For more information, please contact the Event Manager:
Primetrade Asia, Inc.
Landline: +63 2 8896 0682
+63 929 799 2860
TIME: 10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. PRABHAT KUMAR
Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, GOI & Ex-National Coordinator of ICAR–National Agricultural Higher Education Project, was born on July 1, 1973, in Basti, Uttar Pradesh. He earned his B.Sc. from C.S.A. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, and completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Floriculture and Landscaping from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, and IARI New Delhi. Beginning his career as an Assistant Professor at G.B. Pant University in 2003, he later served as Associate Professor at HNBGU Srinagar, Senior Scientist, and eventually Principal Scientist at IARI. He has guided postgraduate and doctoral students, handled numerous research projects, and published over 75 research papers along with books, articles, and technical bulletins. He also contributed to the development of four floriculture varieties and established the Model Floriculture Centre at Pantnagar.
As National Coordinator, Dr. Kumar developed a Monitoring and Evaluation cell and facilitated the creation of 16 Centres for Advanced Agriculture Science and Technology (CAAST) in areas such as genomics, climate-smart agriculture, and digital agriculture. He has organized several national and international conferences, visited multiple countries in Europe and Asia, and remains an active life member of professional societies in horticulture and agriculture. For his outstanding contributions, he has been honored with various awards and fellowships by scientific societies.
TIME: 11:05 AM – 11:25 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Dexter R. Buted
Dr. Dexter R. Buted serves as the Administrator and CEO of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), where he leads national efforts to revitalize and modernize the coconut industry. A seasoned educator and public servant, Dr. Buted brings strategic leadership to PCA’s core programs, including massive planting and replanting initiatives, farmer support systems, and coconut-based innovation.
Under his stewardship, PCA has launched high-impact projects aligned with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), focusing on sustainability, value-adding, and global competitiveness. His administration champions collaboration across government, academia, and industry to uplift the livelihoods of over 2.8 million coconut farmers nationwide.
Dr. Buted is a vocal advocate for agricultural transformation, emphasizing research, infrastructure, and international market expansion. His leadership has been instrumental in positioning the Philippines as a global force in coconut production and export.
TIME: 11:25 AM – 11:45 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Mr. Gregory Bardies
Gregory Bardies is the Executive Director of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership, a global multi-stakeholder initiative advancing responsible coconut production and farmer livelihoods. He spearheaded the formation of the Partnership after co-founding the Sustainable Coconut Roundtable series, drawing from over 15 years of experience in commodity sourcing, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement across Asia and Europe.
Gregory’s career spans both the private and NGO sectors, including roles at WWF and Ecocert, giving him a unique perspective from field operations to corporate boardrooms. He holds a Master’s degree in Sustainability from Sorbonne University in Paris and a Geography degree from the University of Montreal.
A regular guest lecturer at universities and business schools, Gregory is known for his thought leadership in sustainable agriculture, supply chain transformation, and collaborative impact strategies.
TIME: 1:30 PM – 1:55 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: LEOW HUEY CHUEN
Leow Huey Chuen joined Glenauk Economics as an Advisor on July 1, 2024. Before this role, she spent 23 years with UOB Kay Hian Securities, the largest stock broking firm in Singapore under the UOB Group. As the Director of ASEAN Plantations, Huey Chuen led a team to analyze the financial and operational metrics of plantation companies listed on the Singapore Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, and Indonesia Stock Exchange. She also conducted in-depth research on the supply and demand of global oilseeds and vegetable oils.
Huey Chuen has been invited to share her insights on oilseeds and vegetable oils at various conferences in Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. She graduated with First Class Honours in Economics (majoring in Analytical Economics) and holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Malaya.
TIME: 1:55 PM – 2:20 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Mr. Redentor Galura
Redentor Galura is the President of SME Commodities, Inc., a Manila-based firm specializing in commodity trading and market analysis. With over two decades of experience in agricultural commodities, Mr. Galura is recognized for his expertise in crude coconut oil (CNO) pricing trends, supply chain dynamics, and climate-related market forecasting.
He has presented at major industry forums, including the World Coconut Congress, where he shared insights on the impact of El Niño and global market shifts on coconut oil prices. His forecasts and strategic outlooks are widely referenced by stakeholders across the coconut value chain.
Mr. Galura is also a sought-after trading consultant, offering guidance on hedging strategies and investment opportunities in volatile commodity markets
TIME: 3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Mr. Igor Krasnov
Igor Krasnov is the Managing Director of GALAB Laboratories Southeast Asia, based in Singapore. He leads the regional operations of GALAB’s analytical services across Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka, supporting high-quality laboratory testing for food, packaging, and consumer products.
With a strong background in international business development and technical analysis, Igor specializes in supply chain integrity, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance for export markets. His work bridges European standards with Southeast Asian production, helping producers meet global benchmarks.
Igor is a key representative at industry trade fairs and sustainability forums, where he advocates for responsible sourcing and transparent testing protocols. His leadership reflects GALAB’s commitment to innovation, precision, and customer-centric service.
