IFEX Philippines, the country’s premier international food and ingredients trade show organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), posted a 52% jump in exports sales to $162 million this year.
The 16th edition of IFEX Philippines, held at the esteemed World Trade Center from May 26 to 28, 2023, attracted some 9,500 enthusiastic local and international trade visitors and buyers.
The physical Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau, played a pivotal role in generating over $61 million in export sales, while visitors contributed an additional ₱9.7 million in retail sales.
Among the top export commodities, fruits and vegetables reigned supreme, amassing nearly $80 million in export sales, closely followed by snacks and crispy and savory food, which generated over $21 million.
Moreover, the trade show generated ₱147 million in total domestic sales this year.
A highlight of the event was the prestigious Katha Awards for Food, which celebrated the essence of fresh flavors, culinary innovations, and cutting-edge processes.
CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has played a pivotal role for nearly four decades in establishing the country’s reputation as a premier destination for high-quality export products and services.
CITEM remains dedicated to nurturing and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by adopting a comprehensive approach to export marketing, in collaboration with governmental and private entities.
