THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Philippine coconut sector during the 1st Coconut Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair here on Thursday, September 10.

Mindanao was lauded as the major producer of coconuts, with Davao Region at the top of the heap.

Speaking at the event, Leonila T. Baluyut, DTI assistant secretary for regional operations group, reported surging trade fair revenues and expanding international market exposure for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We recognize the coconut farmers and cocopreneurs whose resilience, innovation, and hard work continue to drive our coconut industry. They drive it forward, create economic opportunities, and inspire progress within their communities,” Baluyut said.

According to data presented, domestic trade fair initiatives under the “Coconut Philippines” national brand have shown exponential revenue growth since it was launched in 2024.

In 2024, it supported 100 MSMEs, generating P2.13 million in total sales. In 2025, it assisted 210 MSMEs, with total sales surging to P98.72 million.

Meanwhile, the 2026 edition expanded support to 295 MSMEs, driving total sales to P309.56 million.

Beyond domestic fairs, the DTI Export Marketing Bureau has promoted the Coconut Philippines brand across 18 major international marketing events since 2022.

The global engagements include Gulfood in Dubai, the China International Import Expo, Thaifex Anuga Asia generated ₱28.16 billion in cash and booked sales for local MSMEs over the past four years.

The DTI also announced that 28 Philippine coconut companies, supported by the DTI Regional Operations, the Export Marketing Bureau, and CITEM, will participate in the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China, from Sept. 17 to 21.

“Our goal is not simply global recognition. We want our cocopreneurs to find buyers, expand businesses, earn more, and create more jobs. Many successful exporters started as micro-small,” she said. 

The agency underscored the economic importance of the industry, noting that coconuts are cultivated in 69 out of 82 Philippine provinces.

The country has 3.67 million hectares of arable land, supporting over 2.74 million farmers.

Production figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority stand at 14.5 million metric tons where Davao Region leading as the country’s top coconut producer, generating 1.9 million metric tons (13.7% of national output).

Davao Region is followed by Northern Mindanao at 1.8 million metric tons (12.6%), and the Zamboanga Peninsula at 1.7 million metric tons (12.3% share).

Philippine coconut exports also reached $3.6 billion in 2025, playing a major role in the country’s record $84.48 billion total export revenues for the year.

“Our goal is simple: to ensure that the value created throughout the coconut value chain is shared by those who nurture it from the very beginning. Ultimately, a stronger coconut industry must mean a better future for the coconut farmers,” Baluyut said.

The agency’s push into international markets builds on its mandate under Republic Act No. 11524, or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act, which tasks the DTI with providing market research, market assistance, and market promotion for the coconut sector.