The seminars tackled livelihood topics and market entry requirements through notable speakers from the industry.

Violet Oon, Singapore’s food ambassador, talked about how the Philippines should focus producing more artisanal food products which would be more appealing to the sophisticated Singaporean consumer than mass market products.

Benjamin England, Founder and CEO of FDA Imports.com, discussed the market entry requirements of Philippine exports products such as food, beverages, medicine, and dietary supplements in the United States.

Edward David, president of the Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines, Inc., talked about the Philippine cacao which is becoming one of the country’s leading agricultural exports.

Mitchell Weinberg, Founder and CEO of INSCATECH Corporation, shared his vision for a more systematic and objective approach to food supply chain protection.

Adam Borja, resource person for the Department of Agriculture’s ’s Rice Program, talked about rice sufficiency and utilization in the Philippines.

Carlos Carpio from the Philippine Coconut Authority talked about the policies and strategies for investing in the Philippine coconut.

IFEX Philippines is organized by The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and co-organized by the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness Management Assistance Service (DA-AMAS).

For more information about the show, go to http://www.ifexphilippines.com.

First contestant, Greggie Mercado creates his signature Chicken Cacciatore

Second contestant, Quincy David Bautista created his signature Poached Tilapia with Sili Pesto

Third contestant, Ian Calma creates his signature Jerk Chicken with Ratatouille & Ube Risotto

A distinguished panel of judges were present to taste the chefs’ creations. Chef Jojo Cuesta Javier, Owner of Sweetilicious, Chef Michelle Adrillana, Owner of Flavors on Fire, Chef Kai O, Retail Chef of San Miguel Pure Foods Culinary Center, and Ms. Edith Singian, columnist of Cook Magazine.

The chefs’ creations (From L-R: Greggie’s Chicken Cacciatore, Poached Tilapia with Sili Pesto, and Jerk Chicken with Ratatouille & Ube Risotto

The winners pose with judges, Chef Jojo Cuesta Javier of Sweetilicious, Chef Michelle Adrillana, of Flavors on Fire, Chef Kai O of San Miguel Pure Foods Culinary Center, and Ms. Edith Singian of Cook Magazine

Ian Calma wins the Grand Prize, Quincy David Bautista bags 1st Runner Up, and Greggie Mercado gets 2nd Runner Up respectively.

The winners received cash prizes and numerous products from the sponsors.

Officials of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) headed by Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos (4th from left) meets with the officers of the US-based Asian Food Trade Association (AFTA) headed by Mr. Damon Chu (5th from left) during the 9th IFEX Philippines on 17 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

After five years of building a relationship with the Asian Food Trade Association (AFTA) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Los Angeles, the US-based Asian food trade industry group officers finally met with the Officials of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) to discuss how the country can tap the US$1 trillion US food industry.

The meeting took place during the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2013, Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show on 17 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

The AFTA delegation has, so far, ordered 50 container loads of goods from Filipino exhibitors and has promised to bring more of its members to the next show slated in 2015.

“It’s really important that the Philippines understands its great potential. May be you see a rock, but in our eyes we see diamonds right here,” AFTA President Damon Chu said.

The AFTA delegation, made up of food industry veterans, is organized by Chu in cooperation with the PTIC-, President of AFTA and President of Giant Union Co. Inc. The delegation is composed of key food sourcing companies in the West Coast: Wing Choi, President of Sun Hing Foods; Jacklyn Sher, President of HC Foods, Inc.; James Tsai of Hocean Inc. and the founder of AFTA; Jimmy Kwang, President of Chevalier International, Inc.; Mike Ongchi of V8 Commercial Co., Inc.; and Sugi Suherman of Agiloc  International Inc.

Chevalier International Trading, Giant Union Co., HC Foods, Inc., Hocean Inc., Sun Hing Foods, and V8 Commercial Co., Inc. are food importing companies in search of new products they can introduce to the Asian community in the United States. Joining them is Agiloc International Inc., a customs brokerage company that can handle custom clearance of import shipments on all US ports.

