China opens its doors to Philippine coconuts

China, the world’s largest market is now starting to open its doors to Philippine coconut products particularly fresh young coconut or buko.

This came after complying with the export protocol of the Chinese government which allows entry of Philippine coconuts from the Mindanao and Leyte province.

A Davao-based company, Eng Seng Food Products in coordination with the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11) and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) will ship 48 tons or 36,000 pieces of aromatic coconuts to Guangzhou and Xiamen, China this week.

“The shipment was made possible after the signing of a contract with a China-based company, the China Artex Corporation Fujian Company,” said Eng Seng Food Products President John Tan.

In April this year, President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the contract signing between the two parties during the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China stating of a one-year supply of 64.5M metric tons of young coconuts.

Tan said Filipino farmers could expand their aromatic variety coconuts as there is a huge market in China due to its distinct taste and aroma.

“We want to target 60 containers weekly but due to lack of supply, we decreased it to only 15 containers,” Tan said, adding that DA-11 will help in linking coconut farmers that want to sell their coconuts so he can meet the demand of the China market.

He is also interested in signing a long term marketing agreement with Filipino coconut farmers.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will also provide coconut seedlings and technical assistance to interested farmers. | via Feliz C. Lim, RAFIS11

Bong Onate George Culaste Department of Agriculture – Philippines