THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has organized the 16th edition of the IFEX Philippine international food trade show on May 26-28.

The trade show, to be run by the DTI’s export promotions arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), will take place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

IFEX Philippines is expected to feature over 500 exhibitors promoting beverages, specialty foods, fruit and vegetables, biscuits and confectioneries, snacks and crispy savory food products, meat and poultry, dairy products, cereals, grains and starch, seafood, organic and natural products, food ingredients, and equipment and services.

“We want to position the Philippines as a sourcing destination that is not only capable of meeting global demand but also offers some of the most distinct and innovative products on the market,” CITEM Executive Director Edward L. Fereira said in a statement.

“IFEX Philippines aims to further cement the country’s reputation as a reliable source of premium-quality food and ingredients,” he added.

The CITEM said that the 2023 edition of IFEX Philippines will have expanded representation of regional food-related small and medium enterprises, with regional and provincial offices of the DTI and local government units subsidizing their participation.  

Aside from the physical trade show, the DTI said digital storefronts and product catalogs on the digital sourcing platform IFEXConnect will also be on offer.

Last year, IFEX Philippines generated $107.1 million worth of export and attracted almost 6,000 buyers and visitors. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave