MISAMIS ORIENTAL — A food company in Linangkayan, Naawan, is pioneering the development of products from a local coconut variety that helps define the identity of Misamis Oriental.
The company, Triple M Processed Food Production, was founded by Carren Joy Acut, a daughter of a coconut farmer who witnessed firsthand the hardships of cultivating the commodity.
“I know the hardships behind planting and caring for coconuts,” Acut said.
This inspired her business, which aims to provide a stable market and better livelihood for local farmers by adding value to their harvests.
The breakthrough came in 2024, when her Chocolate Coconut Nougat won Best Food Souvenir during National Tourism Week in Misamis Oriental.
Momentum continued when she secured first place for Best Technology Pitch at the Raise Summit Northern Mindanao, held Jan. 21 to 22, 2025, at Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon.
Despite the awards, the early days of Triple M were a struggle. Introducing a new product to a traditional market was a challenge, and building brand recognition took time.
Pivotal to helping Triple M attain its viability is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Misamis Oriental, which provided support in marketing, product labeling, packaging, nutritional calculations, joining trade fairs, and attending business seminars.
Triple M’s products gradually gained visibility through DTI’s network. The partnership allowed Triple M to expand from a small startup to an enterprise employing 10 local workers.
Today, the “Triple M” brand is now associated with innovation. This, as its Chocolate Coconut Nougat is available in dark and white chocolate, and has launched two additional products.