TIME: 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Mr. Hideki Kagohashi
Hideki Kagohashi is an expert of SMEs, value chain and private sector development with 30 years of experience with international organizations, private sector and non-profit organizations across the world. He currently provides technical services for the Philippines as the Enterprise Development Specialist of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is the UN specialized agency on labour and employment. Before the Philippines, he worked as the Enterprise Development Specialist of the ILO for South Asia based in New Delhi, India, and later served as the ILO representativein Afghanistan. Prior to joining the ILO, Hideki worked with Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting in Tokyo, the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington DC, the World Bank in Bolivia, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, and several non-profit programmes in the North, Central and South America. He holds Master of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York and MA in international relations from the University of Tokyo.
Since the ILO launched the Future of Work Initiative as the flagship theme of its centenary initiative a few years ago, Hideki has been actively exploring the theme of Future of Work, and spoke on the theme at various occasions. The digital traceability of global supply chains including the application of the blockchain technology is a key topic of the Future of Work agenda that he has been spearheading within the ILO. He began exploring the topic in the context of the ILO project on trade & employment, where he guided the value chain study on virgin coconut oil, coco sugar and coco coir. More recently, he is working on integrating the digital traceability anglein collaboration with the Responsible Supply Chain programme, the Green Jobs programmeand the Social Finance programme of the ILO.
TIME: 4:00 PM – 4:20 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Ms. Sofia Paula R. Fulmaran
Sofia Paula R. Fulmaran serves as the Officer-in-Charge of the Strategic Planning Division at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). A licensed environmental planner, she plays a key role in advancing sustainability and innovation within the country’s civil aviation sector.
Ms. Fulmaran represents CAAP in international forums, including the ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3), where she contributes to global discussions on sustainable aviation fuels and climate-resilient infrastructure. Her work supports CAAP’s strategic goals in policy development, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning.
She is recognized for her leadership in integrating sustainability into aviation operations and for her contributions to CAAP’s preparations as host of the upcoming 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation Asia and Pacific Regions (DGCA).
TIME: 9:30 AM – 9:55 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Mary T. Newport
Mary Newport, M.D. graduated from Xavier University and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and trained in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in neonatology at the Medical University Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. She practiced neonatology, the care of sick and premature newborns, for thirty years and was founding medical director for two newborn intensive care units in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. More recently, she practiced at the opposite end of the spectrum, providing home hospice care and health risk assessments. In 2008, a ketogenic nutritional intervention with coconut and medium-chain triglyceride oil dramatically helped her husband Steve Newport, who had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in nearly four better quality years. Her husband lost his battle in 2016 and Dr. Newport carries on his legacy as an author of four books and international speaker on ketones as an alternative fuel for the brain. Her fourth book Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention focuses on a whole food ketogenic Mediterranean-style diet, including coconut and MCT oil, and oth
TIME: 9:55 AM – 10:20 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Fabian “Toby” M. Dayrit
Dr. Fabian “Toby” M. Dayrit is an emeritus professor at the Department of Chemistry, Ateneo de Manila University. He obtained his BS Chemistry degree from the Ateneo in 1975. He then went to Princeton University where he obtained his MA and PhD degrees in 1978 and 1981, respectively. He then spent two years at Oxford University from 1980 to 1982 as a post-doctoral research associate working on chiral catalytic homogeneous hydrogenation.
Returning to the Philippines in 1983 as a DOST Long-term Balik-Scientist, Dr. Dayrit joined the Ateneo and started his research on natural products chemistry. He worked on the phytochemistry of lagundi (Vitex negundo), the first herbal medicine to be approved in the Philippines. He continues his research on medicinal plants, studying their biological activity and standardization methods.
In 2000, he started doing research on virgin coconut oil (VCO). He has contributed to the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for VCO and is actively engaged in studying the chemistry and health properties of VCO. In 2020, he initiated studies that led to two clinical trials which were conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of DOST that successfully showed that VCO is able to provide protection in mild cases of COVID-19.
Dr. Dayrit is chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Health of the International Coconut Community (ICC), which is the international association of coconut producing countries. He has been the president of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) since 1996. The ICP is the accredited professional organization of the Chemistry profession in the Philippines. In 2009, he was elected Academician to the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines and has previously served as its President and Vice-President.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dayrit has been motivated to bring science closer to people, and people closer to science.
TIME: 10:50 AM – 11:20 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell
Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and dermatologic surgeon, internationally recognized for her pioneering research in cosmetic dermatology, pigmentation disorders, and hypoallergenic skincare. She is the Founder of VMV Hypoallergenics and the VMV Skin Research Centre + Clinics, where she leads clinical trials and product development focused on skin health and safety.
With over 200 published articles and two books—including Skin in the Tropics and Rx: Coconuts! The Perfect Health Nut—Dr. Verallo-Rowell has shaped global understanding of brown skin care, virgin coconut oil, and non-toxic dermatological formulations. She is a frequent lecturer at international dermatology conferences and serves on editorial boards of leading journals such as Dermatitis and Archives of Dermatology.
Based in the Philippines, she is a Senior Advisor at Makati Medical Center, Chair of the Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc., and a founding member of the Asian Society of Dermatopathology. Her work continues to influence dermatology practices across Asia and beyond.
