Export ready

The country forever sings alleluias to the OFWs. Fair enough, for they bring in the much-coveted foreign currencies. But in our mind, there is another group of Filipinos we need to appreciate, also for the same reason. They are the food manufacturers who have, for years, slowly made their way to the export market, producing world-class delicacies and packed dishes. Apparently, the country is export ready.

Years ago we found local fish sapsap and talakitok in a supermarket in Guam. Then we were able to get Rufina patis in a store in Cairo, Egypt. In America a storeowner was surprised when we recognized the bangus in his freezer. Those were the trailblazers, so to speak. Today it is not strange to find sapin-sapin or even sisig, beautifully packaged, abroad.

The export food market is evidently alive, judging from the participants in the recently-concluded International Food Exposition (IFEX) held at the SM Convention Center in the bay area. We need to acknowledge the fact that the site is a far better place than the usual venue along Roxas Boulevard. Being new, it is neat and brightly lit, and has a lot of room for movement. There are chairs and tables in some of the participating outlets to rest one’s tired feet or have a snack. Display and selling areas are separated.

Most of the participants are geared toward export, thus they don’t have outlets anywhere in the country except in their respective bases of operation. Their basic market abroad is the Filipino community craving for “food from home.” A lot of the companies come from Mindanao, and some are looking for distributors. We have found a few in Metro Manila supermarkets such as the canned products of Moondish Food Corporation (Food Terminal Complex, Taguig City, tel. 839-2057). Their selection includes Bicol express with tuna flakes, bangus sisig, pinakbet, and laing. Laude Quality Food Products, based in San Isidro, General Santos City (0949-4256367), makes breakfast food, patties and sausages all out of tuna. Shanghai rolls, hotdogs, tocino and ham are also on their menu. We rate them an 8 after serving them to the family and getting good reviews.

We did not realize that the Lhuilliers of Cebu have been in the food business as well for years, until we found their booth at the fair. They have dried mangoes and other fruits like pineapple, melon and papaya. Call (61-32) 422-1100. There’s Polyfruits (0917-8375841) from Zamboanga, also producing fruit preserves, among them durian. In Dipolog City, Zamboanga is Alenter Food Inc. which makes San Sebastian brand sardines. Call (63-32) 344-9402. The jams of Kablon Farms (226-2819), based in South Cotabato, are familiar to us. The company is active in trade fairs. Their newest product is the bottled coco passion plus salad dressing  a sweeter version of vinaigrette, using coconut nectar.

Trade fairs are venues not only for Philippine-made products. They serve as exchange outlets between the local and the foreign participating companies. We became rather addicted to bulgogi and Korean shabu-shabu when we visited Seoul and Daejeong. In the course, we discovered their expanded food industry using the most up-to-date technology. At the fair we met representatives of Kon-Kuk Dairy and Ham and the Korea Dairy Industries Association. Some of their ice cream and frozen beverages are available in Metro Manila supermarkets.

From Negara, Brunei comes Darusalam Baked Products made by Noraini Bakery. The selection includes Cerelac and coconut biscuits, choco chips and pineapple tarts. Their website is www.norainibakery.weebly.com. Capri-Sonne is an Indonesian brand of fruit juices.

Correction  Gigers Swiss Pastries’ correct phone number is 727-5047.

Have a jolly Sunday!

E-mail comments and questions to [email protected]