TO boost the pineapple industry in Isabela, the Department of Trade and Industry-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (DTI-CARP) office led a workshop for the Caviteño Isabelino Multipurpose Cooperative (Caisa MPC).
In partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the activity was held in Barangay Magleticia in the town of Echague on Oct. 30 that brought together 17 officers and processors from Caisa MPC “to focus on refining their pineapple products, including dried pineapple, candy and jam.”
The activity emphasized improving quality, color, texture and shelf life “to better align these products with consumer preferences and meet the standards set by institutional buyers, ultimately expanding market access for local producers,” said chef Cornelio “Cocoy” Ventura III, Santiago City special operations officer.
Known for his expertise in culinary innovation, Ventura led the training, shared techniques for product enhancement and introduced the participants to new possibilities in pineapple-based products.
He noted that through product development demonstrations, participants learned to make unique items like pineapple kimchi, pineapple ketchup, pineapple hopia and pineapple candy coated with sesame seeds.
According to the DTI, the introduction to creative variations demonstrated how pineapple can be a versatile ingredient, enhancing the appeal of their product line.
It added that the training also focused on how to incorporate pineapple-based ingredients like ketchup, jam and kimchi into dishes, offering participants valuable insights into the broader culinary uses of pineapple.
During the training, the DTI said Ventura emphasized the potential of these products “to appeal to diverse consumer tastes, particularly as unique, locally made items with health-conscious ingredients.”
“This broader approach not only enhanced participants’ skills but also provided them with a new perspective on product diversification,” the DTI added.
Together with the DTI-CARP and DAR, members of the Caisa MPC said that through this product enhancement activity, they are committed to “producing safe, healthy and high-quality products for the public.”
“Through targeted initiatives like these, the cooperative is poised to better serve their community, promote agricultural sustainability and contribute to the growth of Isabela’s local agribusiness sector,” the DTI said.
It said that the success of the program reinforces the cooperative’s role in “advancing the local economy and strengthens its potential for continued success in the pineapple industry.”
Be the first to comment