Agri-food products of the Philippines were a hit in South Korea as almost 60,000 guests went to visit the four-day exhibition of local products held in October.
Various agricultural products were on display at the 2021 International Agriculture Exhibition (IAE) in Naju, Jeollanamdo --the largest biennial agriculture exhibition in Korea-- from Oct. 21 to 31.
It was made possible through the Philippine Agriculture Office (PAO) in Seoul, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega led the Philippine food promotion during the 2021 IAE International Business Day, giving away fresh Philippine fruits to Korean consumers.
“In celebration of the 72 years of Philippines and Korea relations, we are happy to share our deliciously fresh Philippine products to Korean consumers in this event. We thank the Jeollanamdo oval government and the organizing team for always supporting the Philippines’ participation in the IAE,” De Vega said.
According to the Ambassador, PAO collaborated with 28 Philippine agri-food export companies and three major fresh fruit importing companies in Korea namely Del Monte Fresh Produce, Dole Korea, and Sumifru Korea, to showcase a diverse range of Philippine agricultural products during the exhibition.
It was also an opportunity for Philippine exporters to work with the Korean Importers’ Association (KOIMA) for online business matching with potential buyers.
During the four-day event, the Philippine Embassy showcased the best of Philippine food products and how these cater to the discerning taste of the Korean market.
"Of interest to consumers is the Philippines’ fresh okra, which recently gained market access to Korea and Philippine bananas, which is among the major export products covered in the recently concluded negotiations on the Philippines-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement. The Philippines expects more robust agricultural cooperation with Korea once the agreement takes effect," the DFA said in a statement.
Aside from traditional fresh fruit favorites such as pineapples, papayas, and mangoes, the Philippines also showcased new agricultural products appealing to the growing trend in Korea for organic and healthy food.
Other offerings include the refreshing calamansi (or the Philippine lemon) extract, flavored pili nut products, vegan coconut by-products, turmeric items, tablea and chocolate products, pickled mangoes, tasty fruit and vegetable chips, and seafood products.
"Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines’ participation in the 2021 IAE was a resounding success with Philippine agricultural products attracting the interest of the public and potential buyers alike," the agency said.
It was also disclosed that business matching of participating Philippine agri-food companies were held online with interested major buyers such as Homeplus, LotteMart, CJ Freshway, Hyundai Shopping, Siwon International, among others.