Philippine coconut exporters secured an estimated USD 1.72 million in direct sales and generated significant new leads for long-term supply deals at the recent FABEX Kansai 2025 trade exhibition, bolstering the country’s position in Japan’s high-value food and wellness market.
The immediate orders and promising negotiations underscore the rising Japanese demand for healthier, plant-based products and highlight the growing competitiveness of Philippine coconut derivatives. The delegation’s participation was organized by the Philippine Trade Investment Center (PTIC) in Osaka and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB).
Held at the Philippine Pavilion, the delegation of 25 exporters showcased a range of coconut-based products, including plant-based beverages, natural sweeteners, and specialty oils. The pavilion was inaugurated by PTIC-Osaka Commercial Counsellor Michael Alfred V. Ignacio and Consul General Voltaire D. Mauricio.
“FABEX Kansai 2025 showcased not only our exporters’ competitiveness but also Japan’s confidence in the Philippine coconut supply and innovation,” Commercial Counsellor Ignacio stated. “These results strengthen our long-term positioning and open new opportunities for sustainable commercial growth.”
The participation received support from DTI Laguna and Region IV-A through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), a program designed to integrate coconut farmers and MSMEs into strategic export markets.
Prior to the exhibition, the delegation engaged in intensive market preparation, including retail scans and a visit to the Cocowell’s Sari-Sari Store in Tokyo to analyze pricing, packaging, and consumer trends within Japan’s wellness retail sector.
Consul General Mauricio emphasized the broader significance of the delegation’s performance. “This highlights the world-class quality of Philippine coconut products and the readiness of our MSMEs to serve demanding international markets. We are committed to further enhancing these partnerships,” he said.
Drawing over 30,800 visitors, FABEX Kansai provided a critical platform for the Philippine coconut sector. The DTI noted that the successful outing aligns with national efforts to grow regional MSMEs, build export resilience, and secure higher value for agricultural products in advanced markets like Japan.#