DAY 2: September 25, 2025
TIME: 11:20 AM – 11:50 AM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Dr. Raymond Joseph Y. Escalona
Raymond is a graduate of the dual degree MD-MBA program from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. Realizing his knowledge gap in nutrition and lifestyle change as it applied to chronic disease management he sought to expand his skills and finished the Masters in Nutrition for Wellness program at Bastyr University. He then completed his certification at the Institute for Functional Medicine and was awarded certification status in January 2019. He belongs to a select group of only six certified Functional Medicine practitioners Southeast Asia and less than 1000 world wide.
Raymond uses the Functional Medicine model to handle complex chronic diseases with a special focus and interest in autism and autoimmune disease.
He is currently the Director of Medical Education of the LifeScience Institute - a non- profit organization working to elevate the standard of care for complex chronic diseases in Southeast Asia through the use of the Functional Medicine model.
TIME: 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Engr. Marco C. Reyes
Marco Reyes is the current Chairman of the United Coconut Association of the Philippines or UCAP. He is also the President and one of the founding members of Virgin Coconut Oil Producers and Traders Association of the Philippines or VCOP. The member companies of VCOP produce the high value and emerging coconut products, namely, virgin coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk, coconut flour, coco aminos, coconut nectar vinegar, coconut sugar, and coconut liquor.
He is an author of Science textbooks for Junior and Senior High School students taking the track on STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. His published books on Biology, General Chemistry, Earth Science, and Life Science are distributed nationwide. In 2023, his book on Earth and Life Science won the Book of the Year Award by the Samahan ng Manunulat na Pilipino.
Marco is currently the Managing Director of HanCole, with offices in Singapore and the Philippines. HanCole is a global supplier of oils and fats, oleochemicals, surfactants, food ingredients, and cosmetic raw materials.
He is a Registered Chemical Engineer and finished his Masters in Business Administration from De La Salle University in Manila.
TIME: 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: DIANAFAYE C. SY
Dianafaye Sy is a proud alumna of De La Salle University Manila with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management. For the past eight years, Dianafaye has immersed herself in the Oleochemical industry, and since joining Chemrez Industries in October 2017, she has been instrumental in handling the Sales and Marketing for both raw materials and OEM/ODM business for the export market. As someone who believes in the power of this versatile fruit, this led her to travel across the globe, promoting the incredible provenance and potential of coconut.
TIME: 2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Mr. Rodolfo Cruz Jr.
Rodolfo Cruz Jr. is the President and Founder of Process Technologies, Inc., an engineering and industrial construction firm based in Makati City, Philippines. Since establishing the company in 1987, he has led its growth into a trusted provider of oils and fats processing technologies, delivering turnkey solutions from concept and design to fabrication, construction, and commissioning.
With over three decades of experience, Mr. Cruz is known for his technical expertise and commitment to innovation, serving a diverse clientele across food, chemical, and manufacturing sectors. His leadership emphasizes integrity, precision, and long-term client partnerships, with many projects stemming from repeat business.
Under his direction, Process Technologies has completed over 50 major projects, helping shape the industrial landscape of the Philippines and neighboring markets.
TIME: 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Ms. Charmaine Cu-Unjieng
Charmaine Cu-Unjieng is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Naturloop, a Swiss green tech company creating sustainable bio-composite materials from agricultural byproducts for the global furniture and construction industries. Her work advances the circular economy by turning waste into high-value, climate-positive solutions.
With 25 years of experience in global health and international development, she has led policy and strategy development, partnership building, applied research, and program design for the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations, and multiple NGOs. She helped start Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine movement building homes and communities for the poor, and co-founded Yoga for Life, an NGO supporting people living with and affected by HIV through yoga and holistic wellness.
A graduate of Yale University and the University of Amsterdam, Charmaine serves as a Board Member of the Art of Living Foundation in the Philippines and Portugal, and has taught stress management and mental wellbeing, especially in disaster and conflict-affected areas.
TIME: 3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Ms. Mariecar Gecale
Mariecar Gecale is the Product Owner for Asia at Peterson Technologies, a global provider of sustainability and agritech digital solutions. Based in Manila, she leads regional product strategy and client engagement across Southeast Asia, helping agricultural and commodity stakeholders adopt data-driven technologies for improved efficiency and traceability.
With a background in business development and digital innovation, Mariecar plays a key role in aligning Peterson’s platform capabilities with the evolving needs of Asian markets. Her work supports scalable solutions in compliance, analytics, and ESG reporting—bridging global standards with local implementation.
She is a passionate advocate for tech-enabled transformation in agriculture and supply chains, contributing to cross-border collaborations and sustainable development initiatives.
TIME: 3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
FEATURED SPEAKER: Tom van der Meulen
Tom van der Meulen is the Managing Director at Control Union the Philippines, where he leads a team of auditors and inspectors across more than 60 different certification programs. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an analytical mindset, Tom excels in solving complex multidisciplinary problems.
Tom has extensive international experience, having worked in various roles in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He holds a Master of Science degree in Environment and Resource Management with a bachelor’s degree at Wageningen University. Tom is passionate about agriculture and the environment, and is a certified diver since the age of 12. He enjoys being in nature, reflecting his profound interest in environmental conservation.
