DTI-CITEM to launch Sustainable Solutions Expo, PH’s first trade show on global sustainable solutions and technologies

• Sustainable Solutions Expo will focus on food and beverage in its first edition at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on May 21-23, 2020.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is organizing a new trade show named the Sustainable Solutions Expo (SSX) that will showcase international sustainable solutions and technologies. Its first edition is set to be launched at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on May 21-23, 2020.

SSX aims to capacitate Philippine micro-, small-, and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) in pursuing more efficient and ecofriendly means of production in line with DTI’s overall thrust towards sustainability, according to CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

In its first edition, SSX will focus on the Philippines’ food and beverage industry—highlighting the latest food-related solutions and technologies and championing local food manufacturers and producers that adhere to environmental and economic sustainability.

“SSX: F&B will highlight local and international sustainable solutions and technologies to encourage and capacitate our local MSMEs and other stakeholders in adopting sustainable methods of production and consumption, that are efficient, safe and ecofriendly, across our value chain,” said Suaco-Juan.

Industry players eyed to exhibit will come from the sectors of organic, healthy and natural food; HALAL/Kosher/Fair Trade/Organic certified products; post-harvest handling technologies and facilities; cold chain, refrigeration and storage facilities; green packaging; ingredients and raw materials providers; waste management and recycling; plastic solutions; green engineering technology; certifying bodies and financial institutions; material resource recovery; and transport and logistics.

Meanwhile, invited in SSX’s first edition are food companies, farm cooperatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Local Government Units (LGUs). Also expected to join are the manufacturers, producers, importers and wholesalers, distributors and retailers, venture capitalists, policymakers and regulators, financial institutions, researchers and members of the academe.

“Through the trade event, our MSMEs will gain access to new technologies that they can adopt for more efficient manufacturing, allowing the country to better integrate into the global supply chain. Further, the event will serve as a vehicle to spread awareness on international sustainability initiatives to encourage the public to adapt green consumption and lifestyle,” she added.

Suaco-Juan said CITEM has partnered with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is currently in-talks with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to further bolster the event.

SSX: Food and Beverage in Focus

The Philippines is one of Asia’s largest producers of food as its food and beverages (F&B) sector makes up around half of its manufacturing industry.

Roughly 90 percent of the industry’s output is consumed domestically as of 2016 but as quality and efficiency continue to improve, the Philippines will be able to further export opportunities in the region due to its strategic location and membership in various free trade agreements.

According to Suaco-Juan, to strengthen food exports and ensure sustainable growth, the Philippine government recognizes the need for a more efficient and sustainable means and methods of production.

DTI has identified the need to “encourage and support innovation” under its Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 and organize “reverse trade fairs for the manufacturing sector” under its Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2018-2022 to strengthen value and supply chain linkages and promoting green growth which led to the conception of the SSX: F&B.

“SSX:F&B is also spearheaded to fast track the adoption of sustainable consumption and production in the country and contribute to global efforts in preserving the environment as part of the Philippines’ commitment in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, with the United Nations,” said Suaco-Juan.

FoodPhilippines returns to the 2nd CIIE for a “New Era, Shared Future” with China

The 2^nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened its doors to the public this week to welcome visitors to a bigger and better import expo with more than 3,000 foreign companies from 150 countries and regions. This year’s theme, “New Era, Shared Future,” reinforces China’s efforts to transition towards a more open economy to better accommodate exporters the world over.

The Philippine participation for the 2019 CIIE is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) together with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) in China, PhilExport and the Department of Agriculture.

L-R: EMB Officer RD Velasco, Bureau of International Trade Relations Officer Michelle P. Pontillas, Ms. Lang Eng Kee of Tropicana Food Products Inc., Mr. Jimmy Tang of Team Asia Corporation,  CITEM Project Manager Rowena Mendoza, Bureau of International Trade Relations Assistant Director Angelo Salvador M. Benedictos, DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, CITEM Executive Director Pauline-Suaco Juan, PTIC Shanghai Commercial Vice Consul Mario Tani, EMB Assistant Director Agnes Legaspi, PH Agricultural Counsellor Anna Abuejuela, PTIC Beijing Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda, PTIC Guangzhou Commercial Vice Consul John Paul Iñigo.