Organized in 1992, AFTA aims to foster harmonious relationships between its members. It helps them conduct business transactions with regulatory government offices in the USA. AFTA has 200 members and caters to both the food service industry covering 5,000 Chinese restaurants and the food distribution sector that includes 1,500 supermarkets and retail stores in the West Coast.

IFEX Philippines is the biggest food sourcing hub in the country and is the gateway of foreign businessmen to the vast Asian food market. It is organized by the CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and co-organized by the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS).

For more information about the show, visit www.ifexphilippines.com.

Ilocos Empanada

Pastillas Wrappers

Pili Nut Cracking

Tupig

See food artistry at IFEX Philippines, running until 19 May 2013 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. Visit http://www.ifexphilippines.com for more information.

Talents in coffeeology come together in this competition patterned after the World Barista Championships. Seven baristas went head-to-head, taking turns in crafting espresso, cappuccino, and their signature beverage for a total of 12 drinks before seven judges (a Head judge, four Sensory judges, and two Technical judges). The criteria included taste and technique.

Pia Sandoval representing Craft Coffee Workshop.

Lui Selorio representing Lyceum of the Philippines

IFEX Philippines 2013 Barista Showdown contestant, Paulo Abiog

Miguel Santiago representing Craft Coffee Workshop

Joyryl Cuarteros representing Lyceum of the Philippines

Lorenzo Pena competing at the IFEX Philippines 2013 Barista Showdown

IFEX Philippines 2013 Barista Showdown contestant, Queenie Basallo

1st Placer Paulo Abiog at IFEX Philippines’ Barista Showdown.

Joyryl Cuarteros of Lyceum of the Philippines bags 2nd Place at IFEX Philippines’ Barista Showdown

Pia Sandoval of Craft Coffee Workshop wins 3rd Place at IFEX Philippines’ Barista Showdown

Thank you and congratulations to the participants of IFEX Philippines’ Barista Showdown

IFEX Philippines runs until 19 May 2013 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. Visit www.ifexphilippines.com for more information.

The excitement and energy pulses through IFEX Philippines, Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show, with its roster of activities at the Chefs-at-Work area. Among the lineup of activities was the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) cooking demos. Select companies from the USDA pavilion each presented live demos, tapping the best chefs in the industry to prepare dishes and impart knowledge and techniques to the IFEX Philippines audience.

Dane International represented by Chef Jill Sandique, lead trainer of the USDA Council of Chefs, demonstrated Healthy Cooking with U.S. Dried Fruits and Nuts. The demo covered the versatility and benefits of dried fruits and nuts while Chef Jill prepared Walnut and Raisin Cookies and salads using cranberries and nuts.

Chef Jill Sandique cooking with dried fruits and nuts.

For Golden Acres Food Service, Chef Gilbert Garcia prepared Chicken Satay Salad, Sausage Quesadilla, and Singaporean Chili Shrimps.

Chef Gilbert Garcia for Golden Acres Food Service

Chef Gilbert’s dishes: (clockwise), Chicken Satay Salad, Singaporean Chili Shrimps, and Sausage Quesadilla

Chef Bambi Lichauco of the American Hospitality Academy demonstrated healthy recipes tailored to the summer season. Ideal Macaroni tapped Chef Rodrigo Reloj and Kyle Imao, winner of Junior Masterchef Philippines.

Chef Rodrigo Reloj and Junior Masterchef winner Kyle Imao

Happy Living Corporation hosted a seminar titled Beringer Wine & Food in Balance, discussing wine and food pairing led by Katherin Yao Santos, Marketing Director of Happy Living Philippines and Philippine representative to the Midwest Wine Buyers’ Mission.

More activities are in store at IFEX Philippines, running until 19 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Metro Manila, Philippines. Visit http://www.ifexphilippines.com for more information.