Be among the first to experience the Pulse Report 2025; a landmark publication that provides a comprehensive, data-driven look at the challenges and achievements across the global coconut sector. This collaborative effort, informed by a
diverse group of stakeholders, from industry experts to governing bodies, fills a critical gap by providing key insights that
will shape the industry's future.
This session will not only publicly release the report but will also serve as an interactive platform to explore its key
findings. We will delve into the data, discuss the implications for sustainability efforts, and highlight how companies can
leverage this essential resource to make informed, strategic decisions. It will
Gregory leads the Sustainable Coconut partnership and drove its formation after conceiving the Sustainable Coconut
Roundtable meeting series he co-founded while leading the responsible coconut program at Barry Callebaut.
He has 15 years of experience working in commodity sourcing, auditing, conservation and corporate sustainability
spaces across Asia and Europe. He served in a blend of private sector and NGO working for organizations like WWF and
Ecocert that brought him to feel at home on the field, in factories and corporate board rooms.
Expert of the stakeholder and political landscape in sustainable agriculture and in responsible sourcing practices of the
soft commodities industry.
Gregory is a regular guest speaker at universities and business schools here he teaches on sustainability and holds a
master degree in Sustainability from la Sorbonne University in Paris and Geography degree from University of Montreal
in Canada.
The Sustainable Coconut Partnership’s annual Member’s and Partners Day is an exclusive day of workshops and active
networking. This day is the driving force behind the SCP's mission to unite the sector through solutions-oriented sessions
to deep dive into sustainability and for members – with their invited partners – to drive the agenda of the Partnership.
This year's private session will bring together industry leaders, NGOs, government representatives, and farmers to
collaborate on concrete strategies and action plans. The day's agenda will focus on defining and strengthening our
collective efforts to:
• A Deep dive into the results and hopes the new Sustainable Coconut Charter’s Assurance system brings
• A Deep dive into our Digital Transparency & Traceability Platform – SCP Links
• A Working Group session on Impact Programmes, Human Rights, Regenerative Agriculture and CO2 emissions
• Interactive stakeholder expectations discussions
• Active networking around solutions
Gregory leads the Sustainable Coconut Partnership and drove its formation after conceiving the Sustainable Coconut
Roundtable meeting series he co-founded while leading the responsible coconut program at Barry Callebaut.
He has 15 years of experience working in commodity sourcing, auditing, conservation and corporate sustainability
spaces across Asia and Europe. He served in a blend of private sector and NGO working for organizations like WWF and
Ecocert that brought him to feel at home on the field, in factories and corporate board rooms.
Expert of the stakeholder and political landscape in sustainable agriculture and in responsible sourcing practices of the
soft commodities industry. Gregory is a regular guest speaker at universities and business schools here he teaches on
sustainability and holds a master degree in Sustainability from la Sorbonne University in Paris and Geography degree
from University of Montreal in Canada.
Jon serves as the Supply Chain Transformation Manager for Sustainable Coconut Partnership. He is a sustainable agri-
food value chain development specialist, who enjoys working collaboratively to address challenges that lie at the nexus
of livelihoods, climate, economic and social development.
Over the course of his career, spanning more than 15 years, he has gained experience for the UN, consulting firms, NGOs
and as an independent consultant. This has included experience in research, project management and technical advisor
positions, and he has lived and worked in five countries across Asia and Africa.
His work is rooted in a diverse academic base, which includes an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, an MA in Social
Development and Livelihoods, and specialized diplomas in Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Value Chain Development.
Gerald serves as the CEO of Agridence, a technology platform established in 2018 dedicated to driving sustainability in
the agri-commodities sector through transparent procurement and trading practices.
Drawing upon his family's rich history in the rubber industry, Gerald possesses a deep understanding of the entire supply
chain, encompassing farmer/dealer engagement, plantation management, processing, sales, foreign exchange, and
futures trading. His firsthand experience has shaped Agridence's commitment to sustainable practices that benefit all
stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to global buyers.
Gerald’s fluency in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Bahasa Indonesia, enables
him to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, aligning their needs with Agridence's innovative solutions.
Under his leadership, the platform harnesses technology and industry expertise to promote ethical sourcing,
environmental responsibility, and long-term value creation in the agri-commodities landscape.
TIME: 09:00-09:20
This session will explore the journey of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership (SCP) as it concludes its incubation phase and transitions into an independent organization. A retrospective of the past two years will be presented, highlighting how the organization was formed in response to a global paradox within the coconut industry. Key accomplishments and tangible tools developed… a new path has been forged, moving beyond traditional sustainability models to create a more resilient and responsible future for the industry and its farmers.
Gregory Bardies: Executive Director, Sustainable Coconut Partnership
Gregory leads the Sustainable Coconut Partnership and drove its formation after conceiving the Sustainable Coconut Roundtable meeting series he co-founded while leading the responsible coconut program at Barry Callebaut.
He has 15 years of experience working in commodity sourcing, auditing, conservation and corporate sustainability spaces across Asia and Europe. He served in a blend of private sector and NGO working for organizations like WWF and Ecocert that brought him to feel at home on the field, in factories and corporate board rooms.