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, joined by DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman and CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan, led the Philippines’ government representatives as they surveyed the Philippine pavilion prior to the event’s public opening.

L-R: EMB Assistant Director Agnes Legaspi, Philippine Franchise Association Chairman Dr. Alan  Escalona and President Richard Sanz, PTIC Guangzhou Commercial Vice Consul John Paul Iñigo, CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan, MOFCOM General Office Deputy Director General Jin Yuan, DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman, MOFCOM Asia Affairs Director General Gang Peng, Consul Conrado Demdem from the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai, Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Junibert De Sagun, PTIC Beijing Commercial Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda, PTIC Shanghai Commercial Vice Consul Mario Tani, PH Agricultural Counsellor Anna Abuejuela

Representatives of the Philippine delegation were joined by Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Asia Affairs Director General Gang Peng and General Office Deputy Director General Jin Yuan for a group photo after DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman formally opened the FoodPhilippines Pavilion.

Crowds flock to the FoodPhilippines Pavilion as exhibitors showcase high-quality food and beverage products including various healthy and organic options.

Companies exhibiting under the FoodPhilippines banner feature a wide range of top-notch export products like fresh fruits, canned seafood, snack foods and various fruit-based products.

Food sampling activities at the FoodPhilippines Pavilion

Onsite food sampling activities will also be held throughout the show to give visitors a taste of the featured Philippine products at the trade show floor.

 

Local MSMEs gear up for China’s premiere import expo as event countdown continues with less than 50 days to go

• The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is Chinese President Xi Jinping’s major initiative towards economic openness, globalization and international cooperation.
• Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be returning to the 2^nd CIIE to showcase the country’s top food products.

CIIE mascot, Jinbao the panda, representing friendship, good fortune and the modern Silk Roads of today.

With the 2^nd edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) being less than two months away, organizers and exhibitors are now entering the home stretch as they begin final preparations for the upcoming event. CIIE 2019 will open its doors to around 3,000 companies from over 150 countries and regions at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai, China this 5-10 November 2019.

Currently one of the largest and fastest-developing economies in the world thanks to its large population base, China continues its initiatives for economic openness, globalization and international cooperation through this import-only expo. The enthusiastic response from participants for this year’s edition has already prompted organizers to open the registration for the 3^rd CIIE slated for 2020.

This import expo provides an ideal platform for companies and exporters to promote their products, market their brands, sustain business relations and find new trade partners from the second largest economy in the world. According to a recent global economic forecast by Euromonitor, China’s projected economic growth for 2019 through 2021 puts it ahead of the USA in the global economy leaderboard, further augmenting the benefits of potential export deals with the country.

Improved import expo

New categories have been added to this year’s expo, opening up trade opportunities in the industries of autonomous driving technologies and elderly care services. The exhibition area itself has increased from 270,000 to 300,000 square meters to accommodate the number of guests, participants, Fortune 500 companies and events that are all expected to exceed those of last year’s expo.

Of the seven categories under CIIE’s business exhibition, the Philippines will be exhibiting as part of the Food and Agricultural Products sector. The participation, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is now composed of more than 30 exhibitors set to showcase a wide range of top-notch products and services aimed at China’s fast-growing health and wellness market.

The participating companies from the Philippines’ food and beverage sectors will be exhibiting under the FoodPhilippines banner where they will showcase a wide variety of quality and innovative food products suited for China’s fast-growing health and wellness market.

Except for a few large-scale corporations, the Philippine delegation in the upcoming import expo will mostly be made up of companies from micro- to small-scale enterprises. This is in line with the Philippine government’s push to further strengthen and advance its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“CIIE serves as a perfect example of China’s efforts to further open its market to foreign trade, as well as a new trading platform that promotes the advancement of the overall global economy,” said DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman. “It provides great opportunities for our MSMEs to grow their businesses beyond their local operations and capture more sectors of China’s developing market as the Philippines continues to strengthen its bilateral relations with China.”

DTI-CITEM, together with its partner agencies, will be focusing on a smaller MSME and business delegation as they continue to develop this year’s participants for export competitiveness in both the Chinese and global markets.

