IFEX Philippines 2023, the country’s biggest international food and ingredients trade show, has opened its doors to the public at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
This year’s theme, “Share the Love for Global Flavors,” attracted a record high of over 700 exhibitors from 346 last year. IFEX 2023 runs until May 28.
The Center for international Trade Expositions and Missions expects over 10,000 visitors including local and foreign buyers to attend.
CITEM executive director Rowena Mendoza said the opening on May 26, 2023 was jampacked: people missed the sensory experience that is crucial in food and beverage events.
Among the highlights of IFEX 2023 are Flavor Finds, Open House, and IFEX Kitchen.
Flavor Finds features new products from select exhibitors, emerging Philippine food products and ingredients with export potential, and Regional Flex, which will showcase export food products that are authentic from the regions of the country.
Open House showcases products from partner programs and related government efforts that champion Filipino food exporters, manufacturers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The programs under Open House will include COCONUTPHILIPPINES, One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines, TASK Program, RAPID Growth Project, Halal-Certified Products, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Pavilion.
IFEX Kitchen is a dedicated space for food-tasting activities, cooking demonstrations, and product presentations.