The five-day DTI trade fair brought together 300 coconut MSMEs and demonstrated how market development, technology, research, and business matching can help create higher-value opportunities across the coconut sector.
The Department of Trade and Industry’s 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generated PHP309.57 million in total sales, marking a significant increase from the PHP96.9 million recorded during the previous year’s event.
Held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, the five-day fair brought together 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises from across the Philippines. Last year’s edition featured 213 participating businesses, making this year’s result a substantial step up both in participation and commercial performance.
More value from the coconut industry
Participating cocopreneurs showcased a broad range of value-added products across food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, home and lifestyle, crafts, and sustainable non-food materials.
The breadth of products reflected how the coconut industry continues to move beyond traditional commodities into higher-value categories that respond to both consumer and commercial demand. For MSMEs, that diversification also creates more opportunities to enter retail, institutional, and export markets.
A whole-of-government approach
Held in conjunction with National Coconut Week, the fair brought together DTI’s market-development initiatives with programs led by the Philippine Coconut Authority and partner agencies under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
As the lead implementing agency, PCA coordinates programs aimed at strengthening the coconut sector and improving incomes in coconut farming communities. The broader CFIDP framework supports farmer assistance, cooperative development, research, technology adoption, product innovation, and enterprise building.
The fair provided a platform for these areas to connect with market development, allowing research and industry support to translate into products, business opportunities, and potential long-term demand.
Business matching creates new opportunities
A dedicated Buyers Lounge gave participating MSMEs the opportunity to meet directly with corporate and institutional buyers.
The business-matching component allowed enterprises to present product lines, discuss sourcing requirements, and explore longer-term partnerships beyond immediate retail sales. This strengthened the fair’s role not only as a consumer showcase, but also as a platform for building sustained market access.
CFIDP milestones highlighted
The opening activities also highlighted several CFIDP initiatives, including the release of the CFIDP Coffee Table Book, the 2022–2025 CFIDP Terminal Report, and the launch of the official CFIDP website.
These initiatives document key milestones, beneficiary stories, and industry programs while giving stakeholders greater access to information and resources related to coconut-sector development.
The 2026 results reinforce how trade promotion can work alongside farmer development, research, technology, and enterprise support to create higher-value opportunities throughout the coconut industry. More than simply providing product exposure, the fair connected coconut MSMEs with buyers, consumers, and government programs that can help support longer-term growth.