Update on Franklin Baker of the Philippines 28th November 2024

We have received calls and emails from multiple sources suggesting that Franklin Baker, an M&S accredited supplier of desiccated coconut to the UK, may close its operations in the Philippines by December 2024 if a buyer for the business is not found.

We have been unable to find any news other than conjecture from all the calls we have received this week, although we saw a letter from another company sent to a client with the same information last week.

The only news out of the Philippines involves the dismissal of 3,200 staff via a Facebook group chat message on 3^rd October from the Sta. Cruz plant is in Davao del Sur, their largest processing facility in the Philippines. This event has been reported in local media.– (https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/franklin-baker-company-called-out-for-displacing-3200-workers/)

TM Duché & Sons Response 

As we have no definitive facts, we can only speculate about what is happening; we have spoken to multiple sources in the Philippines and the UK with no other information.

If the news proves accurate and Franklin Baker closes, a shortage of M&S grade coconut will occur from Q1 onwards in 2025, potentially pushing up prices.

If they are bought out, supply may be interrupted while the new company takes over, restarts production in the closed facility, and updates any accreditations.

But to repeat what we have said, there is no actual news of the closure.

Please get in touch with us for any orders in 2025.