BANGKOK, THAILAND — The participation of Philippine coconut exporters in THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2023 generated a total of USD 6.90 million in initial export sales during the five-day trade exhibition held on 21-27 May 2023 at Impact Muang Thong Thani Bangkok, Thailand.
The Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in coordination with Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Bangkok and Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (PHILFOODEX) organized the participation under the Coconut Philippines Pavilion.
The initiative is part of the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) and the ARISE Plus Philippines project.
“The Philippines participation in THAIFEX-Anuga Asia served as a gateway to expanding horizons and enhancing the nation’s standing as a dependable and premium source of coconut products. Through the support of ITC, under its ARISE Plus Philippines Project, Philippine coconut exporters were able to showcase its high-value coconut products. DTI-EMB and ITC will also work together for the Anuga Germany participation in October 2023. Aside from support to trade fair participation, the assistance also includes capacity building initiatives which aim to enable our exporters to better seize market access opportunities and facilitate business linkages with international markets, particularly in the EU”, Trade Promotion Group (TPG) Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Secretary Glenn G. Peñaranda said.
Nine (9) coconut exporters and two (2) industry associations showcased their high-value coconut products. The participating companies were AG Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing Corp., Amazing Foods Corp., Amparitas Food Products Manufacturing, Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corporation, Dignity Products & Services Inc., Pasciolco Agri Ventures, Wellness Care International Corporation, Vegetari Vegetarian Products. Representatives from industry associations namely Virgin Coconut Oil Producers and Traders Association of the Philippines, Inc. (VCOP) and United Coconut Association of the Philippines, Inc. (UCAP) were also present in the fair.
As one of the premier international trade shows in Asia, the THAIFEX participation has been considered a substantial platform for establishing linkages and increasing the understanding of exhibitors on the demands, and distribution routes that will impact the coconut industry. It also has provided a brand-new perspective on the future of Asia’s food and beverage trends that businesses should look ahead.
The exhibitors emphasized that the participation was not just about showcasing the products and services but also about unlocking a world of international insights and opportunities as it provided quality buyers and potential leads for them.
During the pavilion’s opening ceremony, Ambassador Millicent Paredes reminded the exhibitors to continue to ignite their passion for more opportunities to grow their businesses, for the economy, and the country.
Aside from participating in the expo, the delegation conducted market scanning and store visits in Talaad Thai, the largest wholesale market for the trade of agricultural goods in the ASEAN region and the Big C Supercenter, which is one of the biggest supermarket chains in Thailand.
THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2023 is strategically positioned near the Indochina region, cementing its reputation as one of the most significant F&B trade events in Asia. In 2022, Thailand ranked 8th largest trading partner of the Philippines, 6th export market, and 7th import supplier. *
Date of release: 27 June 2023