Biggest export-oriented food expo showcases PH’s ‘best of the seas’

MANILA -- The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2018 will focus on the country’s seafood products this coming May 25 to 27 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

With the theme “The Best of the Seas”, IFEX Philippines 2018 aims to promote the country’s seafood products to global buyers.

IFEX is the country’s biggest export-oriented food show attended by buyers, importers, and retailers in the global market.

“Now an annual event, IFEX Philippines continues to be the largest and widely anticipated food trade event in the country,” DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group Nora K. Terrado said.

“For its 12th edition, we will highlight the Philippines’ finest seafood to satisfy the growing global demand for marine product and coastal cuisines, along with other exquisite food products across the globe,” said Terrado, who is also the Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Trade and Industry's Center for Trade Expositions and Mission (DTI-CITEM).

She said this year’s IFEX will have the Regional Seafood Pavilion to showcase different seafood products per region.

“We are tapping the country’s most marine-abundant coastal regions from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This is where we will bring key suppliers to make it easier for buyers to source in one pavilion the best fish and marine products, such as tuna, milkfish, prawns, tilapia, and other seafood from the Philippines,” Terrado said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the country’s exports of fresh and preserved fish in 2017 amounted to USD294 million; seaweeds and carageenan with USD164 million worth of exports; and fresh, chilled, and frozen shrimps and prawns with exports valued at USD56 million.

According to Seafood Trade Intelligence Portal, the Philippines is the world’s eleventh largest producer of cultured seafood and third biggest source of seaweeds. Its top aquaculture species include milkfish, tilapia, and shrimps.

Last year’s IFEX featured ASEAN food as the country hosted the ASEAN Summit 2017.

The food expo attracted nearly 11,000 international and local visitors, which included 2,057 buyers from top global retail giants and supermarkets. (PNA)