Manila hosts Madrid Fusion anew in 2017

MANILA, Philippines – Manila will once again host the only Asian leg of Madrid Fusión in 2017, an event seen to help sustain tourism growth and promote local agriculture and food products.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones president Jaime García-Legaz recently inked a memorandum of understanding to stage the third edition of Madrid Fusión Manila on April 6 to 8 next year.

“We would like to make the Philippines a focal point of gastronomic interest worldwide. This third edition of Madrid Fusión Manila will feature the traditional gastronomy congress and a trade expo, as well as the month-long Flavors of the Philippines Festival across the Philippines,” Teo said.

“This event is designed to spur tourism, create an awareness and demand for agricultural and food products, and promote trade and business partnerships in tourism and gastronomy,” she added.

With the theme, “Towards a Sustainable Gastronomic Planet,” Madrid Fusión Manila is also expected to enhance culture, tourism and product exchange between the Philippines and Spain.

Madrid Fusión has been established as one of the leading international gastronomic gatherings, being attended by world-renowned chefs and experts to discuss the latest trends in the food and beverage industry.

Under the agreement, ICEX will once again organize a Tapas Festival and bring the latest international developments in the global food and beverage business to the Philippines.

García-Legaz, who is also the Spanish Secretary of State for Commerce, said a Spanish Pavilion would still be present during the event, featuring about 20 Spanish companies who will showcase a variety of Spanish tapas (appetizers and snacks) and cuisine.

“The pavilion has contributed immensely to the success of the previous editions of Madrid Fusion. This also heightens the special bond between the Philippines and Spain brought about by more than 300 years of shared history,” García-Legaz said.

He also noted the success of the first two editions of Madrid Fusion Manila, signaling the huge potential of gastronomy events, not only in Asia, but also in Europe and Latin America.