THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) recently organized a Lakbay Aral, or exposure and learning trip, for Quezon coconut farmers to lambanog processing sites in Tayabas City.
Some 20 farmers from the municipalities of Catanauan, Lopez, Candelaria and Sariaya participated in the activity “to improve the farmers’ skills and knowledge in value-addition, specifically in lambanog production,” according to Searca.
The initiative is under the project titled “Development of Coconut Industry Growth Areas in the Province of Quezon.”
The farmers learned about the different stages of lambanog production, such as fermentation, distillation and packaging. They also interacted with industry experts to gain insights on sustainable and profitable practices in lambanog production.
Searca said the initiative highlights the center’s commitment “to supporting farmers by introducing them to innovative agricultural practices and market opportunities, fostering the growth of the coconut industry in the province.”
One of the sites visited was the Mallari Distillery where participants were given a guided tour of the facilities.
The farmers also learned about the technical aspects of production and were introduced to the rich history of the Mallari Distillery, one of the region’s oldest and most renowned lambanog producers.
Gaining insights into the origins of Mallari Distillery, its journey toward becoming a successful enterprise and the strategies employed to sustain operations and maintain product quality over the years, their visit also provided technical knowledge and inspired them to explore entrepreneurial ventures.
The visit also emphasized the potential for success in the coconut industry through innovation, dedication and adherence to high standards.
At the Mallari Distillery shop, the farmers also explored a variety of lambanog products, including both traditional and flavored variants, and other product offerings. They also gained insights into the innovative approaches used to diversify and enhance the appeal of lambanog.
Beyond sampling flavored lambanog, participants explored branding and marketing strategies focusing on effective promotion techniques, packaging design, brand positioning and digital platform utilization.
Another site visited was the Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., where participants had the opportunity to observe the production process of lambanog and the company’s innovative technologies using cost-effective yet equally durable materials compared to traditional options.
A relatively new enterprise, Greenlife also shared insights into its journey in lambanog production and how it has successfully kept pace with established industry players, underscoring its continuous efforts “to develop innovative and competitive products that meet the demands of the modern market.”
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