PH coconut products earn PHP 475M at Milan food fair

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The Philippines generated over PHP 475 million (USD 8.13 million) in confirmed and potential coconut-based product sales during its debut at TuttoFood Milano, one of Europe’s premier international agrifood exhibitions.

Coconut products—including virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, beverages, and specialty food items—accounted for PHP 131.5 million (USD 2.25 million) of the total sales, underscoring the rising global demand for high-quality, sustainable coconut offerings from the Philippines.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the country’s strong performance in Milan reflects its growing capacity to supply premium agrifood exports to international markets.

“Our first successful participation at TuttoFood Milano clearly demonstrates how Filipino exporters can seize global opportunities,” Roque said.

“By providing the right platform, we empower them to connect with international buyers, gain critical market insights, and secure immediate and long-term export deals, thereby elevating the Philippines’ reputation as a reliable source of high-quality, sustainable food products,” she added.

Beyond sales, the mission generated 102 new business leads and initiated promising investment and technical partnership talks, with three exhibitors currently in advanced negotiations with potential buyers and distributors across Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia.

In preparation for the trade show, nine Philippine companies received pre-event export coaching and on-site mentoring to sharpen their strategies and align with European market expectations.

They also joined forums focused on trendspotting, sustainability standards, and regional regulatory compliance, helping businesses adapt to the evolving preferences of European consumers.

“It has provided valuable insights that will shape our future strategy—from refining our product offering and enhancing our packaging to adopting more sustainable and efficient ways of working,” said Maureen Pasciolco, an executive of Pasciolco Agri Ventures.

For Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corp., the Milan event opened doors to wider markets and collaborations.

“The experience has not only enhanced our knowledge and expertise but also opened up new avenues for growth and collaboration,” said company representative Allison Jean Bautista.

The Philippine delegation was led by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Paris, the International Trade Centre’s ARISE Plus Philippines Project, and the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Participating exporters included Bahaghari Global Good Inc., Cattleya & Rose Gourmet Foods Trading, Fruits of Life Inc., Good Sense Food and Juices Corp., Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corp., Soyuz Foods International Inc., Wellnesscare Int’l Corp., Pasciolco Agri Ventures, and Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corp.

The Philippines’ strong showing at TuttoFood Milano builds on a wider national effort to promote inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive agricultural exports.