Axelum Resources Corp. (PSE: AXLM), the country’s leading fully-integrated manufacturer and exporter of globally in-demand food essentials, primarily best-in-class coconut products, has sealed its strategic partnership with Metro Pacific Agro Ventures, Inc. (MPAV). MPAV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, a leading infrastructure investments company in the Philippines, with diversified interests in power, toll roads, water, transportation, healthcare and real estate.

The transaction is valued at ₱5.32 billion, representing a 34.76% equity stake for MPAV in Axelum.

Mr. Romeo I. Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Axelum Resources Corp. states, “We proudly welcome the investment of MPAV into Axelum. This partnership is built on a shared vision and profound commitment to spearhead initiatives that will modernize our local coconut industry. We aim to achieve this by leveraging our joint expertise, network and resources.”

Mr. Chan adds, “Most importantly, this will allow us to deepen our societal impact by providing sustainable livelihood to coconut farming communities, and thereby contributing to the continuous development of the country’s agriculture sector.”

Through this alliance, Axelum and MPAV will aggressively pursue value-accretive opportunities both domestically and overseas, as it aims to maximize capabilities and competitiveness of Philippine coconuts in the global stage. In the long-term, the partnership aspires to be a transformative leader in strengthening the country’s food supply chain, pioneering new farming technology and re-establishing agriculture as a core backbone to economic development and inclusive growth.

“This partnership embodies our commitment to sustainable investments,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman, President, and CEO of MPIC. “Axelum’s expertise in the coconut industry, combined with MPAV’s ambition for Philippine agriculture, position us to make lasting contributions to the nation. We look forward to promoting sustainability and competitiveness in the country’s agricultural sector.”

Axelum caters to a top-tier clientele comprised of renowned multinational consumer brands, across more than 30 high-growth export markets. Axelum produces an extensive range of premium coconut products including desiccated coconut, coconut milk powder, sweetened coconut, coconut milk and cream, reduced fat coconut, and coconut cooking oil. In addition, Axelum is a major supplier to Vita Coco, the world’s largest and most popular coconut water beverage.