“We are inviting all trade buyers and guests alike to visit the FoodPhilippines area and discover the best food products that the Philippines has to offer and explore lucrative trade opportunities as our exhibitors deliver top-notch products and services from the Philippines’ food and agricultural industries,” added DTI-CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

This participation organized by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

Exporters from the food and agricultural sectors interested in joining this year’s CIIE may contact Peter Tapang, Project Officer, via email at pjtapang@citem.com.ph.

 

43 PH firms seek to expand exports in China, Southeast Asia at CAEXPO 2019

Coconut products are included in the products to be exhibited under the Philippine Commodity Pavilion in the upcoming CAEXPO 2019.

The Philippines will be represented by 43-strong exporters and manufacturers as they seek to expand their market reach in China and neighboring Southeast Asian countries in the 16^th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) on September 20-23.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the national delegation will exhibit the country’s premier export products and services in the food, health and wellness, lifestyle and tourism sectors under the Philippines’ Commodity Pavilion located at the Exhibition Zone D along Hall 12.

“Last year’s bestsellers include coconut products and tropical fruit snacks. Both product lines will be returning to the trade floor this year accompanied by a slew of healthy and innovative food products, such as organic food supplements and organic packaged foods and beverages,” said DTI-CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

CAEXPO is one of the biggest trade events in China with a 124,000-square meter exhibition space—the only international trade fair in the region dedicated to promoting the building of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) and celebrating regional trade cooperation.

In 2018, the four-day event was participated in by more than 2,700 exhibitors and 96,000 buyers and visitors all over the world. The Philippine delegation last year was able to book 22 million US dollars during the four-day event in the Commodity Pavilion.

“As we continue to further our efforts to improve trade relations with China, the ASEAN nations and the rest of the global market, the Philippine government shall, to the best of its abilities, commit to maintaining a conducive environment that allows businesses to thrive in moving towards a more streamlined global trade network,” according to DTI Undersecretary for the Trade Promotions Group (TPG) Abdulgani Macatoman.

Food and wellness Philippine companies participating in CAEXPO include Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing Corp., Audrey’s Confectioneries, Bea’s Homemade Peanut Butter, Benevelle Corporation, CKL Corporation, Elynne’s Pasalubong  Products, Eng Seng Food Products, EPL Cacao Products, Fruits of Life, Gees Agri Coco Products, Great Harvest Food Industries, Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines, Inc., Green Tropics Coffee Enterprise, Happi Tummy Foodstuff, Inc., JNRM Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., LTH Food Industries, Inc., Marikina Food Corporation, MS3 Agri-Ventures Corp., Phil. Morinda Citrifolia, Inc., Potter’s Hand Processed Food, Sangkutsa Food Products, Seabest Food Beverage Corp., Super Q, Tatlong Hari Agri Trade Corporation, Team Asia Corporation, Trans Ocean Food Products, Inc., Universal Canning, Inc., Year Luck Food and Industrial Corp.

From the lifestyle sector are Ai-She Footwear, Benelco Arts and Crafts, Cut N Shape Crafts Manufacturing, Jacildo’s Handicraft, JCS Beatus Trading, Inc., Jer Shell’s Craft Creations Int’l, Jhaz Footwear, Kit Silver Jewellery, Maddela Flowers and Crafts and Yamang Atin Enterprises.

Health and wellness companies include EXP Life and Herbs Nutraceuticals and Jegen S.W.E; while education firms include Enterprises Ahead Tutorial and Review Centers Learnup, Inc., Gold Berry Suits and Hotels from the tourism sector.

Aside from the companies, DTI-CITEM will also highlight the trade, investment and tourism sectors of General Santos City, as well as some of the country’s developing economic zones in coordination with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and Board of Investments (BOI), as well as relevant investment promotion agencies (IPAs).

Participating IPAs comprise of the Bureau of Investments (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA).

“We welcome CAEXPO visitors to explore the best products that our hospitable Filipino exhibitors have to offer, and we encourage you to visit our City of Charm Pavilion located at the National Pavilion: Hall B2, along Exhibition Zone B, as we continue to move forward together as one ASEAN in forging stronger ties amongst ourselves and the nation of China,” Macatoman said.

