Food Philippines generates $67.8 million in Germany

MANILA, Philippines -Food Philippines, the Philippines’ collective food exports brand, generated US$67.8 million during this year’s edition of Anuga, the world’s biggest food and beverage event held in Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany held from Oct. 5 to 9.

Food Philippines recorded a 215 percent increase compared to its participation in 2011, which amounted to US$31.5 million. The country’s bestsellers were seafood products, such as the traditional canned tuna and canned sardines, as well as pouched flavored sardines, pouched mackerel, and value-added tuna products. Sales generated from Philippine seafood products amounted to US$21.6 million.

The participation also launched the Design for Exports for the Food Sector (DEFood), an avenue for food and beverage manufacturers in the Philippines to undergo a stringent selection process and interventions in food packaging, food safety systems, market entry requirements and promotions, which will develop their brands to globally-competitive products. These products are launched under the special setting and brand Premium Food Philippines. The special setting highlighted seven of the Philippines’ most abundant products: banana, cacao, coconut, coffee, mango, pineapple, and tuna.

To demonstrate the various applications of Philippine food especially to European cuisines, the country came up with the Culinary Promotions Development Team (CPDT). The CPDT served buyers and visitors alike with food and beverage concocted from the country’s food ingredients. The team is composed of food and beverage consultant EmmaLagoc, chef Gabby Prats, and barista Dimples Reytas.

For information, visit www.citem.com.ph