Winners of the Katha Awards for Food 2023
IFEX Philippines, the country’s biggest international trade show for food and ingredients organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), celebrated Philippine food excellence at the Katha Awards for Food at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City last May 26, 2023.
Katha Awards is a DTI-CITEM initiative that aims to strengthen the reputation of the Philippines as a go-to destination for globally competitive, innovative, and creative Asian food products by recognizing brands or companies. The winning food products exhibit new flavor profiles, innovative ideas, unique food fusions, and creative packaging methods as voted by the board of judges. This year’s awards edition was held in partnership with Mintel, a leading global market intelligence firm.
CITEM executive director Dr. Edward Fereira highlighted during the opening night, the impact of homegrown brands and companies in positioning the Philippines as a go-to destination for globally competitive Asian and Filipino food and ingredients.
“Thank you to all our Philippine food brands and companies for being instruments in uplifting our economy and being ambassadors of our rich Filipino food culture," Dr. Fereira said. "As you continue to produce products and ingredients that add zest and flavor to cuisines in kitchens and tables from all over the world."
Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Trade Promotions Group assistant secretary, Glenn Peñaranda, emphasized the importance of giving recognition to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) such as the Katha Awards and how it directly affects our economy.
“MSMEs, as you know, are one of the pillars of the economy and they should be honored and recognized for ensuring the country is fed with top-quality products that meet global standards along with new flavor profiles, fusions, and creative packaging,” Asec. Peñaranda stated.
PHILEXPORT president Dr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. expressed high hopes for the Philippine agriculture industry. “For the agri-fish sector, they include meat and edible meat offal, presenting the biggest opportunity for Filipino exporters as the sector represents a huge 49% sale of export potential,” Dr. Ortiz-Luis delivered in his recorded keynote speech.
The winning entries of the Katha Awards for Food are on display at the Main Hall of IFEX Philippines until May 28.
View the full list of winners and citations for the Katha Awards for Food 2023 here:
Katha Awards for Food 2023 winners are presented by distinguished officials and guests; (from left to right) Project Director Rowena Mendoza, Philippine Airlines President Captain Stanley Ng, CITEM Executive Director Dr. Edward Fereira, DTI-TPG Asec. Glenn Peñaranda, and Mintel Head of Commercial for Southeast Asia Nick Brown
Katha Awards for Food 2023 winners:
● Baked Goods & Confectioneries
1938 Francisco Food Specialties
Ferino’s - Frozen Vacuumed-Packed Bibingka
For 85 years, Ferino's Bibingka has been a beloved holiday staple. Their frozen bibingka is an innovation that brings a taste of homemade available to different parts of the world.
● Beverages
Blue Macay
Calamansi-Lemon 3-in-1 Super Blend Marmalade Tea
A refreshing and healthy drink made from real Calamansi, Lemon, Ginger, Turmeric, and Honey. Blue Macay’s Super Blend Marmalade Tea is also a great source of vitamin C.
● Fine Food and Specialties
Miguelito’s International Corporation
Instant Soybean Curd Mix (Taho Mix)
Known as "Taho," a famous snack in the Philippines, the Instant Soybean Curd Mix from Miguelito’s gives comfort in each sip.
● Marine Products
Fisher Farms
Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp
The Corn and Coconut Breaded Shrimp is a delightful concoction of shrimp coated in flavorful corn and coconut flakes.
● Meat and Poultry Products
Eggciting (Egg) Products Manufacturing
Lola Carmen - Heat & Ready to Eat Balut
Lola Carmen’s Balut has an ambient shelf-life of one year at room temperature and can be easily heated for an authentic street food balut-eating experience.
● Natural, Healthy, and Organic Products
Cattleya & Rose Gourmet Foods
Sagana - Coconut Spreads
“Butter made better!” is a plant-based, dairy-free coconut spread made from sustainably-sourced ingredients. This healthy alternative butter earned a 1-star rating by The Great Taste Awards in 2021.
● Processed Fruits and Vegetables
WTH Foods
Umani - Crab-free Crab Bites
Umani’s Crab-free Crab Bites is made of ready-to-cook plant-based meat which is high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B12 and protein, with zero cholesterol and trans-fat.
● Snack Foods & Crisp Savoury Products
Bahaghari Global Food Inc.
Bahaghari - Taro Chips
This snack is made from thin slices of fresh taro roots with high nutritional value. It can also be eaten as a siding to meals.
Special citations:
● Best in Packaging Design
Stookies Cookie Sticks by Aretei Foods Corp
● Best in Packaging Design
Super Scoops Dairy-Free Ice Cream by The Superfood Grocer Philippines
● Best Regional Booth Display
DTI Cagayan Region
The DTI Region 2 booth explores various and distinct innovations from Cagayan Valley primed for the global market.
They carry export-quality products that are improved through DTI R2’s OTOP Next Gen and Food Development Program. Their innovative booth carries products made from the finest raw materials sourced from the region.
● Best Individual Presentation
Marigold Manufacturing Company
A true Filipino feast is what you get when you visit Mama Sita's booth. It features a variety of homegrown Filipino flavors with the brand’s best-tasting sauces, condiments, spices and mixes, and other food items loved by people all over the world.
● Best Individual Presentation
Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates
A warm and welcoming presentation of hand-crafted Philippine bean-to-bar chocolates that carry distinct Filipino flavors such as adobo, calamansi, green mango, pili and pinipig.
● Special Product Citation
Gourmet Tinapa in Lemon & Garlic with Pitted Olives by Penn’s Gourmet
A gourmet tinapa made from freshly sourced flavorful ingredients and spices from the island region of Samar.
● Sustainable Practices
Villa Socorro Farm
An integrated business eco-system that forges strategic partnerships between local farmers and agricultural farm business to develop and market farm-to-table food products while providing livelihood opportunities to the community.
● Sustainable Practices
Pautricia Food Processing Corporation
The company strategically partners with the academe and the agricultural farm business to develop and elevate farm-to-table products while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to farmers and engaging student scholars to study and create products out of farm produce.
To learn more about IFEX Philippines, visit IFEXConnect.com.