VCO distributor enjoys uptick in sales amid pandemic
More Filipinos have been purchasing virgin coconut oil (VCO) amid the coronavirus pandemic, one of the biggest distributors of the “superfood” in the country said Tuesday.
According to Ivan Mayrina’s “24 Oras” report, ProSource International saw a 20-percent increase in the demand for VCO due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“We have several dealers who are selling online and they have been calling and they’re increasing their orders. So it seems like demand will start picking up in the next few days or few weeks,” CEO Ricky Santos said.
Santos said ProSource is ready to meet the rising demand, which is expected to increase even further after a Department of Science and Technology study found that VCO diminished the symptoms of COVID-19 in suspected and probable cases.
“I think all of the processors are ready to ramp up if needed. We can shift some of our production, instead of exporting it, to really focus on the local market. It really just depends on the demand,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the country’s coconut industry was ready to double the supply of VCO in the market.
“Kung mayroon talagang napakalaking demand, puwede naman silang mag-additional facilities o additional lines,” PCA Market Research and Promotions chief Rosella Villaruel said.
“Kami rin sa PCA and other government agencies providing assistance sa ating mga farmers, we have existing programs to support ‘yung livelihood projects ng ating mga farmers,” she added.
The Department of Health clarified that VCO is not a cure for COVID-19.
“Kailangan nating kumpletuhin lahat ng pag-aaral bago po tayo magkaroon ng rekomendasyon na isasama po natin ito as part of the adjuncts to therapy of COVID-19,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News
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