Community Empowerment Based on Local Potential through the Development and Value-Added Enhancement of Palm Sugar Products in Tanjung Village

Abstract

Tanjung Village, Pakis Aji District, Jepara Regency, has considerable palm sugar potential; however, its development is constrained by limited product quality and diversification, simple packaging, weak business management, and conventional marketing. This community service program aimed to strengthen business capacity through product development and increased value added of palm sugar. The program involved palm sugar producers, community groups, village officials, and related stakeholders through situation analysis using observation, interviews, discussions, and business-record reviews; production and diversification training; assistance in packaging, business identity, legality, and digital marketing; and evaluation using pre- and post-tests, observation sheets, product assessment rubrics, and business records. Results showed that participants' knowledge scores increased from 55% to 100%, product variants increased from one to three, and simple unlabeled packaging was transformed into branded and labeled packaging. The selling price increased from IDR 20,000 to IDR 40,000 per unit. Marketing channels expanded from direct sales and collectors to local stores, WhatsApp, and social media, while sales volume increased from approximately 50 to 80 packages per month. These results demonstrate that integrated assistance improved business capacity, product value, and market reach