8th international food exhibit set in May at SMX

MANILA, Philippines - The 8th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines will be held from May 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines, announced the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), attached agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and organizer of the show.

IFEX is an annual international food show highlighting quality and innovation in the Philippine food industry and in Asia. Last year’s IFEX Philippines generated $65 million export sales and 42 million in retail sales during its three-day run. It attracted buyers from different regions such as the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and North America.

“For its 8th year, we are confident that IFEX Philippines will continue to draw international interest in the country’s food sector. This year, we are pleased to see foreign exhibitors looking to access the Philippine market who are also participating in IFEX. These international engagements aim to broaden our product base, “ said Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.

Big Philippine food companies like Goldilocks, Alsons Aqua, Monde Nissin, Mama Sita’s, and KSK Food, together with 400 local and foreign exhibitors from countries including China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Spain, and Turkey will be joining the event.

Over the years, international food retailers like Wal-Mart (United States), Hirasho Shoten Health Co. (Japan), Heuschen Schrouff (Germany), Manning Impex (UK), Wilby Commercial (Canada), and the Americana Group of Companies (Middle East) have considered IFEX Philippines a choice destination for quality food products.

“We want to capture a bigger share of the international market through IFEX and engage these buyers by showcasing our innovative food products. IFEX is a platform for them to explore the unlimited business possibilities the Philippines offers in terms of trade, tourism, and investments,” said Rosvi Gaetos, executive director of CITEM.

The Integrated Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (INFOMAPP), the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PhilFoodex), the Philippine Biscuits Group, the Organic Producers Trade Association (OPTA), the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (CHIPI), and the Virgin Coconut Oil Producers of the Philippines (VCOP) are some of the industry associations supporting IFEX.

“The show supports the processed food export industry, especially the small companies. The industry’s current challenge is to sell more into the world market and IFEX Philippines is one way to achieve that goal,” said Henson Tiu Laurel, president of INFOMAPP, a non profit organization that promotes productivity and quality among small food companies.