Think You Know Coconut? Discover 5 Ideas That May Surprise You

The humble coconut is one of the most familiar agricultural staples in the country, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it today is nothing short of revolutionary. A college feasibility study has evolved into a thriving Gen Z-run plant milk brand. Surplus coconut shells, once discarded as agricultural waste, are being handcrafted into artisanal fashion accessories while supporting over 100 rural livelihoods. Meanwhile, visionary food scientists and producers are crafting dozens of distinct commercial items by finding value in virtually every single fragment of the fruit.

These inspiring founder stories represent just a fraction of what awaits visitors at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026, currently taking place at the SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30.

Mounted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), and supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the national trade showcase gathers roughly 300 coconut micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under one roof. In strategic collaboration with SM Supermalls through its SM for MSMEs initiative, the event gives homegrown innovators an expansive platform to access broader retail markets, gain consumer visibility, and connect with global buyers.

“Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, buyers, shoppers, and partners together at SMX as we celebrate National Coconut Week,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the opening ceremonies.

Here are five groundbreaking discoveries showcasing how local entrepreneurs are reimagining the future of the coconut industry:

1. One Coconut, Endless Possibilities

For Elmer Marbello, General Manager of Marbello’s Processed Foods Manufacturing, versatility is the core of his business strategy. Marbello has formulated roughly 40 distinct products derived from coconut remnants, including therapeutic liniments and savory coconut-based bagoong (fermented paste).

“I really love developing products,” Marbello shared in Filipino. “I have created around 40 items. Every single part of the coconut is utilized... It truly is the tree of life.”

Similarly, Adrian Ramilo of Ayanas is challenging consumer expectations with premium coconut wine—a refined take distinct from traditional tuba. “It’s delicious, and more importantly, the demand generated at trade fairs creates direct employment in our local community,” Ramilo noted.

2. Gen Z Elevating School Projects into Scalable Brands

For the team behind Dehusk, enterprise began in a university classroom as a college feasibility study. Motivated by lactose intolerance and a desire to address local coconut surpluses, these young founders developed a ready-to-drink coconut milk beverage positioned specifically as a dairy-free milk alternative rather than a traditional cooking ingredient.

“We are immensely proud to offer a locally produced plant milk alternative made specifically for drinking,” said Chloe De Ocampo, Marketing Lead of Dehusk. “Our enterprise is proudly operated by Generation Z, demonstrating how youth-led innovation can solve personal needs using local resources.”

3. Transforming Byproducts into Livelihoods

Where others saw waste, Virna Morales of Venice Rose Integrated Farms and Johnalyn Lamprea of Lampre’s Integrated Farm saw an opportunity. The partners upcycle discarded coconut shells into handcrafted handbags, piggy banks (alkansya), and functional home decor.

“We believe nothing from the coconut should go to waste,” explained Morales, a nurse who returned to her family's agricultural roots. “In our very first year, this venture is already helping provide sustainable livelihoods to more than 100 workers.” Through market linkages provided by DTI Iloilo, their debut at SMX expands their reach to potential commercial buyers nationwide.

4. Mentorship Bridging Skill Gaps and Growth

Juvy Crusina of Crusina’s Handicrafts in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, launched her entrepreneurial career after learning raw material crafting through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME program. Moving from a local cooperative member to a sole proprietor in 2024, her trajectory accelerated after participating in national trade expos.

“The exposure from DTI trade fairs generated so many orders that it transformed our capacity,” Crusina shared. “Now, participating in our first COCONUTPhilippines Fair at SMX, I am excited to connect with an even broader customer base.”

5. Strategic Public-Private Partnerships

Behind these individual successes lies a national strategy: turning promising micro-enterprises into sustainable, job-creating commercial brands. While government agencies foster enterprise development and agricultural capabilities, private sector partners like SM Supermalls supply the critical retail distribution network.

Highlighting this synergy during the launch, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque stated: “Our primary challenge is turning good ideas into lasting, sustainable businesses that provide steady income for our farmers and jobs for our workforce. Through unified coordination between the private sector and government, we can create more market 'superstars.'”

Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing at SM Supermalls, reaffirmed the mall operator’s commitment: “Some of the most exciting Filipino brands begin with a simple idea and an ambitious entrepreneur. Through our long-standing partnership with DTI, we bring these concepts closer to high-traffic retail environments where MSMEs can be discovered, build networks, and scale.”

Experience the Future of Local Ingenuity

From functional health products to zero-waste fashion, the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026 highlights the vast potential rooted in the nation’s primary agricultural crop.

Shoppers, institutional buyers, and industry stakeholders are invited to meet the founders, experience local innovation firsthand, and support homegrown businesses.

The fair runs through August 30, 2026, at Function Halls 1 and 2, SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. Admission is FREE to the public.