18th Philippine Food Expo spotlights global potential of Filipino flavors and innovation

The World Trade Center Metro Manila recently transformed into a vibrant hub of culinary heritage and industrial ingenuity for the 18th Philippine Food Expo. Organized by the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX), Inc., the premier trade event successfully brought together the country’s leading producers, innovators, and international buyers to celebrate the “Filipino Excellence,” defining the modern food landscape.

A key highlight of the event was the keynote address by Secretary Cris A. Roque, who underscored the government’s commitment to scaling the reach of homegrown brands. Addressing a packed hall of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) alongside industry giants, Secretary Roque emphasized a three-pillar strategy for the future:

• Innovation: Adopting smart technology to improve shelf life and sustainable packaging.

• Collaboration: Strengthening the link between farmers, processors, and exporters.

• Global Competitiveness: Ensuring Filipino products meet rigorous international standards to penetrate new markets in Europe, the Americas, and the ASEAN region.

• “The Philippine food industry is not just about feeding our nation; it is about sharing our culture with the world,” said Secretary Roque. “By focusing on quality and modernizing our processes, we ensure that ‘Product of the Philippines’ remains a global mark of excellence.”

As the country’s leading association for food exporters, PHILFOODEX designed the 18th edition of the expo to be more than just a trade show. It served as a vital business-to-business (B2B) platform, facilitating hundreds of networking sessions intended to bridge the gap between local producers and global distributors.

From artisanal delicacies and organic agricultural produce to state-of-the-art food processing machinery, the exhibition floor showcased the full spectrum of the Philippine food value chain.