Twenty-four exhibitors from food and beverage (F&B) trade and manufacturing helped the Philippines bring in a total sales value of USD22.92 million from its recent participation at Anuga 2023 in Cologne, Germany.
This year’s Philippine participation also marked the country’s physical return to Anuga since 2019, reinvigorating efforts to solidify export trade presence, especially in the European market.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)—the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—spearheaded the FOODPhilippines participation, together with the COCONUTPhilippines participation led by the International Trade Centre (ITC)-Philippines with the DTI – Export Marketing Bureau (EMB).
With the support of partners Philippine Trade Investment Center (PTIC)-Berlin and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), the Philippine delegation showcased various in-demand food and beverage products, with canned seafood, banana chips, and snacks proving most popular with buyers.
This year’s staging of the international trade fair caught the attention of more than 350 trade buyers and over 450 inquiries for the Philippine delegation.
The FOODPhilippines pavilion featured 14 exhibitors, namely: Amley Food Corporation, Axelum Resources Corporation, Fitrite, Inc., GSL Premium Food Export Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Lionheart Farms Corporation, Mega Global Corporation, Philbest Canning Corporation, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., Prime Fruits International, Inc., Q-Phil International Trading, Sagrex Foods Inc., Seatrade Canning Corporation, and See’s International Food Manufacturing Corporation.
Meanwhile, 10 exhibitors specifically selected under ARISE Plus Philippines—a national government project—comprised the COCONUTPhilippines pavilion: AG Pacific Nutriceuticals, Ahya Coco Organic Food Mfg. Corporation, Amazing Foods Corporation, Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corporation, Dignity Products And Services, Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines, Inc., Pasciolco Agri Ventures, Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation, Tropicana Food Products, Inc., and Wellness Care International Corporation.
Anuga, considered one of the major international trade fairs for the F&B industry, is organized by Koelnmesse GmbH.
Prior to the opening of the show, Philippine exhibitors were already busy with activities prepared by the organizers and partners. Among these was an onsite seminar organized by ITC Philippines for the exhibitors titled “Training on EU (European Union) Agro Food Market Requirements and Trends, Key Points to Prepare for B2B Interactions and Good Practices for Successful Trade Fair Participation.”
During the seminar, various requirements, trends, key points, and other B2B aspects to help maximize their trade fair participation at Anuga 2023 were discussed. Also, exhibitors will be able to utilize the key learning aspects towards future trade fair involvements, and enhance their engagement with buyers and clients in the European market.
In organizing the Philippine participation, Fereira recognized the immense value of trade fairs like Anuga, explaining “international trade fairs are pivotal platforms in the development of the country’s overall export capabilities, giving local exhibitors the key exposure and linkages to become part of the global value chain.”
