By Tracy Cabrera
GenSan Chosen as Site for Planned Coconut Processing Facility Backed by China-Linked Firms
By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — A proposed coconut processing plant backed by Chinese and Philippine-affiliated companies is set to be established in General Santos City, following growing investment interest in the country’s agricultural sector.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the project involves Liwayway China, AGL Group, and Joyvio Freshcall, which aim to process coconuts into a wide range of value-added products for export to China using their existing distribution channels.
Liwayway Holdings Company Limited, the China-based division of the Liwayway Group behind the Oishi snack brand, operates across multiple Asian markets. Its partners include Joyvio Freshcall, a subsidiary of Beijing-based Joyvio Group, and AGL Group of Shanghai, a firm engaged in importing and distributing green coffee beans in China.
According to Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, the investment plan was presented during discussions between DTI officials and executives of the three firms held in Shanghai on May 23, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center.
Liwayway China chairman Larry Chan said the company conducted extensive site visits across the Philippines for over a year before selecting General Santos City as the preferred location for its first coconut processing facility.
Once built, the plant is expected to produce coconut-derived products for the Chinese market, potentially benefiting local coconut farmers and expanding export demand.
Company representatives Hans Ding and Andy Sy also said the group is considering additional Philippine crops—such as ube, pili nuts, and specialty coffee—for future product development aimed at the Chinese market.
Roque said the initiative aligns with government efforts to strengthen agricultural trade and deepen food-processing cooperation between Manila and Beijing, while opening more opportunities for Filipino farm exports.
ia/xf
