creating additional income streams. After the Abreeza fair, DTI-Davao will bring regional coconut enterprises to the Davao Agri-Trade Expo and the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China.
