Coco Kusina is a pioneering food innovation kitchen in the Philippines dedicated to the culinary exploration and promotion of coconut-based gastronomy. Functioning as a concept development hub rather than a traditional food company, Coco Kusina collaborates with chefs, food scientists, and product developers to create modern interpretations of Filipino coconut cuisine for both local and international audiences.
Concept and Culinary Direction
Coco Kusina’s mission is to elevate the profile of the coconut as a central ingredient in Philippine cuisine. Its focus areas include:
- Development of new recipes and coconut applications across savory, sweet, and beverage formats
- Revival of regional Filipino coconut dishes using updated cooking techniques
- Culinary education and demonstrations to inspire chefs and home cooks
- Collaboration with export-ready MSMEs to align dishes with globally marketable coconut-based products
Examples of dishes showcased include:
- Coconut Adobo with virgin coconut oil
- Sinigang with coconut water broth
- Coconut cream-based desserts and plant-based mains
Industry Collaboration and Role at IFEX
Coco Kusina plays a major role during industry events such as IFEX Philippines, where it serves as the culinary showcase and demonstration kitchen for coconut-centered dishes. It partners with:
- DTI and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)
- Coconut processors and food exporters featured on IFEXConnect
- Filipino chefs and culinary institutions
Through these activations, Coco Kusina provides live cooking experiences, product sampling, and menu innovation that links exportable coconut ingredients to real-world food applications.
Innovation and Culinary R&D
Coco Kusina operates at the intersection of food research and gastronomy, contributing to:
- Flavor profiling of coconut ingredients like MCT oil, coconut sugar, and desiccated coconut
- Product testing and application trials for export-focused coconut goods
- Sustainability-driven recipe development, incorporating zero-waste principles and indigenous cooking methods
It also serves as a platform for flavor innovation by experimenting with pairings of coconut with local produce, superfoods, and internationally trending ingredients.
Branding and Recognition
Though not a commercial brand in the traditional sense, Coco Kusina has earned recognition in the food industry as:
- A thought leader in Philippine coconut cuisine
- A culinary content creator via demonstrations and social media content
- A cultural promoter, aligning gastronomy with Filipino identity and sustainability
The kitchen’s activities are featured in digital platforms and trade show highlights, reinforcing its reputation as a unique force in food storytelling and product contextualization.
Strategic Importance to the Coconut Sector
Coco Kusina plays a strategic role in enhancing the visibility and value of Philippine coconut products by:
- Bridging the gap between ingredient suppliers and foodservice stakeholders
- Encouraging product diversification in the processed food export market
- Supporting MSMEs with culinary content and recipe marketing
- Advocating for the integration of health and wellness narratives in coconut cuisine
Its efforts align with broader national goals to increase the value-added component of coconut exports and promote Filipino food globally.
Future Outlook
Looking forward, Coco Kusina aims to:
- Launch a digital recipe platform and video content series
- Conduct regional workshops and chef collaborations
- Work with agri-entrepreneurs to co-develop retail-ready meal kits
- Expand its influence in ASEAN and Gulf food expos
With its unique model of culinary innovation, advocacy, and education, Coco Kusina is redefining how the Philippine coconut is perceived—transforming it from a raw export commodity into a celebrated culinary cornerstone.