DTI trade fair to showcase sustainable coconut holiday gifts

MANDALUYONG CITY — Filipino coconut products will take center stage at the second edition of the 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, featuring COCONUTPhilippines, as the government promotes sustainable holiday shopping and expands market opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

The event will showcase a curated selection of coconut-based food and nonfood products from across the country, highlighting their potential as festive, sustainable gifts for the holiday season.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), in coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the trade fair will connect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) beneficiaries with urban consumers, retailers and commercial distributors.

The initiative aims to strengthen domestic market access for coconut producers while helping small businesses expand their customer base and explore opportunities in larger retail and export markets.

The second edition builds on the performance of the first National Trade Fair, which generated PHP 129.69 million in sales.

It also follows the success of the recent COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, which recorded PHP 309.58 million in sales.

Combined, the two events generated PHP 439.27 million in sales, reflecting the commercial potential of locally produced goods and the growing opportunities available to participating enterprises.

Building on these results, the upcoming fair seeks to stimulate domestic market growth, capitalize on holiday shopping demand and improve the export readiness of participating businesses.

The event will highlight the versatility and commercial potential of Philippine coconut products ahead of the peak holiday shopping season.

Visitors can explore a wide selection of festive delicacies, coconut sugar products, natural cosmetics, kitchenware, lifestyle decorations and specially curated corporate gift packages.

The product offerings will provide consumers and corporate buyers with locally made alternatives for personal gifts, holiday celebrations and business giveaways.

Participating enterprises will also have opportunities to strengthen their business capabilities through direct selling, interactive product pavilions, live culinary and wine-mixing demonstrations, and structured business-matching activities.

These activities will allow MSMEs and coconut industry beneficiaries to gather consumer feedback and refine their packaging, pricing and distribution strategies to meet the requirements of larger retail markets.

Business matching will also provide participating enterprises with opportunities to establish relationships with retailers, distributors and other potential commercial partners.

The trade fair will feature special attractions, including the COCO Bar Café, daily themed activities and educational business talks throughout the five-day event.

The activities aim to encourage consumer engagement while promoting greater awareness of the commercial applications and sustainability potential of coconut-based products.

Consumers, corporate buyers and industry representatives are invited to attend the 2026 National Trade Fair featuring COCONUTPhilippines from Oct. 21 to 25, 2026, at Megatrade Halls 1-3, fifth level, Mega B, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Admission is free, allowing visitors to explore local products, support Filipino coconut entrepreneurs or “cocopreneurs,” and purchase goods directly from participating producers and businesses.

The initiative forms part of the DTI’s continuing efforts to promote Filipino products, strengthen MSME competitiveness and expand market opportunities for enterprises involved in the country’s coconut industry.