Paris, France—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) spearheaded the significant participation of eight Philippine micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) specializing in exporting premium coconut products at the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) Paris 2024 as part of the DTI-led project ARISE Plus Philippines.

Held from October 19 to 23, ARISE Plus Philippines provided the MSMEs the opportunity to join the international exhibition, which aimed to boost the Philippine coconut industry’s global reach by capturing international markets while fostering long-term business and investment opportunities.

ARISE Plus Philippines is a joint-project of the DTI with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, and the private sector. It is funded by the European Union (EU) with the International Trade Centre (ITC) as the technical agency for the project.

The DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque lauded the EU’s continued support in the development of Philippine MSME exporters, significantly enhancing their reach and market potential.

“Our nation takes pride in our world-class food products that can compete on the world stage. This collaboration provides our exporters the opportunity to connect with buyers and potential partners from both Europe and beyond, reflecting our alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that is progressive and globally competitive,” said the trade chief.

The participation was organized by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, the DTI-Philippine Trade and Investment Center Paris, the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority, and the ITC for MSMEs that specialize in exporting virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, and various processed coconut products.

One of the beneficiaries of the project, Mr. Arvin Kisig Lopez, CEO of Vegetari Vegetarian Products, shared his appreciation for the opportunity to join in SIAL Paris 2024 and the valuable experience of learning from industry veterans.

“This incredible experience has greatly helped us in shaping our company’s direction as we pursue the European market. Our special thanks goes to the ITC, DTI-EMB, and DA-CFIDP teams for considering us as part of the Philippine delegation!”

In preparation for the event, participating companies took part in capacity-building initiatives to ensure successful trade fair participation. These included training on promoting their companies and products, sourcing potential buyers, and optimizing their engagement during the exhibition.

SIAL Paris 2024 is a major food and beverage exhibition that attracted thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the globe. The Philippine’s participation aligns closely with the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028 and the DTI’s priority Industry Clusters for promoting food security and boosting agricultural exports. ♦

Date of release: 29 November 2024

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