Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Lighthouse Cooperative, founded in 1998 in Tuguegarao City, Philippines, is a prominent multipurpose cooperative recognized for its integrated business operations and community-driven approach. The cooperative has emerged as a key player in the food processing sector, particularly for its innovative carabao meat products, and also extends services into retail, wholesale, and financial support for its members.

Core Business and Offerings

Lighthouse Cooperative operates under a diverse portfolio encompassing:

• Food Manufacturing: Their flagship products include Chicha‑rabao, a crispy carabao skin snack, and Carabeef Tapa, a marinated carabao meat delicacy. The cooperative has pioneered the utilization of carabao meat in ready-to-eat snacks and processed meat formats.
• Retail and Wholesale: The cooperative runs outlets providing furniture, computer units, school and office supplies, and other consumer goods.
• Services for Members: They offer loans, savings programs, and entrepreneurial training to empower local community members, particularly farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Specialization and USP

Lighthouse Cooperative's standout strength is its specialization in carabao-based products—a niche but culturally significant meat in the Philippines. Through the development of branded goods like Chicha-rabao and Miss Kara, the cooperative not only adds value to local carabao farming but also drives rural employment and economic sustainability.

Their vertically integrated supply chain—from sourcing carabao meat to packaging and distribution—ensures quality control and cost efficiency, which are core differentiators in a price-sensitive market.

Financials and Performance

Although specific annual revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, Lighthouse Cooperative has demonstrated strong financial stewardship. The cooperative began with a modest capital base but has expanded to a multi-million peso operation supporting thousands of members. Notably, its value-added carabao products have seen consistent growth in regional markets.

Shipment and Export Data

Based on import-export records and local cooperative performance metrics:

• Export Readiness: Products like Chicha‑rabao have gained regional traction and have been evaluated for export under DTI-backed initiatives.
• Domestic Distribution: Products are distributed through over 200 retail points in Northern Luzon, indicating a robust domestic supply network.

No verified international shipment volumes are publicly documented, though strategic efforts for overseas market entry are ongoing.

Target Market

• Domestic Consumers: Middle-class Filipino families, health-conscious snackers, and consumers seeking culturally rooted products.
• Institutional Buyers: Schools, small retailers, and LGU-based food programs.
• Potential Export: Filipino diaspora and Southeast Asian markets with cultural affinities.

Capabilities

• Production Facilities: HACCP-compliant food processing centers.
• Distribution Network: Over 200 partner retailers and distribution hubs.
• Training and R&D: In-house R&D for product innovation and continuous quality improvement.

Certifications and Compliance

• Licensed and registered under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
• Food processing units comply with BFAD and local sanitary standards.
• Participates in DTI and DA-backed agribusiness innovation programs.

Customer Testimonials

Multiple user testimonials via social media and local forums commend Chicha‑rabao for its unique taste and high quality. Informal feedback from regional expos and DTI caravans has validated the cooperative's brand resonance with customers.

Achievements

• Product Innovation: Awarded by regional trade fairs and DTI for Chicha‑rabao as a best innovative local product.
• Community Impact: Recognized for generating employment for over 2,000 local residents.
• Business Expansion: Transitioned from a small parish-run initiative to a full-scale multipurpose cooperative with multiple revenue streams.

Lighthouse Cooperative continues to exemplify how community-based entrepreneurship can drive regional economic growth while preserving cultural identity through food innovation.