“The big difference this year is that we opened IFEX Philippines as a fully international event. We invited international exhibitors and we invited top retail giants to source at our event.” – Gregory L. Domingo, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry 

“In less than a decade, IFEX Philippines has become the most comprehensive and most distinguished food show in the Philippines. The constant innovations and features of IFEX Philippines with the participation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes this event all the more attractive to buyers and visitors alike. I also commend the Culinary Craft Spots feature that champions traditional Filipino delicacies through live demonstrations.” - Proceso J. Alcala, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Agriculture 

“I think this IFEX Philippines is really a wonderful place to showcase our products. I’m so pleased to see that people are flocking in this early and to see active buying happening is a very good sign.”  - Ponciano C. Manalo Jr., Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry 

“I would like to thank the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) for helping Negros Occidental be part of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2013 and for steering us into becoming a global player. ” - Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. of Negros Occidental, IFEX Philippines’ Partner Province

“I’m most interested in Filipino food and I’m very impressed and quite amazed in its quality. It’s really in touch with what’s modern now. I have also seen natural and organic products that will be very popular to international buyers.” – Chef Violet Oon, Singapore’s Food Ambassador

“This year’s IFEX Philippines is very interesting. I had a very quick look and it seems to be bigger compared to when I was here two years ago. I like IFEX because it’s very intimate and friendly. Trade fairs in Europe are very big and impersonal but here, it is very friendly and colorful.” - David Smith of SmithMed, Norway

“IFEX is absolutely fantastic. We came here looking for new products and we are probably going to leave with 15 new product lines.” - Michael Gillis of Castle Glenn Enterprises, Australia

“We are currently introducing new products from Barrio Fiesta and MoonDish to the international market and we believe that IFEX Philippines is the perfect venue.” - Anna Yuzon of Barrio Fiesta, Philippines

Explore delectable food finds at IFEX Philippines 2013! Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show runs until 19 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.

IFEX Philippines features Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. A special participation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showcases 20 companies offering agricultural products and services to the Asian market while simultaneously building opportunities and networking with other companies and exporters at the show.

(Above-left photo) The USDA pavilion features 20 companies, both U.S.-based and Philippine-based. (Right, top to bottom) Coffee and tea products from Tully’s Coffee, value-added potato products from Simplot, and dried fruits and nuts from, Fruitti Nutti. (Bottom) The giant apple pie which was a highlight of the USDA pavilion.

(Clockwise) The Brunei Darussalam pavilion and products such as canned meat from Sabli’s, value-added meat products from PDS, and tarts and biscuits from Noraini Bakery.

(Above photo) The Indonesia pavilion at IFEX Philippines. (Below, left to right) snacks from WOW Food Industry and coffee from Kopi Kamu.

(Above) The Japan Pavilion features Miso products and soy sauce from Asuka.

(Above) The Korea Pavilion featured various beverages and liquors such as (bottom, left to right) coffee and juice products from Samjung Flavor and traditional Korean liquor from Jindo Hong Ju

IFEX Philippines runs until 19 May 2013 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. Visit www.ifexphilippines.com for more  information.

IFEX Philippines’  Grocer’s Exchange is a notable show feature that gathers 30 of the country’s top food exporters to explore possible partnerships and business ventures with some of Asia-Pacific’s top retail giants at the setting called G-Mart.

Norwegian buyer David Smith of SmithMed says, ”I like the trade fair here because it’s intimate and friendly. Compared to trade fairs in Europe, which are very big and impersonal, IFEX Philippines is friendly and colorful.”

The Grocer’s Exchange brings together Philippine food exporters such as Franklin Baker, Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc., and Magic Mel Foods Inc., and international retailers like Australia’s Metcash/Metfood, China’s B&S Company, Beijing Hualien, Olive Tree, and Shanghai Dong Feng; and Korea’s Cheil Jedang, E-Mart, and Pulmuone.

Have a taste of  international flavors  at IFEX Philippines 2013 which is open until 19 May 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.