MECO expects RP food exports to Taiwan to double this year

The Philippines will double its food exports to Taiwan following the successful participation of Filipino food companies in the recent Taipei International Food Show, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said. 

“We expect higher demand from booming markets such as Taiwan. Philippine food companies would be more than doubling their sales this year over last year’s food exhibition if they were able to hit their sales target at the Taipei trade fair,” MECO managing director and resident representative Antonio Basilio said.

According to Basilio, Filipino food companies were estimated to have taken home $8 million to $10 million worth of orders from international buyers during the international trade show held last month. 

In 2007, Philippine food companies booked  $4.1 million worth of orders.

Basilio said he is bullish on the growth of the Philippines’ food processing industry, particularly on the export of its value-added food products. He said the Philippines has the capacity to supply the discerning Taiwanese market with premium food products from fresh and processed seafood to top-quality processed fruits. 

MECO deputy director Nicanor Bautista said they brought big industry players such as San Miguel, RFM, Universal Robina, and Dole Asia.

The list of products offered included RFM’s rice-based mixes and pancit bihon to the top-selling dessicated coconut of Primex and Dole’s canned fruits in syrup.  Other food suppliers brought tiger prawns, squid and other marine products. 

 ”The participation of companies such as San Miguel and RFM is significant since we are targeting Taiwan ‘s booming market for processed meat products. We have already started the import risk assessment process which requires months of work on our DA (Department of Agriculture),” Bautista said.

 “We have already presented a thousand-page response to Taiwan for evaluation. As soon as Taiwan gives us the green light, our manufacturers of processed meat products could start exporting their hot dogs, longanizas and corned beef to Taiwan ,” he added.

The Taipei International Food Show, more popularly known as Food Taipei , is one of the region’s biggest food industry events. The fair was held at the newly- opened Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall, Asia ‘s newest trade show venue.