PH coconut exporters gain USD 1.72M orders in Japan

Philippine coconut exporters secured USD 1.72 million in total sales at FABEX Kansai 2025, generating immediate orders and long-term leads in Japan’s growing food and wellness sector.

The delegation’s success reflects strong demand for plant-based and natural coconut products, reinforcing the country’s foothold in a high-value export market.

The Philippine Pavilion, opened by PTIC-Osaka Commercial Counsellor Michael Alfred V. Ignacio and Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio, served as the primary venue for showcasing 25 exporters of plant-based beverages, natural sweeteners, specialty oils, and other coconut-based ingredients.

These offerings catered to Japanese consumers’ increasing preference for healthier, plant-forward products.

The participation was led by PTIC-Osaka and the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), with support from DTI Laguna and Region IV-A under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

This plan assists coconut farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing strategic global markets.

Prior to the event, the Philippine delegation conducted market scoping and retail scans to analyze pricing strategies, packaging styles, consumer preferences, and competitor benchmarks.

A key visit to Cocowell’s Sari-Sari Store provided deeper insights into Japan’s wellness-oriented retail space and the positioning of Philippine coconut products.

“FABEX Kansai 2025 showcased not only our exporters’ competitiveness but also Japan’s confidence in the Philippine coconut supply and innovation,” said Commercial Counsellor Ignacio.

“These results strengthen our long-term positioning in the Japanese market and open new opportunities for sustainable commercial growth,” he added.

Consul General Mauricio praised the delegation’s performance and product quality, stating, “We are committed to further enhancing these partnerships to create lasting, mutually beneficial economic opportunities.”

According to the DTI, FABEX Kansai drew more than 30,800 visitors, with the Philippine delegation’s results contributing to the agency’s broader mission of empowering regional MSMEs, enhancing export resilience, and achieving higher returns for agricultural producers.