Value Chaining in the Philippine Processed Fish Industry

This study aimed to analyze the value chain network of dried and smoked fish players in Lucena City, Quezon Province, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to present the characteristics and relationship dynamics of players in the processed fish value chain network; determine the costs and profit, marketing, and value addition at different stages in the value chain; to identify possible investment entry points and government interventions and the issues, gaps,and weaknesses of the value chains; and to recommend solutions to address the problems and capture trade opportunities. Findings revealed that Chain 1 was the strongest and Chains 3 and 4 were weak chains based on relationship dynamics, transaction costs and value addition. Processors had the highest value addition in all chains except for Chain 2 where the wholesaler-retailers had the highest value addition. Identified issues included: bad weather conditions, seasonality, and access to capital, minimal research and technology development, limited resources for product presentation, high input costs, limited public market space, payment delays, changing customer preference, and lack of government support. Engaging in aquaculture farming, putting up modern fish processing plants and building cold storage facilities are possible investment entry points, offering trade opportunities for both current and prospective value chain network players.