BUSINESS to Business (B2B) meetings and Farmers to Business (F2B) meetings are two important sessions that will be held during the CocoLink 2017 2nd Coconut Industry International Conference and Expo on November 7 to 9, 2017 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
Migdonio Clamor Jr. executive director of Davao Region Coconut Industry Cluster Inc. (DRCICI) said at the sidelines of the conference the organizing of a B2B where local coconut processors and manufacturers will meet with international buyers to discuss trading in the light of the demand of coconut products abroad.
The B2B meetings will be facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Export Marketing Bureau (EMB).
Clamor said DTI and EMB will help find market for the local coconut products during the interaction with international buyers.
Also, Clamor said this year's CocoLink international conference will bring in supermarket operators that could be the potential market of coconut products that cannot get into the international market.
In the F2B meetings, international experts including those from Thailand will conduct discussions on how the coconut farmers can become more productive through inter cropping farming mechanisms. To improve yields, experts will also share inputs on proper application of fertilizers such as salt and vermicast. The farmers will also be taught on pest management, Clamor said.
Coco sugar, coco water and juice, coco vinegar, coco coir, and oils, like the famous virgin coconut oil (VCO), are among the popular coconut products that have been gaining demand in the foreign market.
DRCICI is optimistic this year's CocoLink is expected to gather more participants due to the success of last year's event where farmers, manufacturers, and processors gained insights on higher production of coconuts and more export markets.
This year’s conference is centered on the theme "Expanding Possibilities, Ensuring Productivity, Sustaining Industries." (PR)