Fifteen Filipino companies generated at least US$8.5 million during the FOODEX JAPAN 2025 as they showcased their products to the Japanese market, according to the Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions (CITEM), a government agency under the Department of Trade and Industry.

In a report, the government’s main export promotion agency said they organized a group of local exporters composed of veteran export players and event first-timers, with offerings centered on bringing authentic, healthy, premium quality food products to the Japanese and East-Asian market for the March 11-14, 2025 Foodex Japan.

Consistent with the country’s top food exports of fruits and nuts to Japan in the past years, coconut products proved most popular for Philippine exhibitors, with Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation leading the pack, followed by banana chips from Prime Fruits International and See’s International Food Mfg. Corp. Healthy grains and snacks, such as noodles from Ngosiok Marketing and sweet baked crisps from Hueza Bakery also made the bestseller list for Philippine export products at the trade event.

Completing the exhibitor lineup were: Cabadbaran Aquatech Resources; EJ Contreras Food House; IMAI Limited; JBM Food Products; KMK Food Products; Profood International Corporation; Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing; Sonya Secret Garden. 3 Sher’s Food Products; and YanYan International Phils. Inc.

Participating exhibitors were able to secure deals with Costco Japan, PepsiCo, and Walmart, retail and wholesale giants with parent companies in the United States (U.S.), along with popular Asian chains Aeon, Lawson, and Tipco, among others. These connections are crucial in strengthening the marketability and viability of more Philippine goods across the globe. The 2025 food service market in Japan alone is estimated at US$289.2B, with the global food and beverage market value projected to surpass US$7 trillion this year.

The exhibitors also participated in a merchandise visit to various supermarkets and retail stores post-trade show in Chiyoda City in Tokyo.

The Philippines was among the 74 countries that sought to capitalize on the expansive trade opportunities in the Japanese market. Event venue Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan saw more than 72,000 registered visitors flock to the 4-day event to see thousands of food products and services from almost 3,000 exhibitors from across the globe.