The Philippine participation in CAEXPO is led by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Local Government of General Santos City, Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai, DTI – Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), DTI – Region XI, Foreign Trade Service Corps. (FTSC), Board of Investments (BOI), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and other investment promotion agencies (IPAs).

 

Philippine premium food exports set to delight visitors at Taipei International Food Show

• DTI-CITEM assembles Philippine delegation to highlight the country’s best food exports at one of the leading food shows in Asia

FOODPhilippines at IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA 2019

After the successful turnout of IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA last month, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) now sets its sights on the Taipei International Food Show (TIFS) this coming 19-22 June 2019 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC). As the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotion arm, CITEM will be managing the Philippine delegation at this year’s TIFS. The Philippine Pavilion will be located at the ground floor of the TWTC Hall 1.

More commonly known as FOOD TAIPEI, this year’s TIFS will also be held concurrently with four other food-related shows (Foodtech & Pharmatech Taipei, Taipei Pack, Taiwan HORECA and Halal Taiwan). This 5-in-1 food show provides visitors and exhibitors a one-stop shop to engage companies, brands and suppliers from all facets and related sectors of the food industry.

For this edition, the Philippine delegation will be bringing with it both returning and first-time exhibitors to Taiwan which will all be united under the theme FoodPhilippines. The theme’s goal is to highlight the natural and healthy food products of the Philippines while putting a special focus on the country’s premium tropical fruits (e.g., banana, mango, pineapple, calamansi), coconut products (e.g., VCO, coco water, coco powder, desiccated coconut), natural sauces & condiments and ready-to-eat processed foods & beverages.

Philippine Craft Spirits
by Destileria Limtuaco

Some companies returning to FOOD TAIPEI this year are Destileria Limtuaco, Year Luck, and Century Pacific Food. Joining them are TIFS newcomers like GAINCOCO, Leonie Agri Corp. and JND Manufacturing Industries. Many of these exhibitors will be going to Taiwan with the goal of raising their brand awareness, promoting their new product lines and exploring the Taiwanese market in the hopes of landing foreign clients not only in Taiwan, but also in mainland China.

Last year’s Philippine participation in FOOD TAIPEI generated US$25.83 million in sales from 18 participants. For the 2019 edition, DTI-CITEM is planning to reach a sales target of US$26 million along with an increase in the number of business inquiries. And with the number of health-conscious consumers on the rise, the FoodPhilippines theme is bound to make an impact on both the international and Taiwanese buyers at the show

See the Philippine exhibitors and more at the Taipei International Food Show this coming 19-22 June 2019 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1 and take part in various food samplings and buyer services, as well as explore the other food-related shows held throughout the venue. For more information on this event, visit www.citem.com.ph/food-taipei.

 

The Philippines’ Tropical Wines and Spirits Pavilion presents unique alcoholic beverages in top food trade show

• Local alcoholic beverage manufacturers are represented for the first time in IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA 2019.

With a vision for the Philippines to be Asia’s best source of tropical fruit wines and spirits, some of the country’s best local manufacturers unite to collectively present the sublime quality of alcoholic beverages unique to the Philippines.

The cluster of homegrown wine makers aims to have a unified voice in showcasing their health-laden alcoholic beverages using Philippine indigenous ingredients. The goal in bringing together the alcoholic beverage companies is to professionalize the industry and capture niche markets here and abroad.

For this reason, the 13^th edition of IFEX Philippines dubbed NXTFOOD ASIA, is the best platform to reach their mission of going global. From May 24, until Sunday, May 26, the tropical wines and spirits group will showcase their top-of-the-line ensemble of liquors and spirits based from various Philippine fruits and vegetables at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The Tropical Wines and Spirits special setting at the IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA.

Exciting lineup of tropical wines and spirits

Filipino alcohol drinkers may not be familiar with the bubble gum or raspberry-flavored fermented coconut sap lambanog called “Lambalites.” Perhaps even more so with the Libug (Lipote-Bugnay) and Malibug (Mango-Lipote-Bugnay), local berry-based red wines that have already received awards from international wine competitions.

