Philippines targets Indian market for organic food products

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is looking to link its organic and women-led food enterprises with India’s expanding consumer market, as part of broader efforts to boost agricultural trade in a market poised to become Asia’s third-largest by 2028.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the initiative was part of discussions on the sidelines of the World Food India 2025 held earlier in September.

“The delegation explored avenues to link Philippine producers — especially women-led and organic enterprises — to India’s extensive food basket and expanding middle-class demand,” said the DA.

The DA said the delegation also participated in sessions covering pet food, nutraceuticals, plant-based foods, alcoholic beverages and specialty products.

The group also met with India’s Ministry of Food Industry and Processing to discuss market access, trade facilitation and technical cooperation.

Additionally, the sessions during the vent provided a platform to exchange best practices in food processing, value chain management and sustainability.

Leading the Philippine delegation was Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, accompanied by National Organic Agriculture program director Bernadette San Juan and Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. president Ruben See.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative aligns with the DA’s whole-of-nation approach which focuses on boosting production efficiency, promoting innovative technologies and strengthening partnerships across local governments, producers and logistics providers.

Tiu Laurel added that linking the country’s producers to international markets helps expand opportunities for high-value crops, fisheries and processed food products while supporting inclusive growth for women-led and small-scale enterprises.