The Philippines generated $50.65 million export sales, surpassing its target by over 300 percent, in the world’s largest annual food and beverage expo, Gulfood 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a statement, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions’ (CITEM reported that 18 food exporters showcased premium halal-certified under the FoodPhilippines’ banner. The firms are engaged in high-value and innovative food products, namely fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed marine products, ethnic and gourmet products, non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, biscuits, and pastries, and other food and beverage categories. The 18 firms generated 400 trade buyer inquiries in this year’s expo, maintaining strong relations with regular buyers while also establishing leads with new prospects, said CITEM Executive Director, Dr. Edward L. Fereira. “We’re extremely proud that our homegrown manufacturers and exporters exceeded our target generated sales and trade buyers. With the help of our Filipino exhibitors, the Philippine participation in Gulfood 2023 has been successful,” he said. Gulfood is the largest annual food and beverage sourcing event in the world, with 48 percent of exhibitors using Gulfood as an entry point into the market. Acoording to the Business Research Company, the global halal food market value increased to $1.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $2.5 billion in 2027 The Philippine pavilion showcased fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed marine products, ethnic and gourmet products, non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, biscuits, and pastries, and other food and beverage categories. “The Philippines’ participation in Gulfood is critical to increasing our share of the halal food market. As we continuously tap the large population of Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates, we take advantage of the Filipino consumers' behavior and influence in our bid to bring Filipino food to the mainstream market,” said Fereira. The Philippine participation in Gulfood is part of the country’s efforts to boost its food exports and help local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their global market. The country’s participation in Gulfood organized by CITEM, in partnership with PTIC-Dubai, is part of the Department of Trade and Industry-Trade Promotions Group’s (DTI-TPG) concierge of services and promotional efforts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.