For week ending Jun. 21, 2007

       Cocohouse members were delighted by the presentations during the luncheon. Mr. Jesus Baloto, Country Manager of Interline Shipping Philippines, Inc. presented the products and services of the company which can be availed of by UCAP members. Ms. Marina T. Mallare, Project Coordinator, CDM Services, Klima Climate Change Center, Manila Observatory, demonstrated her expertise on CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) process and carbon credits scheme with her excellent presentation. Truly the members appreciated the new knowledge learned during the event apart from the delicious food served at Jill’s restaurant, where the event was held.

       Cumulative figure for January-February at 167,076 MT copra terms registered a shortfall of 34.7% from 255,674 MT at the same time year-ago. Breakdown is as follows, in MT: coconut oil 72,695 (130,760), copra meal 35,989 (84,426), desiccated coconut 20,789 (20,532), oleochemicals as copra 19,546 (16,374), coco shell charcoal 2,225 (3,663), activated carbon 3,302 (5,508), glycerine 461 (2,111), fresh coconuts 127 (221), Others 3,494 (3,326).

       Export of copra meal went almost exclusively to Korea at 12,800 MT (85.3%). Shipment to Vietnam was 2,000 MT (13.3%) while limited amount went to New Zealand (200 MT).

       United Kingdom was primary destination for desiccated coconut in February, dislodging consistent market leader U.S. Total import was 2,620 MT (23.8%), trailed closely by U.S. at 2,484 MT (22.6%). Four other major buyers Australia (993 MT), Canada (883 MT), Netherlands (761 MT), Germany (702 MT) collectively accounted for 30.3%. Eight countries with uptake range of 101-483 MT jointly shared 16.0%, namely in descending order Belgium, Turkey, Israel, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, Singapore. About 7.3% of the market (790 MT) comprising 22 countries took in parcels ranging 1-97 MT.

       Japan took the lead in activated carbon with delivery of 534 MT (26.8%), tracked by the U. S. at 309 MT (15.5%), France 242 MT (12.1%), Singapore 143 MT (7.1%), Germany 141 MT (7.1%), Korea 128 MT (6.4%) and Belgium 100 MT (5.0%). A dozen other countries with uptake ranging 3-77 MT collectively held 397 MT (19.9%).

       The Center, which is under the Department of Agriculture (DA), will also provide assistance to farmers and investors in developing lands for agribusiness ventures. Documents show majority of the initial 600,000 hectares earmarked for this year would be equally distributed in three areas; North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Central Philippines/Luzon Urban Beltway and Mindanao. One significant feature of the program is government support for the biofuels program. The Center has already identified 48,000 hectares of farmlands suitable for bioethanol crops like sugarcane, cassava, corn, and sweet sorghum and another 13,000 hectares for biodiesel crops like coconut, oil palm and jathropa.

       According to official figures from Philippine Coconut Authority, the Philippines exported various coconut products and byproducts to New Zealand in 2006 worth USD2.692 million, an improvement by 9.8% from USD2.452 million year-earlier. These products are as follows, in descending order based on revenue generated for the year: copra meal, desiccated coconut, glycerin, fatty alcohol, shampoo, assorted coconut handicrafts, fatty acid, nata de coco, toilet/bath soap, makapuno, coco vinegar, frozen coconut meat, coconut milk powder, coconut water.

       Prices of desiccated coconut in Sri Lanka rallied earlier this month driven by massive gains in coconut oil prices and steady demand amid tight supply. Last week, Sri Lankan fine and medium grades of fair, average quality desiccated coconut was quoted in Europe at $1,310/MT c&f Europe, increasing by $20 from $1,290 in the prior week. As against this, Ramadan buying in the coming weeks and increase in freight rates with effect on July 01 are expected to continue to buoy prices. Sri Lanka anticipates an increase in market share this year as Philippine supplies are to decline following shortfall in coconut harvest due to the typhoons during the last quarter of last year.

       Total imports in January-April this year stood at 182,100 MT, a substantial increase by 25.9% from volume imported in a similar period last year at 144,600 MT. Of this total palm kernel oil was 139,200 (59,200 MT) and coconut oil 42,900 MT (85,400 MT) for respective shares of 76.4% and 23.6%. Import of palm kernel oil rose by 135.1% while coconut oil dropped by 49.8%.

       In the study, the researchers examined the effects of flaxseed supplementation on men who were scheduled to undergo prostatectomy (surgery for the treatment of prostate cancer). The men took 30 grams of flaxseed daily for an average of 30 days prior to surgery. Once the men’s tumors were removed, the researchers looked at tumor cells under a microscope, and were able to determine how quickly the cancer cells had multiplied. Men taking flaxseed, either alone or in conjunction with a low-fat diet, were compared to men assigned to just a low-fat diet, as well as to men in a control group, who did not alter or supplement their daily diet. Results showed men in both of the flaxseed groups had the slowest rate of tumor growth. The flaxseed used in the study was in ground form and were either mixed in drinks or sprinkled on food, like yogurt.