CEFBEX participants enjoy upbeat sales

CEBU, Philippines - Now on its 4th year, Cebu Foods and Beverage Exposition takes into full swing as business-related companies reported successful dealerships and higher sales even in the first two days of the trade show.

Polland owner Mercy Tin said that her sole intent to join the expo is for distribution and promotion of her products in the Cebu market, further revealing that Gaisano Metro had already agreed to close a dealership with her during the show.

As a second-time participant of the event,she added that there is a wide market acceptance from the attendees because they keep on coming back for more.

“So far they like my products because they buy my products made of natural ingredients and no preservatives. The price is standard and feasible. They come back again to buy. More than want I expected,” she said.

Polland is a Manila–based food company selling Chinese delicacies like hopia, siopao, fresh lumpia, pork bun, sweets, rice meals, and empanada.

G.O. Unique Products Marketing Manager Raul Mendiola, on the other hand, noted that as a frequent exhibitor of CEFBEX, all of their products brought to the event are always sold out and even would got out of stock.

For this year, he added that they brought 150 of their items with 28 units sold on the first day and 40 on the second day.

“Lahat ng dala naming produkto, ubos talaga. Minsan kinukulang pa nga. At sa last day, pati yung ginagamit sa demo binibili narin,” he added.

Mendiola also said that the company considers Cebu as the second largest market next to Manila with a 70 – 80% sales contribution.

He further commended the expo organizers since they provide an avenue for companies like them to promote their products and establish contacts with their customers.

Known as a family business, G.O. Unique Products sells JOY charcoal stove and its parts distributed nationwide and exported abroad.

Meanwhile, WORLDBEX Services International Marketing Director Jon Richmond Ang expressed his happiness noting the 30 – 40% increase to the number of attendees and the positive responses from the exhibitors.

“We feel really, really good and so happy. We provide the venue to sell the products of companies and we see to it that it is a win-win situation for them and for the buyers. Cebu has accepted us more,” he stated.

He added that among the Cebu’s trio, CEFBEX has attracted a lot more customers since people love food and beverage.

The expo highlighted seminars and competitions participated by students, professionals and foodies.

Compared to last year, he said that there is a growth and improvement in terms of design, people and sales which contributes to more traffic, more activities and more fun.

He added that as WORDLBEX brings the Manila activities to the Queen City of the South, they go all-out to give Cebu trade shows a twist by making the ambience more festive to cater to the Cebuano taste.

Bullish with the potential of the local market, he assured that trade shows in the coming years would provide more mileage and exposure for exhibitors and more choices and foot traffic for attendees.

“Cebu market has a really booming food and beverage market hence the restaurants, a booming car industry hence the traffic and a booming construction industry, hence the buildings and real estate. With these three industries joined together, it brings Cebu better opportunities for employment and businesses. And Cebu 2012 PHILBEX, CEFBEX and Cebu Auto Show have definitely brought a big bang to Cebu,” Ang said in an exclusive interview with The Freeman.

With the theme “Construct, Calibrate, Crave”, the four-day event held at Cebu International Convention Center from May 24 – 27 is considered to one of the most attended and biggest world-class trade shows in Cebu.