The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur took center stage at the 9th Food and Beverage Expo (FABEX), placing the spotlight on its groundbreaking local drink innovation: Coco Cola.
Processed and produced at the CamSur Coconut Processing Facility in San Jose, Pili, Coco Cola is a pure coconut water drink infused with a classic cola flavor, offering a taste remarkably similar to popular soda brands on the market. With zero sugar added, it offers a healthy alternative for everyday refreshment.
Alongside Coco Cola, the province also showcased its broader coconut product line, including carbonated Coco Calamansi and Coco Mangosteen, demonstrating how local agriculture can be elevated into high-value, health-conscious commercial products.
The province’s flagship beverage drew high praise from event keynote speaker and celebrity chef JR Royol, who highlighted both its unique taste and its broader social impact.
“We have a local beverage that beats, if not exceeds, the main brands we are all familiar with,” Chef Royol said. “What I like about this is that it brings back childhood memories. This has a rich flavor na parang reminiscent of Sarsaparilla or root beer. Masarap sya! And of course, it’s sweetened with stevia. Congratulations to the [Provincial] Government for this innovation.”
He added, “I'm suggesting and encouraging you guys to make the most out of this. Tikman niyo po 'yung produkto natin na Coco Cola. Also, not to mention the employment, the livelihood that this provides, since directly po tayong bumibili ng mga produkto sa mga farmers natin, nai-elevate ang kanilang kabuhayan, ika nga.”
Aside from him, numerous expo attendees also sampled Coco Cola at the CamSur booth, with many expressing appreciations for its flavor and its healthier take on a classic favorite.
The coco-based products are not yet available on the market, but the province is now open to distributor partnerships.
The product showcase was among the highlights of FABEX 2026, held from July 16 to 19 at the Atrium, Robinsons Place Naga. Organized by the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CSCCI), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, the four-day expo ran under the theme “Bakes, Drinks, and Food: Crafted for the Future!”
CSCCI President Regina Melchor highlighted the spirit behind this year's event.
“This year, FABEX stands as a testament to the vibrant and resilient spirit of the food industry,” Melchor shared, noting that the expo—a major pillar of the broader CamSur Business Expo—has grown into one of South Luzon’s premier gatherings for culinary excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and local economic development.
Beyond product exhibitions, this year’s FABEX featured interactive breakout sessions and competitive challenges for local artisans, including cake display, cake art, pour-over, latte art, and barista competitions.
Year after year, FABEX continues to empower Bicolano entrepreneurs by turning local talent and raw agricultural resources into market-ready, future-proof innovations. It proves that when regional ingenuity meets local community support, Bicol’s food and beverage industry doesn’t just grow—it leads.
“I would like to thank the Province of CamSur and Gov. Lray Villafuerte for always supporting the CSCCI, and for helping the Bicolanos build and improve kung anong meron tayo na raw materials or products. So, like I've seen meron tayong Coco Cola, and we also have 'yung Bicol Mega Cold Storage Facility na malaking tulong sa ating mga negosyante,” thanked Flerida Faye Neri, FABEX 2026 Chairperson.