Expert of the stakeholder and political landscape in sustainable agriculture and in responsible sourcing practices of the soft commodities industry. Gregory is a regular guest speaker at universities and business schools here he teaches on sustainability and holds a master degree in Sustainability from la Sorbonne University in Paris and Geography degree from University of Montreal in Canada.
Karen Thivya Lourdes: Global Sustainable Sourcing Lead, Sugar & Coconut Nestlé
Karen Lourdes is the Global Responsible Sourcing Lead for Sugar & Coconut at Nestlé. Her responsibilities center on deploying relevant ESG strategies to ensure that sugar and coconut materials sourced, deliver on Nestle’s commitments to responsible sourcing, human rights, climate, no deforestation and regenerative agriculture. Based in the Nestrade Malaysia Procurement Hub and reporting into Nestle’s Corporate Sustainability division, she works closely with procurement teams and strategic suppliers. Karen joined Nestle in 2021 upon completing her PhD in Environmental and Geographical Sciences. Karen is passionate about environmental conservation and has worked with several non-governmental organizations in various capacities. During her leisure time, Karen enjoys painting, learning new languages and planning for her next vacation.
TIME: 09:20-10:00
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Mathieu Goulmy: Sustainable Sourcing Manager – Coconut Products,Unilever
Sebastiaan Merten: Managing Director Thailand, Peterson Solutions
Hubert de Bonafos, ASI Lead Assessor, Assurance Services International
This dynamic session will move beyond theory and into the tangible realities of a sustainable coconut future. "Sustainable Coconut Charter in Action" will be your exclusive opportunity to witness and comment on the real- world impact of the Sustainable Coconut Charter.
We will unveil groundbreaking insights from our verified supply chain pilots, showcasing how the new assurance system is tran sforming transparency and accountability across the coconut value chain. See first- hand the data and success stories that prove the Charter's effectiveness on the ground.
But that's not all. We'll also dive into a crucial discussion on benchmarking sustainability standards for coconut. Understan d how the Charter aligns with and elevates existing standards, providing a unified vision for responsible coconut production.
This session is a must- attend for anyone committed to practical solutions and tangible progress in the sustainable coconut sector. Discover how the Charter is driving real change, setting new benchmarks, and creating a more resilient and equitable future for all.
Mathieu Goulmy: Sustainable Sourcing Manager – Coconut Products, Unilever
With a fervent commitment to innovation and sustainability, I am currently thriving in my role as Sustainable Sourcing Manager for Coconut Products at Unilever.
Over the course of my 15 years of professional journey, I have played a pivotal role in shaping sustainability trajectory, focusing on key areas such as smallholder’s livelihood through service delivery program, organic and regenerative farming, or innovation in post-harvest technologies.
My leadership style is all about shaking things up, bringing teams together, and making a real impact on the ground. Beyond the day-to-day grind, I'm on a mission to embody Unilever's vision of making a positive impact on people and the planet.
As I ride the waves of change in the business scene, I'm all about keeping the innovation fires burning and being a force for positive change within Unilever and the broader community.
Allan Pierce Virtudazo, Sustainability Head, Dumaguete Oil Mills (Ducom)
Allan Pierce P. Virtudazo is a supply chain and sustainability leader with over two decades of experience driving operational excellence and meaningful change. With a background in Business Administration, Allan built his career in the Middle East, spending 20 years in the polymer additives industry where he led end-to-end supply chain operations—from customer service, sales and production planning to performance monitoring and continuous improvement— spanning global operations.
Now at Dumaguete Coconut Oil Mills, Inc. (DUCOM), Allan drives sustainability initiatives, including piloting the Origin Standard of the Sustainable Coconut Charter and advancing DUCOM’s Sustainable Coconut Development Program (SCDP) to support responsible sourcing and resilient farming communities.
Sebastiaan Merten: Managing Director Thailand, Peterson Solutions
Driven Managing Director and expert in agricultural water management and sustainability standards. Proven track record in leading quality teams and supporting clients with implementing sustainability programs, crediting schemes, and developing standards. Strong background in agriculture and water.
Hubert de Bonafos: ASI Lead Assessor, Assurance Services International
Hubert is an assessor with ASI. He works as an independent consultant providing technical support to organizations in different industries, focusing on the development and successful implementation of environmental and social programs across global supply chains, including the implementation and management of complex audit programs and of effective grievance mechanisms. He holds an Executive MBA from HEC and an MSc in forestry from the University of Chile.
TIME 10:00-10:30
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Karen Thivya Lourdes: Global Sustainable Sourcing Lead, Sugar & Coconut Nestlé
Jojit Dy Programme Director Primex
Allan Pierce Virtudazo, Sustainability Head, Dumaguete Oil Mills
This isn't just another panel on sustainability. We're going beyond the rhetoric to unveil a groundbreaking, rallying concept that redefines what sustainability truly means for the coconut sector. In this session, get ready for an exclusive sneak peek with a powerful teaser video that will set the stage for this transformative discussion. We're not just talking about responsible practices; we're launching a call to action designed to rejuvenate the c oconut sector with purpose and impact.
