Founded in 1970, Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation is a premier Philippine-based manufacturer specializing in coconut-based oils, fats, and derivatives. Strategically located in Candelaria, Quezon, the heart of the Philippine coconut region, Tongsan plays a significant role in the country's agro-industrial landscape, particularly in coconut processing and value-added products for domestic and global markets.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Tongsan operates an integrated production facility encompassing the full coconut value chain—from processing crude coconut oil to producing specialty margarine and shortening products. Key product segments include:
-
Oils & Fats
- Refined Bleached Deodorized Coconut Oil (RBD CNO)
- Premium Cooking Oil
- Crude Coconut Oil
- Organic RBD Coconut Oil
-
Shortening & Margarine
- Shortening (industrial and commercial)
- Margarita brand shortening
- Maria Clara brand margarine
-
Copra Products
- Copra Meal Cake (animal feed by-product)
-
Derivatives
These products cater to food manufacturing, industrial, and feed industries in the Philippines and internationally.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Tongsan’s competitive edge lies in:
- Vertical Integration – from copra processing to finished products under branded consumer and industrial lines.
- Export-Grade Production – meeting global food safety and quality standards.
- Legacy Brands – Margarita and Maria Clara are well-known brands in the Philippine bakery and foodservice markets.
Their strong reputation in coconut oil processing, coupled with diversified product offerings, enables them to serve multiple sectors efficiently.
Financial Performance
While private financial records are not disclosed, Tongsan is recognized among the Top 20 coconut oil exporters in the Philippines by volume. Their operations support:
- Processing capacity exceeding 100 MT/day of copra for oil extraction.
- Continuous exports of RBD coconut oil to the USA, EU, and Asia.
- A strong domestic presence, particularly in bakery shortening and margarine distribution.
International Shipments
Tongsan has established itself as a reliable exporter of coconut oil products. According to international trade records:
- Annual export shipments exceed $20 million in value (source: TradeMo/ImportYeti data).
- Regular shipments made to markets including:
- United States
- Netherlands
- South Korea
- China
- Indonesia
Their bulk coconut oil exports contribute significantly to the Philippine coconut industry’s global market share.
Target Market
Tongsan targets the following segments:
- Food manufacturers and bakeries (domestic and international)
- Export distributors of vegetable oils
- Feed mills and agricultural suppliers (for copra meal cake)
- Private label manufacturers seeking OEM partners in edible oils and fats
Their market positioning as a value-driven, large-volume supplier supports relationships with industrial clients and regional distributors.
Capabilities
Tongsan’s production strengths include:
- Multiple refining lines for RBD oil production
- Modern packaging facilities for both bulk and retail SKUs
- ISO-compliant systems for quality management and food safety
- Dedicated export logistics team ensuring timely international shipments
These capabilities enable them to handle both volume and custom requirements efficiently.
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA Philippines Registered
- Export License Holder with Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Plant Industry
- ISO-aligned operations for food safety compliance (implied through export certifications)
- Philippine Coconut Authority-accredited processor
Such accreditations solidify their credibility in both domestic and export markets.
Customer Testimonials
While direct testimonials are not published, Tongsan’s longstanding client base and recurring export activity to multinational food manufacturers stand as a testament to product reliability and consistent quality.
Major Achievements
- Over 50 years of uninterrupted operations in coconut oil manufacturing.
- Developed and scaled two national brands: Margarita and Maria Clara.
- Recognized exporter contributing to the Philippines’ global coconut oil trade.
- Expanded production to meet increasing international demand for coconut derivatives and fats.
Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation continues to be a cornerstone of the Philippine coconut processing industry—merging heritage with industrial capability to serve evolving global food demands.