The biggest international trade exhibition for food and ingredients in the country, IFEX Philippines, is set to showcase more than export-ready quality products from hundreds of exhibitors and key players in the food community on May 10-12, 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), IFEX Philippines’ 17th edition, titled “It’s a Salu-Salo. Find the best flavors & ingredients here,” is also creating an opportune space to echo today’s consumer insights for multifaceted food choices under FAST Catch.
As part of the FLAVOR Finds show features of IFEX Philippines 2024, selections under FAST Catch will highlight emerging food and beverages that render Functional, Authentic, and Sustainable elements, and some Twist in the way people prepare and think about certain eats. This comes on the heels of a growing global consumer shift toward more nutritious, organic, ethical, and standardized products and practices.
Aside from FAST, buyers and visitors can explore thousands of food offerings from IFEX Philippines 2024 exhibitors and partners in two major spaces: Trade Hall and Marketplace—where local and global flavors from established and new SMEs engaged in the food industry await buyers and foodies alike.
The Trade Hall, in general, is a food exhibition focusing on the interests of trade buyers, which include direct sourcing experience, business-matching activities, daily food samplings, and meetings with food exporters and suppliers. This hall is also home to the Open House where private and public partners present their development and promotion programs and initiatives that champion the food SMEs. To date, participating event partners include the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Halal Industry Development Office, and Plant-Based Association of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Marketplace allows direct consumers and the general public retail access to hundreds of food offerings from exhibitors and partners. It is a unique one-stop shop only found in IFEX where all the regional products are available at special prices.
Another show feature to look forward to in this exhibition space is IFEX Kitchen where the public can experience firsthand the food and flavors gracing local and international food markets today. Many of these selections have already been involved in CITEM-organized participation in major overseas trade fairs (OTFs) across regions. CITEM’s 2024 OTF participation includes Gulfood in the Middle East, China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China International Import Expo (CIIE) in China, and Salon International de l’alimentation (SIAL) in France.
CITEM understands the value of having access to the consumer voice, which is why IFEX Kitchen remains a dedicated show feature to allow for the exchange of food and industry ideas and insights in an interactive and fun environment. IFEX Philippines exhibitors, culinary experts, enthusiasts, and food brands get to share their expertise and passion through live cooking demonstrations and presentations for the public to enjoy.
Another crucial aspect of today’s global consumer behavior is sustainability in food. For this year, IFEX Philippines is integrating Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), a CITEM program that reflects the food industry’s commitment in prioritizing the environment and food security while elevating the integrity of Philippine food exports across the globe. Visitors can find the SSX showcase at this year’s Marketplace.
CITEM has been lauding the notable excellence of IFEX Philippines exhibitors through another anticipated show feature—the KATHA Awards Gallery. Throughout the three-day food fair, winners of the prestigious KATHA Awards for Food will be on display. Conferred in several distinct categories, KATHA awardees will be announced at CITEM’s #BIGTASTEREVEAL: The 2024 IFEX Philippines Media Salu-Salo, an IFEX Philippines 2024 pre-event for media partners and personalities happening on April 26.
