International food expo to showcase Mindanao’s finest

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – More than 70 Mindanao-based food producers, processors, and exporters will be featured in this year’s International Food Exhibit (IFEX), the country’s largest food showcase that will gather over 700 food exporters and global buyers from key regions and cities in Asia.

According to Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the participation of Mindanao’s exhibitors to IFEX will help cement the region’s bid in becoming the country’s premier food basket and agri-business hub, and is a key venue for attracting more investment in the island-region.

“This year’s IFEX, which promises to offer greater variety and bigger international presence will give Mindanao exhibitors the opportunity for a high-impact involvement in terms of showcasing the region’s finest food products in order to achieve global recognition,” said MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.

She added that in addition to the sales that will be generated by the Mindanao participants, the larger and long-term goal of Mindanao’s participation to IFEX is to achieve international recognition from its Asian counterparts and to close business deals with them.

MinDA is the island-region’s coordinating body for IFEX, and works alongside with the departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture (DA) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

“This year’s theme, ‘Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show’ is likewise a fresh opportunity for the Mindanao products to be positioned beyond mere agricultural produce and raw ingredients, since most of the Mindanao participating delegates are also specializing on processed food,” added Antonino.

She said that in order to expand business and trading opportunities for Mindanao’s local businessmen and farmers, the island-region must achieve parallel promotion of its agribusiness and processed food industries.

At present, Mindanao accounts for 40 percent of the Philippines' food requirements and contributes more than 30 percent to the national food trade.

Slated from May 16 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, the IFEX will feature an Agri-Aqua show that will showcase the marine and agricultural produce from all Philippine regions, and the 2nd Natural Food and Healthy Products festival that highlights the healthy and organic food products and supplements grown in the country.

A cooking demonstration open to the pavilion exhibitors tagged as ‘Chefs-at-work corner’ will also be featured during the event.

IFEX Philippines is the only government-sponsored food exhibition that has gathered significant business results for Philippine food exporters, traders, and producers for the past seven years.

- Press release from Mindanao Developement Authority (MinDA)