IFEX Philippines to Stage Food Trade Show in May

After a successful physical comeback last year, IFEX Philippines is set to hold its 16th edition at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay, Philippines, from May 26 to 28, 2023. IFEX Philippines is the country’s biggest international food trade show that aims to bring the finest Philippine and Asian food products to the world’s table.

Spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm, IFEX Philippines serves as the country’s long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

“IFEX Philippines 2023 will highlight the idea of sharing, which is at the core of Filipino food culture. Last year’s edition was all about rediscovering Filipino flavors, and we want to take it to the next level by helping Philippine exporters grow their network of buyers and expand their markets overseas,” said CITEM Executive Director Edward L. Fereira.

IFEX Philippines is expected to bring together more than 500 exhibitors who will showcase a wide and diverse range of products including beverages, fine food and specialties, fruits and vegetables, biscuits and confectioneries, snacks and crispy savory food products, meat and poultry, dairy products, cereals, grains and starch, seafood and marine products, organic and natural products, raw materials and food ingredients, and equipment and services.

This year's IFEX Philippines has the highest regional food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) representation, with the DTI regional and provincial offices, as well as other local government units, doubling down on supporting top food exporters through subsidized participation.

As one of the country’s largest gatherings of food industry players, IFEX Philippines also provides opportunities for networking and discussions about the latest trends and developments in the food export industry. The three-day event will hold business matching activities, seminars and talks, cooking demonstrations, product presentations, and other special events in addition to the exhibition.

IFEX Philippines also recognizes companies that demonstrate creativity and innovation through the Katha Awards. Among the exhibitors this year are the Katha awardees of 2022, namely, Sol's Italian Food, Miguelito's International Corporation, Fisher Farms Inc., Gulf Pacific Integrated Exports, Innovative Packaging Industry Corporation, Theo and Philo, Pasciolco Agri-Ventures, and promising food SMEs with special citations - Hijo Superfoods and Quirino Young Entrepreneur's Association.

“Now in its 16th year, IFEX Philippines aims to further cement the country’s reputation as a reliable source of premium-quality food and ingredients. We want to position the Philippines as a sourcing destination that is not only capable of meeting global demands but also offers some of the most distinct and innovative products on the market,” said Fereira.

The physical trade show will be complemented by the exhibitors’ digital storefronts and product catalogs on IFEXConnect, a digital sourcing platform for premium quality and unique Philippine and global food and ingredients.

Last year, IFEX Philippines attracted nearly 6,000 buyers and visitors from all over the world and generated USD 107.1 million in export sales.

To learn more about the event, visit IFEXConnect or email ifexphilippines@citem.com.ph.

About CITEM
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

About IFEX Philippines
IFEX Philippines (formerly International Food Exhibition) is CITEM's long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

Together with IFEXConnect.com, IFEX Philippines serves as a one-stop business-to-business (B2B) platform aiming to optimize their sourcing experience of buyers from anywhere in the world.

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions & Missions (CITEM).

Ref. Elmer Harold Grande
Email: ehgrande@citem.com.ph
Twitter: @CITEMPh
Facebook: @DTI.CITEM