Philippine Food Expo 2026: Fresh produce, cacao creations, regional delicacies shine on opening day

The Philippine Food Expo 2026 officially opened on Friday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, drawing in crowds eager to sample a wide range of proudly Filipino food products from across the archipelago.

Running until April 19, the event brings together over 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises in a vibrant showcase of regional identity, transforming the venue into a culinary journey through Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

From fresh highland produce to premium chocolates and innovative coconut-based creations, the first day of the expo highlighted both tradition and evolving food craftsmanship.

Here’s a roundup of standout flavors and finds from the opening day. 

Luzon: From highland harvests to emerging cacao creations

Luzon exhibitors offered a mix of fresh produce, heritage delicacies, and rising specialty products.

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) showcased an abundance of fresh vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, highlighting the region’s role as a key source of highland produce.

Ilocos stayed true to its bold culinary identity with crowd favorites like Vigan longganisa and the iconic Vigan bagnet.

Meanwhile, producers from Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon leaned into processed and preserved goods, presenting a variety of fruit-based jams made from coconut, mango, and jackfruit.

They also introduced more niche ingredients such as batwan powder and dried kamias, offering visitors a glimpse into lesser-known Filipino souring agents and flavor enhancers.

Further south, MIMAROPA featured snackable staples like banana chips and delicate uraro cookies, both popular for their export potential and familiar appeal.

Bicol, often associated with spice, spotlighted its growing cacao industry through Camarines Sur’s tree-to-bar chocolates.

Exhibitors also presented a range of cacao-based products, including cacao tea, cacao vinegar, and even hazelnut chocolate spread.

Visayas: Sweet heritage and artisanal innovation

The Visayas section highlighted the country’s strong tradition of sweets and artisanal craftsmanship.

Western Visayas drew attention with its signature mango products, from jams to dried mangoes, celebrating one of the region’s most iconic fruits.

The Negros Island Region reinforced its reputation as a chocolate hub, showcasing pure tablea crafted in Negros Oriental, alongside various dark chocolate iterations.

Some exhibitors also leaned into trends, offering their own take on the viral Dubai chewy cookies, blending local chocolate with global-inspired formats.

Adding to the mix, Bohol-based products featured durian and mango pastillas, cookies, and even rice wine, bringing together traditional flavors with creative product development.

Mindanao: cacao powerhouse and tropical abundance

Mindanao delivered a strong showing with its premium cacao, coconut products, and fresh tropical fruits.

Zamboanga del Sur stood out with its line of chocolate products, including 100% pure cacao tablea and premium dark chocolate bars in 70% and 62% variants.

Northern Mindanao and the Davao region highlighted the versatility of coconut, presenting products such as coconut vinegar and coconut-based chili garlic.

Their booths also featured an array of fresh fruits, including durian, pomelo, and mangosteen, drawing steady crowds throughout the day.

SOCCSKSARGEN brought a playful twist with mangosteen and durian-based candies, including yema and tart variations that reimagine local fruits into bite-sized treats.

Meanwhile, CARAGA emphasized wellness-oriented and natural products, offering virgin coconut oil, raw dark chocolate tablea, and coconut sugar.

Aside from food and delicacies, the three-day event also features exhibitions from exporters, retailers, and equipment manufacturers.

The 17th Philippine Food Expo is open to walk-ins with registration booths available onsite.

The regular admission rate is priced at P150, while students, senior citizens, and PWDs may enter for P120 each. —CDC, GMA News