We invite industry leaders and members of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership who have been at the forefront of this vital work to join us. Share your insights, confirm our rallying shout, and help us chart a course for a truly responsible future for coconut. This is your chance to be part of the movement that will redefine our industry.
Karen Thivya Lourdes: Global Sustainable Sourcing Lead, Sugar & Coconut Nestlé
Karen Lourdes is the Global Responsible Sourcing Lead for Sugar & Coconut at Nestlé. Her responsibilities center on deploying relevant ESG strategies to ensure that sugar and coconut materials sourced, deliver on Nestle’s commitments to responsible sourcing, human rights, climate, no deforestation and regenerative agriculture. Based in the Nestrade Malaysia Procurement Hub and reporting into Nestle’s Corporate Sustainability division, she works closely with procurement teams and strategic suppliers. Karen joined Nestle in 2021 upon completing her PhD in Environmental and Geographical Sciences. Karen is passionate about environmental conservation and has worked with several non-governmental organizations in various capacities. During her leisure time, Karen enjoys painting, learning new languages and planning for her next vacation.
Jojit Dy: Programmes Director, Primex
Jojit Dy is Program Director for CSR & Sustainability at the Primex Group of Companies. He has served for the last 8 years as head of the Primex Foundation which is the CSR and sustainability arm of the Primex Group.
Ferdinand dela Cruz: CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, Franklin Baker
Ferdz dela Cruz is currently CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Franklin Baker Group. He previously held CEO or senior executive roles in Manila Water, Globe Telecom, Kraft Foods Philippines and Indonesia, Ayala Land, San Miguel Brewing Group, PT Mayora Indah and Unilever Philippines.
Ferdz is also Lead Independent Director of Semirara Mining and Power Company, Trustee of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia and Teaching Fellow at the Institute for Corporate Directors. He was past President of the U.P. Engineering R&D Foundation Inc.
Ferdz finished the Advanced Management Program in Harvard and has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of the Philippines.
TIME: 11:00-11:50
Asia’s coconut sector is approaching a critical juncture. From the 2025 supply crisis, to the urgent need for replanting, this session explores what’s driving the pressure — and how we can respond in a global industry with skyrocketing demand, and a stagnating production —showing every sign of a looming social and supply crisis.
Experts will discuss solutions for boosting farmer incomes, breaking the cycle of debt, and making coconut farming a viable, attractive future for the next generation.
Alit Pirmansah: Market & Statistics Director, International Coconut Community
Alit is Market & Statistics Director at the Secretariat of the International Coconut Community. This builds on his career as a Statistician for the Government of Indonesia. Alit holds a Masters in International Development.
Mr. Roel M. Rosales: Deputy Administrator for Operations Branch, Philippine Coconut Authority
Andrea Garavito-Guyot: Coconut geneticist - Coconut value chain research coordinator, CIRAD
Andrea holds a BSc in Microbiology and an MSc in Biology from the University of the Andes (Colombia), as well as a PhD in Plant Integrative Biology from the University of Montpellier (France). She has applied a range of technologies to explore the genetic diversity and evolution of crop species, including rice, during her time at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, and coffee, through her work at the University of Caldas (Colombia) and the Colombian National Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BIOS). She also contributed to the identification of novel resistance genes in wheat while working at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAe).
Andrea has strong expertise in genome assembly, genome annotation, and population genetics. Since joining the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) in September 2020, she has focused on coconut genomics, quantitative and population genetics. She is the current curator of the Coconut Ontology, and actively collaborates with the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), where she co-leads the International Thematic Action Group (ITAG) on Genomics and Breeding. She was recently appointed as CIRAD’s research coordinator for the coconut value chain. She will be coordinating COCODIV, a new project on coconut genetic diversity in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
Andre Mawardhi: Senior Manager Agriculture and Environment, Koltiva
Andre Dani Mawardhi, M.Sc. is the Senior Manager Agriculture and Environment at Koltiva, an ag-tech company providing traceability and boot-on-the-ground services across global supply chains. He leads the development of methodologies and services that translate complex sustainability frameworks into practical solutions for producers, companies, and governments.
Andre has led projects on low-emission and regenerative agriculture in multiple commodities including coconut, cocoa, coffee, natural rubber, and oil palm. His recent collaboration with the Sustainable Coconut Partnership explored pathways to reduce carbon emissions in coconut farming systems while promoting regenerative practices.
With over a decade of experience spanning research and management, Andre combines deep technical expertise in soil and water management, geospatial analysis, and agricultural modelling with hands-on leadership in producer capacity building and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Andre holds a Master’s degree in Water Science and Engineering from IHE Delft in the Netherlands, specializing in Irrigation Engineering and Management for Food Security. He is passionate about building climate-resilient and inclusive supply chains that uplift smallholder farmers and protect natural ecosystems, with coconut as a strategic commodity at the intersection of sustainability and global food security.
Chrizel Lozano: Farm Manager, Tala Orchard Inc
Chrizel Lozano is the Farm Manager at Tala Orchard Inc, where she leads production of coconuts. Chrizel studied Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering.
