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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider Philippine Food Expo draws 26,000 visitors, highlights Filipino food industry

Philippine Food Expo draws 26,000 visitors, highlights Filipino food industry

The three-day event gathered over 300 exhibitors, showcasing regional products and generating P1.07 billion in sales

By MBrand
Published Apr 27, 2026 11:21 am
PHILIPPINE FOOD EXPO OPENING (L-R) Roberto Angelo O. Amores II, director, PHILFOODEX; William S. Co, chairman; Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president, PHILEXPORT; Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, undersecretary, Department of Agriculture–High Value Crops Development Program; Ruben L. See, president, PHILFOODEX; Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque; Verna C. Buensuceso, undersecretary, Department of Tourism; Angelica Roa-Yu, executive assistant for social services, representing Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; Mayose Gozon-Bautista, director, PHILFOODEX; Rev. Fr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, regent, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Santo Tomas; Junibert E. De Sagun, director, Department of Agriculture–Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service; and Anton L. Sayo and Fernando R. Esguerra, directors, PHILFOODEX. (Photo: PHILFOODEX)
PHILIPPINE FOOD EXPO OPENING (L-R) Roberto Angelo O. Amores II, director, PHILFOODEX; William S. Co, chairman; Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president, PHILEXPORT; Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, undersecretary, Department of Agriculture–High Value Crops Development Program; Ruben L. See, president, PHILFOODEX; Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque; Verna C. Buensuceso, undersecretary, Department of Tourism; Angelica Roa-Yu, executive assistant for social services, representing Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; Mayose Gozon-Bautista, director, PHILFOODEX; Rev. Fr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, regent, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Santo Tomas; Junibert E. De Sagun, director, Department of Agriculture–Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service; and Anton L. Sayo and Fernando R. Esguerra, directors, PHILFOODEX. (Photo: PHILFOODEX)
Filipino food continues to find new ground, both at home and beyond. At the 18th Philippine Food Expo, that momentum was on full display. Held from April 17 to 19 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the event drew more than 26,000 visitors, bringing together producers, chefs, and industry players in one space.
Organized by PHILFOODEX Inc., with Cut Unlimited Inc. as exhibition manager, the expo featured over 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises from across the country, each presenting regional products and food innovations.
This year’s theme, “Feast of Philippine Flavors to the World,” reflected a wider push to bring local products into global markets. Part of that effort included the addition of international pavilions from Malaysia and India, expanding the event’s reach beyond local exhibitors.
Over three days, the expo generated an estimated P1.07 billion in booked and projected sales, pointing to continued demand for Philippine-made food products.
(Photo: PHILFOODEX)
(Photo: PHILFOODEX)
The program combined trade and public-facing activities. Exhibitors engaged with buyers and visitors, while a series of seminars and talks covered topics ranging from food innovation to market trends, with participation from government agencies and industry groups.
On stage, live cooking demonstrations featured chefs including Abi Marquez, Gerick Manalo, Emily Peralta, Chris Carangian, JM Sunglao, Wado Siman, and MJ Martinez, offering both technical insights and new approaches to familiar dishes.
The event also marked the return of the Flair Battle Philippines bartending competition, where Joe Mari Castillo emerged as champion. He is set to represent the country at an international competition in Pattaya, Thailand in July.
(Photo: PHILFOODEX)
(Photo: PHILFOODEX)
For students, the Culinary Challenges brought together participants from 45 schools nationwide, competing across nine categories that ranged from food styling to regional table setting. Holy Angel University was named overall champion, alongside winners from institutions including De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Antipolo, National University Fairview, and the University of Northern Philippines.
More than the numbers, the expo continues to position itself as a platform for growth, connecting small producers with larger markets and highlighting the range of Filipino food today.
As the event closes, the focus remains the same, bringing local flavors to a wider audience, and giving those behind them more room to grow.
(Photo: PHILFOODEX)
(Photo: PHILFOODEX)

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