What started as an advocacy that aims to convert denuded forests into productive agricultural lands is now producing world-class Bignay wine.

A local honey-based wine believed to cure colds and cough problems that started as a hobby is now entering the mainstream wine market.

Rice wines, oregano-based wines and other exciting alcoholic beverages are now displayed not only for foreign buyers, wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs but also for the local market to taste and relish. These healthy alternatives to mainstream alcoholic brews are now set to elevate the alcoholic beverage sector.

The exhibiting companies include Aldio Food and Beverage, Broadchem St. Ambrose Int’l Ltd. Corp., Dielle’s Apiary and Meadery, Inc., Dory’s Distillery, Inc., Kapwa Greens Lifestyle, Inc. (Tsaa Laya), Philippine Rice Research Institute, Vino Arsan Enterprises and Yulaik Food Products.

The public is invited to appreciate the abundant and diverse ingredients that make the Philippines one of the best sources of delectable food products and culinary inspirations offered by more than 600 local and international exhibitors from different food sectors.

IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and co-organized by DTI’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT).

Visit www.ifexphilippines.com/ for more details. Follow IFEX Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get more updates on the event.

 

DTI-CITEM eyes P10.5B sales in IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA

• More than 2,000 international and local buyers have already signed up for the event to check out the latest export products and services of around 650 food exhibitors in the country’s biggest food event.

Pineapple, one of the country’s Premium 7 export products, will be showcased at IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA.

Two hundred two million dollars or more than 10.5 billion pesos worth of export and domestic sales are expected to be generated by around 657 local and international food exhibitors in the upcoming 13th edition of IFEX Philippines on May 24-26, 2019 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

This is the working target of its organizer, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Excitement is mounting for the newly rebranded IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA with all its fresh show features and special activities for trade buyers and visitors coming from different parts of the globe,” said DTI-CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

“We expect this escalating level of interest and enthusiasm will translate to a higher sales turnout for our international and local exhibitors,” she added.

Presenting ‘NXTFOOD ASIA,’ this year’s edition will showcase Asian food featuring the latest food innovations, trends and best practices in the industry with the participation of Asian food manufacturers, experts, culinary masters, enthusiasts and other stakeholders in the food world.

Featured in the three day event are Asian and Philippine food products from 10 food sectors, namely: (1) Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages; (2) Coffee, Herbal teas, and Cocoa; (3) Fresh and Processed Seafood; (4) Fruits and Vegetables; (5) Grains, Cereals, and Commodities; (6) Herbs and Spices; (7) Meat and Poultry; (8) Natural, Healthy, and Organic Products; (9) Specialty, Ethnic, and Gourmet Products; and (10) Food Processing Equipment, Packaging Materials, Refrigeration, and Storage.

Organized by DTI-CITEM, IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA is the country’s biggest and most respected business-to-business (B2B) event for Asian food and ingredients. It is co-organized with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT).

Thousands of buyers all over the world crave PH and Asian Food

Negotiations between buyer and exhibitors happen at IFEX Connect area.

For its 13^th edition, more than 2,000 international and local buyers have already signed up for the event to check out the latest export products and services of around 650 food exhibitors in the country’s biggest food event.

The top 10 buyer country of origin of international buyers in the upcoming event are from the USA, UAE, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Qatar.

“We have strengthened our event marketing and Very Important Buyer (VIB) program to attract international buyers who include international and local retailers, wholesalers, specialty store owners, importers, buying agents, hotelier or restaurateurs,” noted Suaco-Juan.

“We are also expecting big buyer delegations to check out the latest offering of Philippine and Asian food in IFEX Philippines such as the chocolate buying missions from Belgium and San Francisco, Shanghai firms as well as the group from Guangdong International Food Association,” she added.

Top VIBs joining IFEX Philippines include TNT Supermarket, Inc. from Canada; Heuschen & Schrouff Oriental Foods Trading B.V. from the Netherlands; Beagley Copperman BV from Belgium; H Mart GBK and Pure Sales, Inc. from the US; Lulu Hypermarket LLC, Al Maya Group, Al Rawabi Group of Companies and New Era Gulf General Trading LLC from UAE; Truebell Marketing and Trading LLC and Integral Food Services WLL from Qatar; Hurxley Corporation  and Cocowell Corporation from Japan; Hyundai Green Food and Eland Retail from South Korea; and Goodfarmer Foods Holding (Group) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Laiyifen Co., Ltd. from China.

