Ilocos Norte-based dragon fruit processor joins PH techno mission to Thailand

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—A dragon fruit producer and processor in the province went on a technological mission in Bangkok, Thailand to share its best practices and learn from others.

Bringing in the latest innovations from the REFMAD Farm’s dragon fruit processed products such as energy tea, coffee, powdered dragon fruit juice, wine, cookies and pastries among others, Edita Dacuycuy, owner of the largest dragon fruit plantation at Brgy. Paayas in Burgos, Ilocos Norte joined the Department of Trade and Industry’s processed fruits and nuts cluster to represent the Philippines in the said mission to Thailand on December 11-16, 2017.

Ms. 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 on 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, DTI Region 10 regional director Florante Leal 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 in by 16 regions in the country, DTI looks forward to visit and learn on the 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 inspired Ms. 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 mission, the Dacuycuy family keeps on sharing its latest technology breakthroughs to interested farmer-entrepreneurs here and abroad.

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