The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) showcased the Philippines’ thriving coconut industry at the 2024 Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL), one of the world’s largest and most influential food trade shows in the world, held from October 19 to 23 at Paris Nord Villepinte, bringing together over 7,500 exhibitors and 285,000 industry professionals from 205 countries.

As part of the Philippine delegation under the European Union-funded ARISE Plus Philippines project, the PCA represented the Philippine coconut sector, working alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aimed to boost the global profile of Philippine coconut products, establish strategic trade partnerships, and strengthen export opportunities in the European market.

The ARISE Plus Philippines project is funded by the European Union, led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with the DTI as its implementing agency in the country, and involves key government agencies and private sector players. The country’s delegation showcased a range of high-quality coconut products, focusing on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and coconut flour. The Authority joined eight selected Philippine Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Coconut Philippines Pavilion, where they presented the products’ potential in the international market and explored new trade linkages with key European stakeholders.

PCA Administrator Dexter R. Buted led the delegation, joined by Deputy Administrator for Operations, Roel M. Rosales, and Ms. Lourdes Faith G. Matchoc of the Market Research and Promotions Division. Throughout the event, PCA and DTI were provided with information desks, respectively, to share insights and address concerns on the Philippine coconut industry, its growth, and export potential.

SIAL Paris, celebrating its 60th anniversary, continues to be a strategic hub for global food innovation, offering an unparalleled platform for industry leaders to exchange insights and explore solutions. The PCA’s presence underscored the Philippines’ role in the coconut sector, as the delegation engaged in a series of critical discussions. Among the highlights was a meeting with the Coconut Development Board (CDB) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India, where the agency explored avenues for collaboration in coconut research, market development, and export strategies. The meeting, attended by Philippine Agriculture Attaché Nolet Fulgencio, upheld the Authority’s intent to create a broader impact by leveraging international partnerships to boost the Philippine coconut industry.

Another key meeting with Ms. Ingrid Morvan of Agrinfo COLEAD, facilitated by Attaché Fulgencio, briefed the representatives on the current EU regulations, including MOSH/MOAH and EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance, which potentially affect coconut product exports to Europe. These exchanges are instrumental in aligning Philippine coconut exports with international standards, ensuring their readiness for the competitive European market.

During a courtesy call to Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever M. Mahilum-West at the Philippine Embassy in Paris, Administrator Buted and the delegation pressed on the PCA’s initiatives to drive coconut export performance and promote sustainable practices that align with European regulations.

With its active participation in SIAL Paris 2024, the Authority reflects its strategic focus on expanding the reach of Philippine coconut products and driving growth for the local coconut industry on a global scale.

The event served as a unique opportunity for the PCA to network with global peers, buyers, and distributors, all while addressing critical regulatory concerns and industry challenges. Through its continued engagement in such international platforms, the agency reinforces its commitment to helping Filipino coconut farmers access broader markets and elevate Philippine coconut products as key exports in the European food industry.