The Philippines is looking to expand its market share in the global halal trade by bringing top food export products to Gulfood 2023. The Philippines’ hybrid participation, led by the Center of International Trade Missions and Expositions (CITEM), consists of 18 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with halal certification and high-value and innovative products.
Gulfood, hailed as one of the world’s largest food and beverage exhibitions, is vital to maintaining the Philippines’ presence in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This year, Gulfood is gathering thousands of exhibitors and key industry players at the Dubai World Trade Centre in United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 20 to 24.
The Philippines’ hybrid participation aims to bring the digital experience to the physical show, allowing some exhibitors to interface remotely with buyers onsite.
A 3D model of the FOODPhilippines Pavilion at Gulfood 2023
“We’re excited to share the country’s latest food innovations with buyers in the MEA region. The halal market offers many opportunities for Philippine exporters, which is why we have been consistently promoting food companies with halal certification,” said Dr. Edward L. Fereira, Ph.D., CITEM Executive Director.
According to the 2022 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, Muslim spending on halal food was valued at USD 1.27 trillion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 1.67 trillion by 2025.
Banana and coconut, two of the country’s top food exports, are among the products and ingredients to be showcased. Under the country’s collective food promotion program FOODPhilippines, the Philippine Pavilion will also feature healthy and innovative marine products and plant-based food.
“The demand for healthier food options has increased as consumers shift toward healthier, more eco-conscious, and more sustainable lifestyles. By participating in international trade shows like Gulfood, we want to promote not only the unique flavors of Filipino food but also its versatility, freshness, and natural health benefits,” said Fereira.
The Philippines’ hybrid participation consists of the following companies: Century Pacific Food, Inc., Fisherfarms, Inc., Market Reach International Resources, QPhil International Trading, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., SL Agritech, Inc., Grand Asia Integrated Natural Coco Products Corporation, Mega Global Corporation, Krystle Exports Philippines, Inc., Sagrex Foods, Inc., Marikina Food Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Foods, Inc., Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corporation, GEM Foods International, Inc., Bethany Sales, Inc., CJ Uniworld Corporation, and Lorenzana Food Corporation.
Banana is one of the ‘Premium 7’ food export products of the Philippines.
The Philippine pavilion will be located at booths R152 and R174 of the Sheikh Rashid Hall. The Philippines’ hybrid participation is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s export promotion arm, CITEM, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai.
Catch more of these premium-quality products at IFEX Philippines, the country’s long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients. IFEX Philippines will be held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines, from May 26 to 28, 2023.
To learn more about the Philippine exhibitors, visit their digital storefronts at IFEXConnect.com. Browse stories on the Philippines’ rich food culture and culinary landscape at foodphilippines.com.
About CITEM
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.
CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.
About FOODPhilippines
FOODPhilippines promotes the country as a source of quality food products and ingredients in physical and/or digital trade shows and business-to-business platforms in priority markets around the world.
Under the FOODPhilippines banner, the Philippines is positioned as an exporter of healthy, organic, natural, and specialty food products and services.
Ref. Elmer Harold Grande
Email: ehgrande@citem.com.ph
Twitter: @CITEMPh
Facebook: @DTI.CITEM
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