TIME: 11:50-12:30
Jonathan Bird: Supply Chain Transformation Manager, Sustainable Coconut Partnership
Eugenia Lopez: Global Lead: Responsible Sourcing Cocoa, Oils and Fats, Barry Callebaut
Kevin Groome: Growth & Innovation Fund Manager, Better Cotton
Sophie O’Loghlen-Vidot: Impact Funding Manager, Bonsucro
What if scaling coconut sustainability wasn’t a solo journey—but a shared one? This session explores Shared Investment Mechanisms as a game-changing pathway to collective impact. We’ll explore real-world case studies, showcase the perspectives of Sustainable Coconut Partnership’s Members and discuss the next steps on our journey.
Jonathan Bird: Supply Chain Transformation Manager, Sustainable Coconut Partnership
Jon serves as the Supply Chain Transformation Manager for Sustainable Coconut Partnership. He is a sustainable agri-food value chain development specialist, who enjoys working collaboratively to address challenges that lie at the nexus of livelihoods, climate, economic and social development.
Over the course of his career, spanning more than 15 years, he has gained experience for the UN, consulting firms, NGOs and as an independent consultant. This has included experience in research, project management and technical advisor positions, and he has lived and worked in five countries across Asia and Africa.
His work is rooted in a diverse educational base, which includes an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, an MA in Social Development and Livelihoods, and specialized diplomas in Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Value Chain Development.
Eugenia Lopez: Global Lead: Responsible Sourcing Cocoa, Oils and Fats, Barry Callebaut
Eugenia Lopez serves as the Global Responsible Sourcing Lead for Cocoa and Oils & Fats at Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest cocoa and chocolate manufacturer, headquartered in Switzerland. Within Barry Callebaut’s sustainability team, she oversees supplier engagement and collaborates with sourcing desks to design and implement strategies that support the company’s goal of sourcing 100% sustainable ingredients, particularly across cocoa, palm, and coconut.
In her role as a Steering Committee member of the Sustainable Coconut Partnership, Eugenia contributes to governance and the development of frameworks that drive sectoral progress. Her previous experience in the cocoa and spices industries has provided her with strong expertise in smallholder-focused sustainability and the complexities of global supply chains.
Kevin Groome: Growth & Innovation Fund Programme Manager, Better Cotton
Kevin Groome is Programme Manager for the Better Cotton Initiative’s Growth and Innovation Fund, where he oversees a portfolio of investments advancing sustainable cotton production in India and Pakistan. With 13 years of experience working alongside smallholder farmers across South Asia and Africa, Kevin has led initiatives driving supply chain transformation and fostering resilient farming systems. His current work focuses on improving soil health, advancing climate change adaptation, strengthening crop protection, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting gender equity in cotton-growing communities. More recently, he has been working on projects that invest in regenerative agriculture and traceability within the cotton supply chain.
Sophie O’Loghlen-Vidot: Impact Funding Manager, Bonsucro
Sophie O’Loghlen-Vidot is responsible for the management of the Bonsucro Impact Fund, supporting the Project Selection Committee and coordinating with the Monitoring & Evaluation team. Sophie leads the learning agenda for the BIF to encourage innovation and replication in and outside of the sector and leveraging impact and scale across the project portfolio. Sophie also works closely with the wider Bonsucro team to develop further funding opportunities for impact projects
Sophie has worked for international development charities for twelve years, at VSO and at CAFOD. She has previously worked on partnership strategy and approach as well as programme development and funding. At CAFOD, Sophie spent time travelling to Latin America, Africa and Asia, with a highlight of working on a human rights defenders programme from start to finish funded by the EU. Before that, Sophie worked as a project manager in an energy and environmental consultancy, but started out her career working at an international development consultancy finding consultants and managing EU framework short-term projects.
TIME 13:30-15:00
In this dynamic and thought-provoking session, we will explore how public-private partnerships and jurisdictional approaches can unlock sustainability in the coconut sector. Blending insightful presentations with interactive dialogue, this session will showcase real- world lessons from an innovative programme in the Philippines, managed by GIZ and supported by pioneering companies including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Barry Callebaut, Cargill, Friesland Campina, JDE Peet’s. Discover how cross-sector collaboration can break down traditional silos and catalyze transformative impact for farmers, communities, and landscapes alike.
Featured speakers
Cornelia Skokov: Chief Advisor, Development Partnership Projects with Private Sector in Agriculture, GIZ
Cornelia Skokov has more than 20 years of professional experience in the fields of economic policy and
private sector development with a focus on value chain development, investment and export promotion,
multi-stakeholder-dialogue and public-private-partnerships, trade, regional integration and microfinance.
Cornelia is currently located in the Philippines and manages as Chief Advisor for GIZ several public-private-
partnership projects in the Philippines in the field of agriculture. The partnerships involve national partners and line agencies of the Department of Agriculture and multiple international companies to improve
production and income of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the Coconut Alliance applies a holistic
landscape approach to address sustainability aspects of implementation areas.
Previously, she worked on several projects related to SME development and VET including value-chain-
development and multi-stakeholder-facilitation. Cornelia holds an MSt in Philology with focus on
intercultural relation and a postgraduate degree in economics.
