DILIMAN, Quezon City – A coconut flour-based bread, known as the Pinoy coco pandesal, is the new item in the bakery shelves of Metro Manila and now seen as an enterprise opportunity for coconut farmers as well as local bakers nationwide.
This was highlighted during an interview with one of the department managers of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in the latest episode of the Agricultural Training Institute’s teleradyo program with DZRH, Agri Asenso.
“This development of the Pinoy coco pandesal gives an opportunity for the farmers to engage in business and establish a small bakery, maybe also a small “niyogosyo cart”, and pandesal-on-wheels,” Rosella Villaruel, PCA’s Trade and Market Development Department Manager said.
She explained that in this business venture, “investment is less, the skills and equipment required is not sophisticated, and the technology is accessible anywhere in the country.”
Villaruel also stressed that the conceptualization of Pinoy coco pandesal, which is made of 10% coconut flour, attempts to address the rising prices of wheat flour in the global market.
According to the guest expert, the average price of coconut flour is now at Php40 per kilogram, while wheat flour is at Php80-Php100 per kilogram.
The availability of raw materials, processing, handling, and storage techniques were also discussed during the episode.
Meanwhile, for its health benefits, Pinoy coco pandesal is high in dietary fiber, protein, Vitamin A, and several amino acids essential to the body.
“It’s already available in Puregold branches, and we expect that this will also be available in other supermarkets and groceries,” Villaruel added.
At the end of the interview, she advised interested local bakers and farmers to visit the nearest PCA office in their area to know more about the product as well as other coconut-based food technologies.
The Pinoy coco pandesal was launched by key government agencies together with other major baker groups in the country last June 29.
To watch this episode, visit https://www.facebook.com/ATIinteractive/videos/347893207530667 . This is also available via DZRH facebook page.
