Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Sioan Gintong Araw Agriculture Cooperative is a community-based agrarian reform cooperative based in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. Established to uplift the livelihood of local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, the cooperative has grown into a notable producer of innovative, health-oriented corn and cassava-based food products.

Core Business

Sioan Gintong Araw Agriculture Cooperative (SGAAC) focuses on the cultivation, processing, and marketing of locally grown agricultural produce, particularly white corn and cassava. It operates as a micro to small enterprise (MSME), empowering its farmer-members by transforming staple crops into value-added products with higher income potential.

The cooperative combines traditional farming knowledge with modern food innovation to meet the nutritional needs of health-conscious consumers and community-based wellness programs.

Product and Service Offerings

The cooperative’s product line emphasizes nutrition and local health traditions:

• Koffee Maize (Roasted White Corn Powder): A caffeine-free drink made from roasted white corn, enriched with mangosteen and moringa to provide antioxidants and essential nutrients. Marketed as a healthy coffee alternative.
• Corn-Based Products: Ground corn and cornmeal used for traditional Filipino dishes and snacks.
• Cassava-Based Goods: Locally processed cassava used in dried snacks and flour substitutes for gluten-free diets.

These products are typically distributed through local trade fairs, cooperatives, pasalubong centers, and wellness programs supported by LGUs and regional DTI offices.

Specialisation and Core USP

SGAAC’s core strength lies in its ability to combine indigenous crops with functional health benefits. The Koffee Maize beverage stands out due to:

• Its caffeine-free formulation, appealing to wellness markets.
• Use of locally sourced, organic white corn grown by member farmers.
• Natural fortification with mangosteen (a known antioxidant) and moringa (high in iron and calcium).

This focus on nutritional value and indigenous ingredients forms the cooperative’s core identity and market appeal.

Financials and Export Footprint

While SGAAC currently operates within a domestic scope, particularly in Mindanao and Northern Mindanao regions, its products have been featured in:

• Regional trade fairs
• DTI-supported marketing programs
• Online community markets for healthy alternatives

The cooperative is actively preparing for wider market access, including institutional buyers such as schools and health centers. Export readiness efforts are ongoing, with improvements in packaging and shelf-life testing.

Target Market

Sioan Gintong Araw Agriculture Cooperative targets:

1. Health-conscious individuals seeking natural, caffeine-free drink alternatives.
2. Community wellness programs and LGU-initiated nutrition drives.
3. Small retailers and eco-stores offering local, organic, and sustainable food options.
4. Cooperative markets supporting Philippine MSME and agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Capabilities

SGAAC has modest but effective capabilities in:

• Small-batch food processing, roasting, and powdering.
• Packaging and sealing for shelf-ready products.
• Farmer training in organic agriculture and sustainable crop rotation.
• Product formulation with the guidance of regional agricultural experts.

Its operations are primarily community-managed, with cooperative members contributing across the value chain—from planting to processing and selling.

Certifications and Compliance Records

SGAAC is:

• Registered under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
• Compliant with local sanitation and food safety regulations
• Working toward FDA Philippines registration for packaged functional beverages

With DTI and Department of Agriculture support, the cooperative is enhancing its labeling and regulatory documents to scale beyond community sales.

Customer Testimonials

Consumers have praised the cooperative’s products for:

• Their authentic taste and health benefits
• The affordable pricing for quality local goods
• The social impact of supporting farmers through their purchases

Positive reception has encouraged the cooperative to develop new variants and packaging formats suited for wider distribution.

Major Achievements

• Product Innovation: Developed one of the region’s first roasted white corn drinks blended with herbal ingredients.
• Community Empowerment: Supports dozens of farmer-members through value-added agriculture.
• Government Recognition: Featured in DTI Northern Mindanao MSME showcases and LGU-led food sustainability programs.
• Brand Identity: Built local awareness around the Koffee Maize beverage as a healthy and culturally relevant alternative to commercial coffee.

Sioan Gintong Araw Agriculture Cooperative represents the synergy of tradition, innovation, and community-driven entrepreneurship. With a mission to elevate farmer livelihoods while promoting healthier food options, the cooperative is steadily shaping a niche in the functional food sector of the Philippines.