Bicolano Products Shine at 31st OKB Regional Trade & Travel Fair, Surpass Sales Target with PHP 28 Million in Revenue

Mandaluyong City, Philippines—Bicolano products shine at the 31st Orgullo kan Bikol (OKB) Regional Trade & Travel Fair last 09 to 13 October 2024, generating PHP 28 million in sales, 9% higher than its target of PHP 25 million.

 

The increase in sales were attributed to the wide array of distinct product lines from Wearables & Homestyles, Furniture, Processed Foods, and more than 210 new products.   These products are a testament to the evolution of Bicol-made products and the commitment of Bicolano micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to intensive product development interventions (ProDev) that were done prior to the exhibit.

 

The 111 exhibitors also reported that they have gained clamor from the international market as they are already exporting to the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Europe, among others.

 

As buyers prepare for the holiday season, the wearables & homestyles accounted for more than PHP20 million, or 74% of the generated sales. These include Christmas decorations and other gift items made from abaca and other local raw materials. 

 

In the past, the top sellers for the previous OKB fair in May 2024 were awarded during the closing ceremony in the afternoon of 13 October 2024. The top sellers were Jireh Food Products from Camarines Norte for Processed Food, and Gold Jewel Crafts also from Camarines Norte for Wearables & Homestyle. The “Most Innovative Product” awards were also awarded to Putsan Ceramics Association, Inc. (ceramic rice storage) from Albay for Wearables & Homestyles) and to Phenomenon Group, Inc., / Querica (Pili Nut coffee) from Camarines Sur for Processed Food. 

 

Meanwhile, the award for Best in Creative Visual Merchandising was given to Crave Cacao Orchard from Camarines Sur and for Processed Food and Shelmed Cottage Treasures from Albay for Wearables and Homestyles.  

 

The project was a joint project with the OKB Association, Inc., with the OKB fair becoming institutionalized through the years as the DTI’s longest-running organized trade fair in the Philippines.