FAME trade expo generates P287 M sales

MANILA, Philippines — Preliminary sales from the country’s premier trade event for design and lifestyle, Manila FAME, reached P287.34 million or $5.53 million, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry said.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan said in a text message Manila FAME’s April edition generated P246.62 million or  $4.747 million worth of export sales and P40.722 million in domestic sales.

She said the overall sales tally is based on actual orders made outright during the event.

While the sales figure is lower than the P369 million target set for the event, she said this is still  preliminary as the agency is still waiting for reports from negotiated transactions including product modification.

 “We usually allow a six months lead time before we really determine the sales,” she said.

Manila FAME is one of the longest running trade shows in the Asia Pacific and the only event in the country approved by Union des Foires Internationales, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Through the event, the aim is to position the Philippines as a premier source of furniture, home and holiday decor, fashion, health and wellness, and food products.

Manila FAME is held twice every year, with the first edition in April and the other in October.

The April edition had 347 exhibitors including 48 foreign firms, and attracted a total of 6,432 visitors.

The event also supported 13,500 jobs. 

Juan said the top buying countries in the April edition are the US, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.