Philippines exports first shipment of young coconuts to Liberia

The Philippines has completed its first shipment of young coconuts to West Africa, sending two 40-foot refrigerated containers to Monrovia, Liberia. The shipment, organized by Davao City-based Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc., consisted of 32,000 whole green young coconuts weighing approximately 50 metric tons. The total free-on-board value of the cargo is estimated at US$22,400.

While the shipment serves a humanitarian purpose—intended for donation to rural Liberian communities to support feeding programs—the Philippine Department of Agriculture views it as a strategic move to open new international markets. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the initiative aims to diversify export destinations and create more opportunities for Filipino coconut farmers and exporters.

The logistics were facilitated through Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, with shipping services provided by CMA CGM using Smart Reefer Container technology to preserve produce quality during transit.