DTI-CITEM opened its ‘IFEX Connect’ program, a customized platform for integrated business-to-business (B2B) matching services to help buyers identify and screen potential business partners among the exhibitors in collaboration with DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB).

According to Suaco-Juan, exhibitors and buyers can take advantage of the G-Mart Private Label Matching Program at IFEX Connect. IFEX Very Important Buyers (VIBs) are also expected to hold pre-arranged business-to-business meetings through this venue.

IFEX Philippines 2018 performance

In the previous edition of IFEX Philippines, DTI-CITEM surpassed its targets with over USD 256 million worth of export and domestic sales from 513 international and local exhibitors.

Among the 10 product sectors in the event, natural and organic products emerged as the best-selling category, which generated USD 29.9 million worth of sales. It was followed by fine food and specialties at USD 29M; fresh and processed fruits and vegetables at USD 22.6M; grains and cereals at USD 12.9M; and beverages at USD 8.55M.

 

 

FoodPHILIPPINES brings specialty food with success stories of social development in the 42nd WFFS

Following the warm buyer reception in the past edition, FoodPHILIPPINES primes up to promote the country’s local social enterprises at the 42nd Winter Fancy Food Show (WFFS) in San Francisco, USA on January 22-24.

Each of these social enterprises nurture advocacies in the heart of their businesses—narratives of the people, places, and practices surrounding their products.

“FoodPHILIPPINES will showcase products that do not only stand out given their high food export quality, but also advocate social, cultural, and environmental advocacies,” says Rosvi C. Gaetos, executive director of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “While Philippine specialty products are already recognized to be of premium quality, companies go beyond texture and flavor as every purchase of their products also builds awareness on creating self-sustaining communities, protecting environment, and preserving rich cultural heritage—changing the world one product at a time.”

Stories of triumphs and innovations

In the last exhibit, CITEM generated a record-breaking 540 total inquiries and negotiated sales, amounting to over USD44M in the FoodPHILIPPINES Pavilion, while promoting the social narratives behind Philippine specialty food products and efforts made to improve the lives of people in grassroots communities.
For this 2017 participation, Century Pacific Food, Inc. will feature canned tuna products that were caught using handline fishing, a method designed to make sustainable fishing a viable means of livelihood for small fisher folk in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

FoodPHILIPPINES will also showcase Magic Melt, Inc.’s cakes and pastries made of mango flour, a gluten-free, wheat substitute developed and patented in the Philippines in a collaboration between the government, academe, and small farming communities to commercialize viable by-products of mango wastes such as seed, peel, and kernel.
The country’s pavilion will also feature the narratives of Big “E” Food Corporation, behind assorted cakes; GCB Food Corporation, in relation to its banana chips and noodles; and RDEX Food International, Inc, with regard to its dried tropical fruits.
The social enterprises that are making a comeback in this participation are Brandexports Philippines, Inc., Fruits of Life, Inc., Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co., Inc., SAGREX Food, Inc., See’s International Food Mfg. Corp., SL Agritech Corporation; and xroads Philippine Sea Salts.

Building beyond businesses, nurturing generations

Demonstrating how businesses can nurture communities and grow together with its people, most of these social enterprises employ the labor of grassroots communities to provide them a livelihood. The set-up empowers small-scale producers, improving their dignity of life and morale while providing consumers value-added and high-quality products. Moreover, these businesses conduct capacity building training and seminars, and offer scholarship programs to children of economically-challenged families in the community.

Being more aware of pressing environmental issues and the threat of dying heritage, these companies respond by adapting strategies that safeguard natural resources, as with hand line fishing method of tuna to ensure the protection of Philippine seawaters that are also recognized for its rich marine life. One enterprise that promotes heirloom rice stands for the preservation of the Philippines’ renowned rice terraces, and the agricultural tradition of rice planting that has endured through generations.