TIME: 15:30-16:10
Bridging the Divide: Building Genuine Sustainability Partnerships Between International Buyers and Local Processors
This interactive session will harness the collective expertise of the entire coconut value chain to identify strategies to address the most pressing sustainability challenges affecting the sector. We will bring together the key stakeholders—from processors, traders and farmers, to government and NGO representatives, to engage in facilitated group discussions, share insights from diverse perspectives, and co-create practical strategies that can drive real change. The session will conclude with a consolidation of key outputs and feedback to all participants to help inform collective action going forward.
The Solutions Toolkit: Practical Strategies and Methods to Tackle Key Issues Head-On
Bringing together a diverse mix of stakeholders attending the Sustainable Coconut Roundtable, this interactive session will foster open dialogue around the barriers and opportunities in forging equitable, long-term sustainability partnerships between international buyers and local processors . Participants will engage in group discussions to share perspectives, surface challenges, and co-create workable solutions. Key insights and proposed actions will be consolidated and shared back with the group, laying the groundwork for stronger, more inclusive partnerships that deliver real impact on the ground.
For more information, please contact the Event Manager:
Landline: +63 2 8896 0682
+63 929 799 2860
Effective Date: March 11, 2025
The World Coconut Congress 2025 (WCC 2025) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, register for the event, or engage with our services.
When you use our website or register for WCC 2025, we may collect the following information:
We collect and process your data for the following purposes:
We do not sell or rent your personal data. However, we may share information with:
We implement security measures to protect your personal data, including encryption and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
To exercise these rights, contact us at wcc@primetradeasia.com.
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance website functionality and analyze usage. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy policies, so we encourage you to review their terms before sharing your data.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated Effective Date.
For any privacy-related inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 Email: wcc@primetradeasia.com
📞 Phone: +63 2 8896 0682 & +63 929 799 2860
By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to this Privacy Policy.
Effective Date: March 11, 2025.
Welcome to the World Coconut Congress 2025 (WCC 2025) website. By accessing and using this website, registering for the event, or participating in any activities related to WCC 2025, you agree to comply with the following Terms and Conditions.
For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact us at:
📧 Email: wcc@primetradeasia.com
📞 Phone: +63 2 8896 0682 & +63 929 799 2860
By continuing to use this website or attending WCC 2025, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
It has been established that the WCC is an excellent opportunity to showcase the Philippine coconut industry, promote the significance of the coconut to the world, develop more interest, particularly from the buy-side, and sustain the delivery of information and education about the coconut complex, including issues relevant to the industry
With the increased demand for coconut products worldwide—especially after the USFDA delisting coconut as a tree nut—there’s never been a better time to grow and expand opportunities in the coconut sector! And, with the rise in demand for value-added products, the pivot towards sustainability, and increased interest in health-related issues including quality parameters, among others, there is no better time for the industry to seize the opportunity at hand than now, hence, the resurgence of WCC 2025, the fourth edition.
The conference topics will cover sustainability and the coconut culture, circular economy in coconut industries, challenges and solutions in the coconut supply chain, value chain enhancement and fair-trade practices, the role of coconut trees in climate change mitigation, incentives for adopting sustainable practices, the coconut participation in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) development and market, promoting nutritional value of coconut and new dietary uses, precision agriculture and its application in coconut, opportunities and challenges of AI in coconut trade, among others.
For this year’s edition, B2B participation will be increased, especially of buyers from countries in Europe, South Korea, and Canada, where presently there are FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) and trade partnership negotiations taking place either on a bilateral basis or multilateral through ASEAN. Common major imports of these markets from the Philippines are coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra meal, coconut milk, oleochemicals, hydrogenated coconut oil, activated carbon, and coconut shell charcoal, of which the Philippines is a global leader. Moreover, buyers from China, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and India will be coming to participate. It will be noted that the Philippines has existing FTAs in these markets either directly or through ASEAN. Below is the revenue profile of the markets mentioned above.
The culinary program will feature innovations in food and beverages using coconut ingredients to be demonstrated by celebrated chefs to audiences consisting of students from culinary schools, conference guests, among others.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) partners with the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) to advance the development of the country’s coconut industry. As the government agency responsible for coconut sector growth, PCA collaborates with UCAP in implementing policies, research, and programs that enhance productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness. This partnership supports coconut farmers, promotes value-added processing, and strengthens the industry’s role in both local and global markets.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) collaborates with the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) to support the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine coconut industry. Through policy development, trade facilitation, and market expansion initiatives, DTI works with UCAP to enhance coconut production, processing, and export opportunities. This partnership aims to strengthen the industry’s global presence, promote sustainability, and drive economic benefits for coconut farmers and stakeholders.
Website: https://ucap.org.ph
E-mail: ucap@ucap.org.ph
The United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) is an industry organization dedicated to promoting and developing the Philippine coconut sector. It serves as a central body for coconut producers, processors, traders, and exporters, advocating policies and programs that support the growth and competitiveness of the industry. UCAP plays a key role in market research, trade facilitation, and sustainability initiatives to enhance the global position of Philippine coconut products.