FOODPhilippines exceeds performance target in Hong Kong Food Expo PRO

The Philippines’ debut at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO was marked by a notable success after yielding USD 3.8 million in total export sales, 38 percent above the target. The amount was a combination of booked orders and sales under negotiation following the three-day food expo which ran from August 15-17 this year at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Philippine participation in the HKTDC Food Expo PRO, which was organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), featured a business delegation of seven food exhibitors. Under the FOODPhilippines banner, the country’s collective food promotion program, Philippines SMEs brought in fine-tasting food options focused on health and wellness. The top-selling companies were Eng Seng Food Products and Raspina Tropical Fruits while the top food products in terms of dollar value of export leads were dried and fresh durian, banana chips, and pineapples.

“Together with our partners from various government agencies and the private sector, CITEM is delighted with the outcome of our first participation in the HKTDC Food Expo PRO,” CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said.

Visitors flocked to the Philippine Pavilion to try and taste an array of fresh and healthy food options.

Snack on these with ease! Some of the export-quality food products showcased at the Philippine Pavilion in the HKTDC Food Expo PRO 2024.

“This participation is seen to generate direct and indirect jobs, opening better opportunities for the Philippines’ local agricultural communities,” she added.

Capitalizing on the growing demand for healthy products, trade buyers from Hong Kong and Mainland China have shown significant interest in fresh durian, bananas, and pineapples from Eng Seng Food Products and Raspina Tropical Fruits. The Municipality of Buguey also secured promising leads from Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China for live and frozen crabs. Meanwhile, KKK Food Corporation remains optimistic following the high volume of trade inquiries, and La Carlota Food Enterprise has successfully expanded its network, gaining new prospects in the profitable Hong Kong market. For its part, Siargao’s Bounty Seafood Corporation edged its competitors by offering their best-selling boiled octopus, known for its texture, color, and firmness.

The HKTDC Food Expo Pro, recognized as Asia’s key trade event for food and ingredients,  provides an avenue for entrepreneurs to expand their network and find reliable partners to help them scale their business. The Hong Kong-based expo, which was joined by 1,800 exhibitors from 30 countries, was a combination of onsite and online platforms called the “Exhibition+.” The physical fair was complemented by its online channels “Click2Match” and the HKTDC official website.

Ocampo, likewise, underscored the pivotal role of the food expo in the global food scene saying that “the HKTDC Food Expo PRO serves as a vehicle for food and beverage (F&B) businesses to penetrate the lucrative Hong Kong market.”

“We will build on this success and ensure that we level the playing field for these companies to penetrate the China market and be integrated in the global value chain.” Ocampo added.

The country’s participation in the HKTDC Food Expo PRO was made possible through CITEM’s  partnership with Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong (PTIC-Hong Kong). Likewise, FOODPhilippines is set to participate in the following trade fairs this year: China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) on September 24-28 in Nanning, China; China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5-10 in Shanghai, China; and SIAL Paris on October 19-23 in Paris, France.

Catch IFEX Philippines, the country’s biggest trade show for food and ingredients, on May 22-24, 2025 as it aims to continue the narrative of championing Filipino food. IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).