…

FoodPHILIPPINES is a branding initiative of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-CITEM), which unifies the efforts of the government in promoting the Philippines as a source of quality food products in the global market.

Top brands lead FoodPHILIPPINES’ exhibit in one of US’ largest food fair

Food Network and Bloomberg predict Philippine food will be one of the hottest trends in 2017.

FoodPHILIPPINES will showcase coconut value-added products including coconut oil, coconut honey, organic coconut sugar, and coconut flour, among others.

FoodPHILIPPINES is all set to fulfill the global craving for Philippine food and tropical Asian products, such as premium coconut, banana, pineapple, mango, tuna, cacao, and other flavorful selections, in the 42nd Winter Fancy Food Show (WFFS) in San Francisco, USA on January 22-24.

Led by top local brands, San Miguel Pure Foods, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF), Monde M.Y. San Corporation, Big “E” Food Corporation, and Republic Biscuit Corporation (REBISCO), together with other leading suppliers, FoodPHILIPPINES is geared to showcase the country’s distinct flavors—blended from centuries of cross-cultural fusions and regional influences.

Food Network predicts that this “pungent, pucker synthesis of East, Spanish, and Pacific Flavors,” evident in Philippine food is certain to bring new surprises this 2017, while Bloomberg also hails “Filipino food as one of the hottest trends this year,” in its article “Eleven Fancy Food Trends You’ll Face in 2017.”

FoodPHILIPPINES is a branding initiative of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-CITEM), which unifies the efforts of the government in promoting the Philippines as a source of quality food products in the global market.

WFFS is the West Coast’s largest specialty food and beverage event with an estimate of 20,000 annual visitors and 1,500 exhibitors from across the U.S. and 28 other countries.

Distinct tastes from distinct brands

Seafood flavors will be showcased at the FoodPHILIPPINES Pavilion in WFFS 2017.

The Philippines’ largest tuna company, CNPF will showcase their new line of condensed milk and canned beef, alongside their signature canned tuna and seafood products. Last year, the company acquired the Kamayan trademark—one of the top US shrimp paste brand.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Pure Foods, Inc. is set to highlight their hotdogs, canned meats, and ice cream lines. San Miguel Pure Foods is a subsidiary of the San Miguel Corporation—Southeast Asia’s largest food, beverage and packaging company—and is set to get even bigger with their plan to invest P75 billion in their food line this 2017.

Meanwhile, Monde M.Y. San Corporation will feature their new line of Fita Thinz biscuit products and Skyflakes Sandwich, along with their signature crackers. REBISCO will promote the sweets, confectioneries, and assorted biscuits. Big “E” Food Corporation will also bring a tasteful delight with its assorted cakes, bread, cereal snacks, cookies, and pastries.

The Philippine pavilion will offer specialty cakes and confectionery flavored from locally sourced premium cacao.

FoodPHILIPPINES delegates will also bring coconut oil, sugar, sap, juices, jelly and water; banana chips and rolls; fresh and frozen pineapples; mango health bars; and different canned tuna flavors. Philippine companies will also offer a selection of other tropical fruits, like papaya and corn; frozen and canned meat products; assorted health snacks, nuts and biscuits; cakes and confectionaries; premium rice and sugar; salt, condiments, and other ingredients.

Included in the 13 new participants in the WFFS 2017 are Bethany Sales, Inc., Businesspeople, Inc., GCB Food Products, KSK Food Products, Magic Melt Foods, Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Foods, Inc., Profood International Corporation, and RDEX Food International Phils., Inc.

Also, making a comeback this edition are the Brandexports Philippines, Inc., Fruits of Life, Inc., Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co., Inc., SAGREX Foods, Inc., Inc. See’s International Food Mfg. Corp., SL Agritech Corporation, and Xroads Philippine Sea Salts.

2017 is the year of Philippine Food

In the last WFFS, FoodPHILIPPINES’ pavilion promoted specialty food products from 17 local companies, recording a total of 540 buyer inquiries and negotiated sales worth over US$44 million.

Mango and Pineapple will be highlighted at the FoodPHILIPPINES Pavilion, along the other top Philippine export food products.

