The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will feature Exchange Mart (GMART) in the 19th edition of IFEX Philippines next month to position the country’s private food labels in the global supply chain.
As a special feature in the IFEX happening on May 21-23 this year, GMART will serve as the strategic gateway for Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to occupy a major seat in the multibillion dollar private label food market.
The traditional “seat at the table” for food exporters has long been defined by individual brand presence. However, a global surge in private and white-labeling, particularly in North America and Europe, has redefined success. GMART is the specialized ecosystem designed to facilitate these high-stakes partnerships, moving Philippine manufacturers from the sidelines into essential, scalable roles within the global supply chain.
GMART serves as the specialized platform to meet demands across 9 priority product categories: Bakery Products and Confectioneries; Beverages; Fruits and Vegetables; Seafood; Gourmet and Specialty Food; Ingredients, Condiments, and Sweeteners; Meat, Poultry and Dairy; Plant-based Food Products; and Snacks and Ready-to-Eat.
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo stresses the unique value of GMART, stating that it is more than a showcase, “it is a strategic response to a fundamental shift in how the world eats and shops. By transcending the limitations of traditional branding and manufacturing, we are enabling Philippine enterprises to become the silent engines of global retail, proving that our quality can compete at the highest levels of the international supply chain.”
In September 2025, CITEM validated the Philippines’ potential as a strategic sourcing destination at Private Label Middle East (PLME) in Dubai, the largest trade event for contract manufacturing in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. The mission showcased the country’s comparative advantage in Halal-certified products derived from coconut, banana, and calamansi, among other high-value crops. By gaining critical insights into global consumer preferences and retail requirements, Filipino exhibitors positioned themselves as sophisticated partners ready for integration into the global “house brand” ecosystem.
Value chain excellence
Building on these global insights, GMART provides a network of advantages by connecting qualified local manufacturers with local and international trade buyers across the value chain.
For exhibitors, GMART will ensure accelerated market entry, helping MSMEs get their foot in the door of major supermarkets, specialty sectors, and the global hotel/food service industry.
It also means scalable solutions, enabling “silent” partnerships where Philippine quality meets global retail branding.
GMART also offers strategic growth, moving beyond consumer brands to diversify export portfolios through toll-packing and bespoke manufacturing demands from major international retailers and grocery chains.
For buyers, this feature will mean margin management – transcending traditional brand premiums to offer competitive retail pricing without compromising product integrity.
It will also ensure supply resilience – diversifying sourcing through reliable Philippine partners to mitigate global supply chain disruptions. In addition, it will mean more control by entrepreneurs for their bands. MSMEs could tailor exclusive product lines to specific regional tastes and dietary trends with authentic tropical ingredients.
According to NielsenIQ (NIQ) market intelligence, this sector is projected to cross the USD600 billion mark in 2027. Bloomberg Intelligence also forecasts the plant-based food market alone is expected to reach US$77 billion by 2030, while demand for sustainable, high-quality seafood is at an all-time high.
