La Trinidad Expands Strawberry Product Offerings with Government Support

LA TRINIDAD — In an effort to diversify its agricultural economy, La Trinidad, the capital town known as the Philippines’ top strawberry producer, is broadening its range of strawberry by-products.

According to Philippines News Agency, the town is collaborating with national government agencies to enhance the development and marketing of strawberry-related products. This initiative aims to elevate not only the iconic fruit but also the local economy, providing a wider array of strawberry-based delicacies and souvenirs for both residents and visitors.

The range of strawberry by-products has grown significantly from traditional preserves and jams to include wines, tarts, cakes, muffins, cupcakes, candies, and innovative items like strawberry-laced shrimp paste, soap, feminine wash, strawberry tofu dessert (taho), vinegar, and dried strawberries. These products are developed by micro and small enterprises (MSE) within the province, reflecting a vibrant local industry centered around the strawberry.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are playing key roles in supporting these MSEs. Their assistance spans product improvement, packaging enhancement, and navigating regulatory requirements, including obtaining necessary approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Furthermore, the town’s annual Strawberry Festival, which runs from March 3 to 26, includes a farmers’ day focusing on introducing new possibilities and innovations to strawberry processors. La Trinidad’s commitment to promoting strawberry cultivation and related enterprises is central to its tourism strategy and participation in the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program. The region boasts an impressive production of 18 to 22 tons of fresh strawberries per hectare over approximately 36.4 hectares dedicated to strawberry farming, supporting around 2,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises and 1,000 farmers who depend on the fruit for their livelihood.