US aims to boost trade ties with Phl; opens food expo

CEBU, Philippines - Aimed to strengthen the trade relationship of the United States and the Philippines in terms of the exchange of food and beverage products, the US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) officially kicked off the 2nd U.S. Fine Foods Show yesterday that will run from September 25 to 26 at the Northwing Atrium of SM City Cebu.

US Embassy Manila - Foreign Agricultural Service agricultural marketing specialist Joy Claridades said that the expo is intended to promote the availability and application of US food, beverage and ingredient products to the Philippine market.

She also said that this will serve as an avenue to meet the major Philippine suppliers of US food, beverage and ingredient products, discover innovative product solutions and establish networks with major industry players.

This is the second time the event was held in Cebu following the inaugural launch of the US Fine Foods Show in 2011 at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

The two-day event features an all-day sampling of the wide variety of US food and beverage products such as beef, poultry, beverages, wines, cheese, dried fruits, nuts, baking and confectionary ingredients, healthy and gourmet products and convenience food.

This will be initiated by eight importers and distributors of US Fine Foods and beverage products. Among the exhibitors include Belcris Foods, Big Food Trade and Commodities/Dane International Commodities, First Maestro Foodservice, Global Strategic Partners Distribution, Inc./New Grant Marketing, Happy Living Philippines Corporation, KLG International, Inc. Link Import-Export Enterprise, Inc., RAM Food Products, and Tully’s Coffee.

There will also be live cooking demonstrations that will range from cooking meals with US beef, US poultry, the all-time favorite US French fries, US dry beans, US pie fillings, and US dried fruits and nuts. The latest culinary techniques will be presented by internationally-trained chefs in the industry.

A trade networking reception with the country’s top suppliers of US food and beverage products was held yesterday at Radisson Blu Hotel.

Claridades further encouraged hoteliers, restaurateurs, café and bar owners, caterers, food consultants, supermarket and convenience store operators and food manufacturers to participate in the two-day activity.

The annual event is spearheaded by USDA-FAS and is staged in major cities across the country.

Claridades revealed that they are eyeing to conduct the third expo next year either in Bacolod or in Davao.

The 2013 U.S. Fine Foods Show is organized in partnership with SM Supermalls, the Center for Culinary Arts - Manila, the Radisson Blu hotel and the Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu. /JOB