Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) with assistance from Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Berlin recently attended the Oils + Fats 2017 event held in Munich to promote Philippine Coconut products to the European Union (EU).

According to PTIC Berlin Commercial Counsellor Althea Antonio, the visit to Germany by Philippine officials included meetings with senior executives of various organizations such as Coconut Business GmbH, Dr. Georg GmbH, and the Association of Oilseed Crushing & Oil Refining Industry in Germany (OVID).

The Philippines is the number one supplier of coconut oil to Germany according to OVID. However, Philippine exporters face hurdles such as mineral oil content and EU regulations. To this end, collaborative efforts are to be undertaken by the PCA, DTI through PTIC-Berlin, and other relevant agencies in the aspect of information-sharing.

Currently, the PCA is also looking into measures on how to increase the volume of exports through re-planting programs and consolidation of production by small coconut farmers to supply big volume orders from international buyers.

PCA officials who recently visited Germany last 11-18 September for the mission include PCA Administrator Romulo de la Rosa, Director Alan Tanjuakio, and Director Roque Quimpan.

In photo: 2nd Row from left to right – TA Van Randolf Tan, Vice Consul Alvin Malasig, Consul Catherine Torres, Minister & Consul General Donna Rodriguez, TA Malou Tana, TSO Althea Antonio, Minister & Consul Adrian Cruz, TA Ricardo Rosales. 1st Row from left to right – Director Roque Quimpan, Admin Romulo de la Rosa, Ambassador Melita Sta. Maria Thomeczek, Director Alan Tanjuakio.