Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV) is solidifying its dominance in the domestic food-grade coconut export industry with the acquisition of the Franklin Baker Group of Companies, hot on the heels of its recent stake in Axelum Resources Corp.

In a statement, MPAV said it anticipates entering into agreements for the acquisition of Franklin Banker, which was founded in 1921 and is one of the Philippines’ most established coconut processors, with manufacturing facilities in Laguna and Davao.

“The coconut is one of the Philippines’ most important and iconic crops – something we should be proud of,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and CEO of MPAV’s parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

He added that, “With Franklin Baker and Axelum, we now have the opportunity to scale a globally competitive coconut platform – one that brings together world-class processing, long-standing customer relationships, and strong ties to our farming communities.

“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen a flagship export sector and help make Filipino agricultural products a global standard.”

Franklin supplies a broad range of value-added coconut products, including desiccated coconut, coconut water, virgin coconut oil, and coconut cream, to over 50 countries, while maintaining long-standing relationships with global food brands.

MPAV said its investment comes at a pivotal moment for the coconut industry—a sector that supports millions of Filipinos but continues to face headwinds from global market volatility and limited investment in value-added processing.

“The transaction will provide Franklin Baker with the capital and strategic support needed to stabilize its operations, clear pending export backlogs, and return to a path of sustainable growth.

“Just as importantly, it will help safeguard the livelihoods of over 5,000 workers and maintain a reliable market for more than 50,000 coconut farmers across the country,” the firm said.

The acquisition builds on MPAV’s earlier investment in Axelum Resources Corporation, a leading exporter of food-grade coconut products known for its ability to meet the highest global standards for food safety, traceability, and quality assurance.

Based in Medina, Misamis Oriental, Axelum has become a model of inclusive rural development, driving employment, supporting access to healthcare, and building strong partnerships with farmers.

Since MPAV’s entry in 2023, Axelum has expanded its production capabilities and global distribution network, reinforcing its position as a key supplier to top-tier international food and beverage companies.

Together, Franklin Baker and Axelum have the capacity to process over two million coconuts daily and account for a substantial share of U.S. coconut exports.

Both businesses maintain long-standing relationships with international customers and a strong track record of meeting evolving global standards for food safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

The two firms also have a strong track record of producing high-quality, value-added coconut products.

Franklin Baker brings the strength of a heritage brand built over more than a century, while Axelum contributes deep operational capability and a proven model of community-based agribusiness development.

Combined, they form the backbone of MPAV’s coconut platform – delivering industry-leading scale, export reach, and supply chain resilience to position the Philippines for long-term leadership in the global coconut industry.