Try GOLD - Free
Coco exports strengthened
Manila Bulletin
|July 25, 2025
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) is solidifying its dominance in the domestic food-grade coconut export industry with the acquisition of the Franklin Baker Group of Companies, hot on the heels of its recent stake in Axelum Resources Corp.
In a statement, MPAV said it anticipates entering into agreements for the acquisition of Franklin Baker, which was founded in 1921 and is one of the Philippines’ most established coconut processors, with manufacturing facilities in Laguna and Davao.
“The coconut is one of the Philippines’ most important and iconic crops—something we should be proud of,” said Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive company (CEO) of MPAV’s parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).
He added that, “With Franklin Baker and Axelum, we now have the opportunity to scale a globally competitive coconut platform—one that brings together world-class processing, longstanding customer relationships, and strong ties to our farming communities.
This story is from the July 25, 2025 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin
Manu Respall's sci-fi project aims for international stardom
A groundbreaking Filipino science-fiction epic is on the horizon, set to dazzle audiences and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's most spectacular fantasy blockbusters.
1 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
ICC Appeals Chamber upholds Duterte detention
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has upheld an earlier ruling keeping former president Rodrigo Duterte in detention, rejecting the appeal filed by his defense team.
1 min
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Modern matriarchs: The digital transformation of the provincial women
The shift from the rice terraces of Ifugao to the high-stakes world of machine learning is not a journey most would expect to take from a kitchen table.
4 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
View from the top
Women make an impact across industries throughout the year, but March puts a special spotlight on celebrating and recognizing their achievements.
2 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Staggered fuel price hike pushed
Kerosene may increase by P24.92, diesel by P19.62, gasoline by P10.43
4 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Finding her voice
Bianca Gonzalez-Intal on representation, responsibility, and creating spaces where women feel seen
3 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Redefining the skyline
Beyond gaining traction in representation, women leaders are fostering innovation and gender-inclusivity
3 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Lessons in heart, purpose, and empowerment
From embracing imperfection to championing equality, these inspiring women offer guidance for the next generation
3 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Twice on success, longevity
The only thing rarer than success in the global pop music industry is longevity.
4 mins
March 8, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Newly identified Philippine orchid at risk of extinction
A newly identified orchid species from the Sulu Archipelago has been placed under the Endangered Category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) by the authors of a recent scientific study, citing habitat destruction and past overcollection that have drastically reduced its population.
1 mins
March 8, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size