The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the government’s main export promotion agency, aims to surpass last year’s $162 million export sales at the upcoming International Food Exhibition (IFEX) where more innovative local food companies participating. 

Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran, CITEM OIC, said during a press briefing dubbed the “Big Taste Reveal:IFEX Philippines 2024 Media Salo-Salo and Katha Awards for Food Presentation” on Friday, April 26, they hope to surpass last year’s IFEX performance during the 17th edition of IFEX Philippines on May 10-13 at the World Trade Center. IFEX is the biggest international trade exhibition for food and ingredients in the country.

“Our aim is to increase our export opportunities and bring our micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the global stage,” said Mediran. “Food is one of the fastest growing exports,” said Mediran.

CITEM expects to draw in between 8,000 to 10,000 visitors during the 3-day exhibit. There are also exhibitors from 13 countries in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Middle East and 350 registered international buyers.

For this year, IFEX Philippines project manager Rowena Mendoza said they will feature different activities and focused areas. 

With the theme, “It’s a Salu-Salo. Find the best flavors & ingredients here”, IFEX 2024 will showcase multifaceted food choices under FAST Catch, where  products render Functional, Authentic, Sustainable elements, and some Twists on growing global consumer shift toward more nutritious, organic, ethical, and standardized products and practices.

Aside from FAST, buyers and visitors can explore thousands of food offerings from IFEX Philippines 2024 exhibitors and partners in two major spaces: Trade Hall and Marketplace - where local and global flavors from established and new SMEs engaged in the food industry await buyers and foodies alike.

For instance, IFEX will highlight a plant-based food products pavilion under the Plant Based Association of the Philippines.

Mendoza said that among the new features at IFEX include the IFEX kitchen, food demos and tasting, and sustainability solutions exchange.

They will also feature sustainable products and their food preparations, the support for companies and communities engaged in sustainable practices or innovative products for a healthier environment.

“We’re trying to fortify a community that others can emulate for food security,” she added. 

Also highlighting this year’s IFEX are the “Katha” awardees and their food exhibits. Out of 79 products, 21 entries made it to the final screening and only nine emerged as winners, selected by luminaries who are well-respected in the food community.

The winners are SLOW Coconut Flower Sap by Lionheart Farms Philippines Corp., Ube Cream Liqueur by Destileria Barako Corp., Bean Appetit MongGo with Squash in Coconut Milk and Dilis by Bestfriend Goodies, Real Bacon Crisps by Baken Philippines Inc., Buenas Dried Vegetables by Gem Foods International Inc., Handicrafted Chocolate Treats by Theo and Philo Chocolate Inc., Dona Maria Brown Rice Puffs Series by SL Agritech Corp., Maharlika Pure Calamansi Extract by One Vizcaya by Gulf Pacific Integrated Exports Inc., and Northbay Deli Classic Salmon Smoked in Oil by Kai Anya Foods International Corp.