A taste of New Zealand in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Demand for New Zealand food is expected to increase by 30 percent as “Experience New Zealand” food fair happens from May 17 to 19 at the new Glorietta Activity Center.

Recent trade statistics indicate that Filipinos are looking to New Zealand for high quality food and beverages that can be bought here in Manila. New Zealand’s international reputation as a world-leading exporter of high-quality, safe food and beverage products continues to resonate in the Philippines, with imports of food and beverages from New Zealand growing nearly 30 percent since 2009.

 â€œNew Zealand has built a reputation as a supplier of high-quality, fresh, and healthy food,” says Reuben Levermore, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines. “We are excited to bring a range of food and wine products from New Zealand to the ‘Experience New Zealand’ fair and encourage people to come and taste the products themselves.”

New Zealand Trade Commissioner to the Philippines Hernando Banal says that the growth of food and beverage imports from New Zealand shows that more Filipinos are beginning to discover how to use top-quality New Zealand produce and ingredients together with local cuisine.

 â€œNew Zealand beef and lamb are grass-fed, and are raised free-range in a clean, green, and pristine environment. They’re also the perfect ingredient to some of our Filipino favourites — such as kaldereta, or piping hot bulalo soup.”

New Zealand is considered a world leader in food safety, security and sustainability, and is the world’s largest exporter of lamb and dairy products. New Zealand is also a major supplier of premium-quality corned beef and seafood, such as native New Zealand Greenshell Mussels and smoked New Zealand King Salmon.

The food fair will feature a variety of delicious New Zealand products for visitors to sample and buy and runs from May 17 to 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the new Glorietta Activity Center. The fair will also feature Maori and cultural performances throughout the weekend, and offers shoppers that chance to win a trip to New Zealand.