Philippine food brands joining world’s biggest trade fair in China

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is looking to cater to the demand for tropical food in the Chinese market through the participation of 40 companies in the world’s biggest trade fair to be held in Shanghai next month.

In a statement yesterday, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said the Philippines would be highlighting food brands and agriculture products during the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Nov. 5 to 10.

The Philippine pavilion would feature tropical fruits and vegetables, processed fruits and nuts, healthy snacks, seafood and marine products, and other premium food selections.

Local participants in the upcoming CIIE are Hilas Marketing Corp., Agrinurture Inc., Mancoco Food Processing Inc., Excellent Quality Goods Supply Co., Castillo Import Export Ventures Inc., Doxo International Trading, Magsasakang Progresibo Marketing Cooperative, See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp., SL Agritech Corp., Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc., Team Asia Corp., Eau de Coco Inc., Eng Seng Food Products, Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., Tongsan Industrial Development Corp., Islandfun Inc., Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., KLT Fruits Inc., Zigmund Enterprise, Business Innovations Gateway Inc., Sangkutsa Food Products Inc., AG Grays Farm, Marigold Manufacturing Corp., Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative, Magic Melt Foods Inc., Sandria’s Delicious Concept, Vegetari Vegetarian products, Market Reach International Resources, Philippine Franchise Association, Century Pacific Food Inc., Universal Canning Inc., Fisher Farms Inc., Jam Seafoods Inc., Phil-Union Frozen Foods Inc., Gerabuenas Trading, Global Basic Co. Ltd., Subic Superfood Inc., Chocoloco Inc., Filipinas de Oro de Cacao Inc. and Seabeth Food Processing.

CIIE, China’s first import-themed expo, is considered a strategic platform for the Philippines and its export companies to tap opportunities in the Chinese market.

“CIIE is one of the top trade shows to promote Philippine food products and ingredients since there is a rising demand for tropical food in China, on top of the growing purchasing power of its huge population,” CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan said.

Last year, the Philippines recorded the highest business leads worth $430 million, with $162 million accounted for by export sales, from the participation of 32 food exhibitors at the CIIE.

“With last year’s successful participation, CITEM is determined to continue its momentum by reinforcing the country’s food export potentials in the China market, especially now that China is receptive to Philippine food products and has growing trade relations with our country,” Suaco-Juan said.

To promote safety amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, CITEM is setting up interactive conference pods in the Philippines’ pavilion at the CIIE for virtual business-matching activities.

Instead of the exhibitors manning the booths, the Philippine commercial attaché would represent the government and exhibitors.

After the event, the Philippine commercial attaché would relay allbusiness leads and contacts generated during the show.