Food processors lament loss of market share due to cheap imports

The growth of Philippine agriculture depends on the country’s capability to expand its domestic and foreign markets. With the liberalization of the entry of assorted fresh and processed food products into the country, our local products are increasingly losing their market even in the domestic outlets.

To generate interest in Philippine foods and develop consumer awareness and preference for local products, the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (Philfoodex), in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is organizing the First Philippine Food Expo 2002 to be held from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the SM Mega Mall Trade Hall in Edsa, Mandaluyong City.

The four-day food exhibit, according to Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr., Philfoodex president, "endeavors to make our countrymen aware that the Philippine products are at par with the best in the world."

"The event is also a special project that highlights the positive changes in our food and agri-aqua industries – changes that include new technology that has improved Filipino ingenuity and capability," he said.

The food exposition participants include food manufacturers and processors, manufacturers and distributors of food ingredients and additives, suppliers of food packaging equipment and supplies, food processing equipment, food exporters, supermarket owners and food caterers.

A major feature of the exhibit will be the holding of product development sessions to be conducted by Philfoodex and DTI food exports. The sessions include product and processing improvement and product packaging to enhance the marketability of such products.

More than 200 companies are joining the food show, including food processors from the country’s 15 regions.

For further details, contact the Philfoodex office at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP, Diliman, Quezon City, tel. nos. 925-35-19, 925-3556 and fax no. 925-35-16 or e-mail [email protected]