PH Food Expo showcases tools, opportunities

The 18th Philippine Food Expo opened Friday in Pasay City, highlighting business development tools and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the food industry amid a challenging economic climate.

According to a "24 Oras Weekend" report by Darlene Cay on Saturday, the expo kicked off at the World Trade Center with around 300 exhibitors.

For business owner Leslie Fernandez, the event offered a chance to reach a broader market.

“Ang gusto namin dito is makakuha kami, especially ‘yung talagang tatangkilik ng product namin—‘yung magugustuhan po ‘yung aming (ibinebenta),” Fernandez said.

(We hope to gain customers here, especially those who will truly appreciate our products.)

“It’s definitely a big thing because you get connections and have a feel for what’s out there,” said pastry chef Joanna Romero.

Suppliers of food products and technologies were also featured, including Jha Manguerra, who offers packaging materials.

“We’re hoping for more clients and to encourage support for local products. Lalo ngayon sa crisis natin, may option po sila para makakuha ng best costing,” Manguerra said.

(We’re hoping to gain more clients and encourage support for local products. Especially during this crisis, we offer options that provide the best costing.)

Meanwhile, bakeshop owner Angela Colet said the expo helped her connect with new suppliers, including one offering frozen calamansi juice.

“You’re forming a network of suppliers and fellow entrepreneurs. If you support each other, your energies just seem to flow,” Colet said.

Exhibitors from Malaysia, India, Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, Japan, and China also participated.

This year’s theme is “Feast of Philippine Flavors to the World.”

“Maraming bagong produkto na naipromote. At the same time, ‘yung mga dati nang produkto na kilala at na-e-export na natin, kailangan tuloy-tuloy ang suporta,” said Ruben See, president of Philfoodex Inc.

(Many new products were promoted. At the same time, those already known and being exported need sustained support.)

Beyond showcasing products, the expo also aims to equip industry players with additional knowledge and skills.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was present to share technologies relevant to the food sector.

“Kung may pangangailangan sila sa food testing, maaari naming matulungan ang kanilang business—for example, sa pag-apply ng FDA certifications,” said Christopher Bauzon, technology licensing officer of DOST-ITDI.

(If they need food testing services, our institute can assist them—for example, in applying for FDA certifications.)

Organizers said expert insights and innovation are crucial, especially in a difficult economic environment.

“Meron din tayong technological breakthroughs mula sa DOST, at ang Department of Agriculture ay may investment forum. We hope to help ignite and fuel the economy, especially at this time,” said Mayose Gozon Bautista, director for membership of Philfoodex Inc.—Jamil Santos/MCG, GMA News