Organic products have potential in Canada, say
ORGANIC products that provide good health benefits have a high potential for export in Canada, an official from the Embassy of Canada said.
According to Senior Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of Canada Crista McInnis, concerns about environmental impact on certain agricultural and industrial production practices, which includes all those involved in the entire supply chain, are becoming increasingly important for North American and Canadian consumers. There had been a certain segment of the market of these consumers because of the concern.
“There’s also always a bit of price sensitivity so that means you’re marketing to a certain segment of the market and not the entire market. But in Canada, we certainly see that segment of the market amongst retail as a whole is growing and so I think the prospect for that (VCO) are quite good especially that the product that you’re talking about – the virgin coconut oil is really appreciated in North America and in Canada for all of its health benefits as well,” McInnis said during the Philippines-Canada Trade Forum held at Marco Polo Hotel yesterday, October 26.
According to the Trade Map of the International Trade Center, coconuts are the third biggest commodity being exported to Canada from the Philippines in 2016 amounting to $13.9 million, contributing to 2.6 percent of the total shipment from Philippines to Canada.
Coconut/palm/babassu oil was at $12 million or about 2.3 percent of the entire export made from Philippines to Canada.
In other countries such as Japan, Korea, and some European countries, VCO had started to be exported primarily because of its health benefits. In South Korea, their thriving cosmetic industry caused the increased demand for VCO from the Philippines as well.
“You’re getting a triple play there – health benefits, organic, and fair trade. The prospects are good. I think it’s a matter of cooperating with the right buyers. I know that’s always a challenge and the Canadian Chamber and the embassy to support that. But in terms of the attractiveness of that product to North American buyers is really good,” said McInnis. JPA