A COMPANY exporting organic coconut products is sending a trial shipment of young coconut to China soon to meet growing demand, estimated at up to 300 40-foot containers monthly, according to the Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) regional office.
The regional office’s marketing assistance team recently facilitated a meeting between a group of Chinese buyers and Cocowild Philippines, Inc. for the supply of young coconut, which is the source of fresh coconut water.
Cocowild representative Geralyn M. Hobrero said the company, based in Polomolok, South Cotabato, currently has two satellite facilities that can package young coconut at a volume of up to 18 container vans.
Ms. Hobrero said with the trial shipment, the company is seeking to verify whether it can comply with Chinese entry standards and the buyer’s quality requirements.
Apart from young coconut, the company also exports coconut sugar, coco syrup, and honey-cured vinegar.
Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said the DA agency is ready to provide further assistance to strengthen market linkages.
In 2019, Davao-based Eng Seng Food Products started exporting fresh young coconut to China, but could not meet the volume demand.
Davao Region was the third-biggest coconut producer in the country, according to September quarter data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. The top producing region was Calabarzon, followed by Northern Mindanao. — Marifi S. Jara