For its fourth participation in the WFFS 2017, DTI-CITEM targets to generate total sales of US$47 million as it tapped 20 local companies, including 13 new participants, to showcase a variety of health and wellness specialty food products. The majority of these products are derived from the Philippines’ ‘Premium 7’ food group and other top export food commodities, such as coconut, banana, mango, pineapple, cacao, and tuna.

“With more exhibitors and new participants this year that capitalize on the country’s premium food products, FoodPHILIPPINES aims to expand and fortify our country’s export circle in the US specialty food market,” said CITEM Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos. “As a strategic response to the rise of western demand for healthy, natural and organic Asian food products, we anticipate a positive reception from US trade buyers and visitors.”

The Philippines is currently the world’s second largest producer of coconut and banana, according to the 2015 data of the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, the country is also a top global producer of pineapple (3rd), canned tuna (4th), and mango (10th), based on a 2013 data of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

FoodPHILIPPINES’ participation in the WFFS 2017 is organized by CITEM, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as one of the DTI’s major efforts to intensify the promotion of Philippine specialty food products in overseas trade shows.

CITEM is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting globally competitive small and medium enterprises (SMEs), exporters, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an Integrated Approach to Export Marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

For more information on its services and events, please log on to www.citem.gov.ph.

FoodPhilippines exhibits healthy, premium exports by PH SMEs at ASEAN Fair, Nov. 2-5, 2016

Philippine SMEs can expect new, valuable trade opportunities once again as Food Philippines, the country brand initiated by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), introduce healthy and premium products at the ASEAN Fair in COEX Convention Center, Seoul, South Korea, on November 2-5, 2016.

10 exhibitors from all over the country – Fruits of Life, Inc., Herbanext Inc., Hi-Las Marketing Corp., Lucille’s Food Products Corp., Mama Sita’s (Marigold Manufacturing Corp.), Mardak Global Export, Inc., SL Agritech Corp., Soyuz Foods International, Inc., Weambard International Traders, Inc., and Agrinurture, Inc. – showcase fresh and processed food; food products derived from coconut, mango, pineapple, and banana; seafood; coffee, spices, sauces, along with ethnic and gourmet foods at the ASEAN Fair.

The only trade event in Korea that spotlights on unique and distinct ASEAN food exports, the ASEAN Fair is held in conjunction with Food Week Korea, the largest food exhibition in Korea. The two events anticipate an influx of over 80,000 trade buyers and visitors flying from all across the globe to meet with more than 900 exhibiting companies.

The Philippine participation in the ASEAN Fair is spearheaded by CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the assistance of the ASEAN Korea Center and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Korea.

“This participation hopes to support Philippine companies in gaining a foothold in the robust Korean market. With the diverse, quality, and healthy food from the country’s small and medium industries, we can expect more positive results compared to last year’s exhibition,” said CITEM Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos.

As of 2015’s total trade receipts, South Korea was ranked as the seventh largest trading partner of the Philippines. Aside from reciprocating South Korea’s trade and investment efforts in the country, the Philippine participation in the ASEAN Fair is also a chance for the country to contribute to the diversification of diet that the Korean food industry is undertaking at present.

Four of the country’s major produce and forerunner in food export – coconut, banana, pineapple, and mango – are also highlighted in the ASEAN Fair, encouraging wellness and healthy lifestyle among consumers with their nutritional benefits. Known around the world, the Philippines’ coconut, banana, and mango possess a distinct aroma, taste, and texture attributed to the auspicious combination of the country’s tropical climate and rich soil.

The ASEAN Fair is an exclusive platform for the promotion of ASEAN food. Considered as one of the key channels enhancing ASEAN-Korea trade relations, the fair aims to widen trade interdependency and regional cooperation and interaction through food exports.

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Food Philippines is a branding initiative that ensures food products made of quality, healthy, natural ingredients are derived from the Philippines’ tropical islands. It unifies the overseas promotional efforts of CITEM. Under this national brand, the Philippines is positioned as Asia’s most exciting sourcing destination for food exports, being one of the world’s top exporters of fresh fruits and marine products.

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For more info, visit citem.com.ph/asean-fair.