RP coco vinegar now exported to US

For almost two years now, Philippine-made coconut vinegar has been exported to the United States by Sorsogon Foods Enterprise (SFE), which is managed by Linda R. Corsiga, a retiree from the International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group.

Corsiga calls her product "Lola Conching" coco nectar vinegar in honor of her mother who used to sell tuba and vinegar in their place.

SFE’s products have been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD). They were proven to contain vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium. They also contain potassium which promotes cell, tissue and organism growth.

SFE produces organic coco nectar specialty vinegars. In addition to the classic variety, the company has also added natural herbs and flavors, which are locally grown and sourced such as garlic, lemon grass, chili, ginger and raw wild honey.

Like its organic coco nectar vinegar, which has nutritional and medicinal value, the natural herbs that are mixed with it are health-promoting "neutraceuticals" (nutrients supplements that act like pharmaceuticals) and are considered "functional foods" (foods that are nutritious and at the same time prevent diseases) as well.

"Lola Conching" organic coco nectar specialty vinegars come in six variants: classic, virgin (with mother-of-vinegar), with chile and ginger, with garlic, with lemon grass and with raw wild honey.

Other new products are the coco nectar syrup or marmalade, and the tuba organic drink.

These are now available in various organic specialty shops and a few supermarkets around Metro Manila and have already reached the island of Boracay.

According to Corsiga, the best way to introduce coco nectar vinegar to the family is to substitute it for ordinary table vinegar and use it for cooking, dipping, marinating, salad dressing, pickling and even drinking.

For more information, call Linda R. Corsiga – tel. nos. 427-2227; Mobiline – 0918-6346010; telefax (63-2) 930-9859.