International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines surpassed last year’s USD163.29 million with initial and unofficial total export sales crossing USD165 million this year.
The 17th edition of IFEX Philippines officially opened on May 10 and drew an estimated crowd of nearly 10,000 for the combined three-day event at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
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The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), together with more than 500 exhibitors and event partners from across the country, welcomed visitors composed of the diplomatic corps, government agencies, international and local trade buyers and partners, retail customers, and media outlets, including members of the diplomatic community from Asia and neighboring regions.Â
This year’s export food promotion efforts of CITEM is one that espouses the unifying concept of a traditional Filipino “salu-salo” or feast, which reflects the community of food MSMEs, manufacturers, producers, distributors, and consumers in the export value chain.
In his keynote address, Senator Mark Villar, former chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship; who now chairs the Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies, described IFEX as “a platform where visions are turned into reality and opportunities are seized,” and expressed his strong commitment to further champion the food industry, assuring CITEM of having a staunch ally in the Senate.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ana Carolina Sanchez, who spoke on behalf of Secretary Alfredo Pascual, mirrored the sentiments of the Senator and underscored the importance of delivering comprehensive mechanisms to allow for inclusive growth opportunities and sustainable development. She cited DTI’s private-public partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Clark International Airport Corporation for the Three-Year Food Logistic Action Agenda, as it focuses on establishing secure food distribution routes and access points resulting in affordable and reliable food sources across the country.
Meanwhile, DA Agribusiness and Marketing Service (DA-AMAS) OIC and Director Junibert de Sagun said, “Beyond serving as a B2B platform, IFEX stands as an opportunity to foster more trade relations and economic opportunities.” He is optimistic that last year’s sales in agriculture can be surpassed with the help of its partners and programs like CITEM and IFEX Philippines, respectively.
The DA, for its section, featured exhibitors offering the so-called Premium 7 that is part of the continuous promotion of the country’s top crops. These raw food supplies, composed of banana, cacao, coconut, coffee, mango, pineapple, and tuna, are highly in demand for their various possibilities beyond food production.
During the opening ceremony, highlights of the media salu-salo were shown, followed by the announcement of the complete list of the latest winners of the Katha Awards for Food. These winning products were also available at the exhibition floor, along with thousands of export-quality food and beverage offerings.
Other attractions included a photo gallery capturing 15 years of heritage food research from Philippine Food Holidays author and Philippine Gastronomy Tourism scholar Clang Garcia. She is also one of the first to become a FOODPhilippines Advocate Par Excellence together with food content creator Abi Marquez. They were conferred at the IFEX Philippines 2024 Media Salu-Salo, where Garcia also guested as the panel discussion moderator.
