LAOAG CITY— A dragon fruit producer and processor in Ilocos Norte province is on a technological mission to Bangkok, Thailand to share their best practices and learn from others.
Bringing in the latest innovations from the REFMAD Farm’s processed dragon fruit products, such as energy tea, coffee, powdered dragon fruit juice, wine, cookies and pastries, Edita Dacuycuy, owner of the largest dragon fruit plantation in Paayas village, Burgos, Ilocos Norte joined the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) processed fruits and nuts cluster to represent the Philippines in the mission to Thailand on December 11-16.
Dacuycuy said REFMAD Farms is grateful to join the techno mission as it gives micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) the opportunity to further improve their products, particularly the latest technologies and packaging trends, as well as the best practices of other countries in fruit post-harvest handling and processing.
Tasked to help MSMEs in the development and promotion of national processed fruits and nuts industry in the country, Regional Director Florante Leal of DTI-Region 10 organized this latest mission trip to pursue the development of quality-driven and reliable supply of processed fruits and nuts for a sustainable value chain.
Participated by 16 regions in the country, the DTI looks forward to visit and learn about food processing equipment or the so-called individual quick freezing technology in Thailand, firms of processed banana, mango, pineapple and nuts, business incubation centers initiated by private companies or government, including other firms specializing in packaging solutions.
Interestingly, Thailand’s dragon fruit has inspired Dacuycuy to plant it in her backyard in 2005.
From a small pocket garden, the multi-awarded REFMAD Farms is now a world leader in terms of developing value-adding products for the exotic dragon fruit plant.
As part of its community involvement and mission, the Dacuycuy family keeps on sharing its latest technology breakthroughs to interested farmer-entrepreneurs here and abroad. (PNA)
