In the mid-2000s, a two-hectare plot of land in Panabo, Davao del Norte faced a common challenge: depleted soil fertility due to years of chemical use.
Betty and Ervin More, a couple passionate about sustainable agriculture, saw this as an opportunity. They embarked on a journey to revitalize the land using organic farming practices.
Their approach involved crop diversification, integrating livestock for natural inputs and employing organic methods.
This not only restored the land’s health but also boosted production and income within two years. Their success story inspired a wave of organic farming practices in neighboring farms, demonstrating the viability of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Market demand
However, the agricultural sector was subject to fluctuating market forces. In 2008, a drop in coconut prices forced the Mores to adapt. Recognizing the growing health-conscious consumer trend, they ventured into coconut sugar production.
Funded by personal savings and with guidance from the government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they established a dedicated production facility within their farm.
Healthy Sweets Mindanao Corp. does not only produce healthy sweeteners, but it also creates a positive social impact throughout the community.
The company employed local women in the processing, providing them with a steady income source. It purchased coconut sap from neighboring farms, ensuring fairer prices for local producers and fostering a sense of community within the agricultural sector.
Realizing how labor-intensive the initial phase was, Healthy Sweets implemented a semi-mechanized system that maintained product quality while prioritizing the well-being of their female workforce.
In 2011, the company diversified its offerings with coco-sugar-based candies and teas. By 2016, the company officially transformed into a corporation.
Global market
Export opportunities opened doors in 2014, prompting an expansion of their production facility. Their dedication to quality and continuous improvement impressed a Japanese buyer, leading to their first international export.
Soon after, Healthy Sweets began exporting to the European Union (EU) by leveraging the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), a trade agreement offering preferential tariffs for developing countries.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) played a crucial role in their export success. The DTI’s support through business matching programs and participation in national and international trade fairs provided Healthy Sweets with valuable connections and exposure to potential buyers on a global scale.
New opportunities
The recent extension of the GSP+ scheme has revitalized their efforts to expand their reach within the European market. Moreover, Healthy Sweets benefited from the EU-funded ARISE Plus Philippines project.
The EU program provided tailored coaching sessions focusing on quality control, further strengthening their export capabilities. This support ensures the consistent production of safe and high-quality products for both local and international markets. It has also helped the company refine its documentation and production manuals, streamlining export processes.
The company’s model serves as an inspiration for other agricultural enterprises seeking to navigate a changing market landscape while prioritizing social and environmental well-being.