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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider IFEX Philippines 2026 to spotlight the country's tropical flavors for the global food market

IFEX Philippines 2026 to spotlight the country's tropical flavors for the global food market

The country's largest export-oriented food trade show returns in May with new platforms, sustainability initiatives, and a stronger focus on high-value tropical ingredients

Published Mar 13, 2026 03:51 pm
Expect a treasure trove of tropical food and ingredients for a seamless sourcing experience at IFEX Philippines.
Expect a treasure trove of tropical food and ingredients for a seamless sourcing experience at IFEX Philippines.
The Philippines’ largest food export trade show returns this year with a renewed push to position the country as a leading source of high-value tropical ingredients for the global market.
The 19th edition of IFEX Philippines will take place from May 21 to 23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the event gathers exporters, international buyers, and industry players to explore Philippine food products, ingredients, and innovations designed for global trade.
Carrying the theme “Tropical Flavors for the World,” the three-day event will highlight the country’s agricultural diversity and the growing demand for ingredients sourced from tropical environments. From fresh and processed fruits to specialty ingredients and emerging health-focused products, the showcase aims to position Philippine producers within international supply chains.
“We are not just navigating global challenges; we are defining the flavor profile of the future,” says CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo. She notes that as the Philippines serves as chair of ASEAN in 2026, IFEX Philippines also becomes an opportunity to present the country as a regional hub for food innovation and trade.
The event has steadily expanded its reach in recent years. In 2025, IFEX Philippines drew more than 10,000 buyers and visitors from over 50 countries. Around 580 exhibitors presented more than 5,000 food products and brands, generating about $80 million in export sales and contributing to over $740 million in potential export deals through CITEM’s trade initiatives.
A platform for global food sourcing
This year’s edition builds on that momentum by presenting a sourcing platform that links Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises with international importers, distributors, retailers, and hospitality buyers from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Visitors can expect a trade floor organized into several dedicated sections. The FOODPhilippines Trade Hall will serve as the main showcase for local brands, alongside regional pavilions highlighting heritage crops and regional specialties. A Business Solutions Zone will also provide services and support for exporters and manufacturers.
The International Hall will feature foreign exhibitors presenting global food products and industry trends, offering opportunities for collaboration between international companies and Philippine producers. Meanwhile, the Marketplace area will allow visitors to purchase selected food products directly, giving the trade show a retail component alongside its business-to-business focus.
An array of curated food and beverages ranging from beloved Filipino snacks and delicacies to natural oils and supplements available at Gallery 6 of Likhang Filipino.
An array of curated food and beverages ranging from beloved Filipino snacks and delicacies to natural oils and supplements available at Gallery 6 of Likhang Filipino.
New features and culinary showcases
Several new features will debut at the 2026 edition. Among them is IFEX Fiesta, an exclusive cocktail dînatoire designed for invited guests, hosted buyers, and culinary professionals. The event will present a curated four-course menu that explores ingredients sourced from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, demonstrating how Philippine products can be applied across contemporary cuisine.
Another addition is IFEX Live: Deals on Demand, a digital marketplace and live commerce stage where exhibitors can present products to buyers through interactive sessions that combine online engagement with the physical trade show.
The IFEX Kitchen also returns as a space for culinary demonstrations and discussions, highlighting heritage crops and premium ingredients while exploring their potential in export-driven food products.
Alongside these programs, the event will feature Flavor Finds, a curated presentation of emerging products and food trends, including winners of the KATHA Award for Food, which recognizes excellence in Philippine food creativity across categories such as functional foods and plant-based alternatives.
Sustainability and long-term industry growth
Sustainability will remain a key theme throughout the trade show. The Sustainability Solutions Exchange, the country’s first sourcing platform dedicated to circular economy practices, will feature innovations in eco-friendly packaging, green technologies, and waste management solutions across industries.
The platform will also introduce a start-up pitching competition and networking sessions designed to connect emerging companies with potential investors and collaborators.
Alongside these initiatives, IFEX Philippines continues to facilitate business matching between exhibitors and buyers through pre-arranged meetings and buyer programs. These include G-Mart, which connects Philippine manufacturers with retailers seeking private labeling and toll manufacturing partnerships, and IFEX Talks, a series of industry discussions covering topics such as certification, logistics, and international trade strategies.
Beyond the trade show itself, IFEX Philippines is supported by IFEXConnect, a digital platform that allows year-round networking, product discovery, and business matching between buyers and suppliers.
CITEM has also launched the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, a permanent showroom that presents export-ready Philippine products and allows producers to connect with buyers beyond the trade show calendar.
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