Saturday, August 23, 2008 Food fair to promote N. Mindanao products By Mark D. Francisco
THE International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX), an annual matching of Filipino food products conducted every May, will exclusively feature Northern Mindanao products in the 2009 edition of the event.
In a news conference Friday, during the sidelines of the Kahimunan Mindanao Island Trade Fair opening, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) director Ma. Lourdes Mediran said they were impressed with the food products in the region.
Citem is the organizer of the IFEX every year. It is an export promotions agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Its thrust is to promote the Philippines as a reliable source of high-quality products and services through trade fairs, special exhibits, in-store promotions, trade missions, and other promotional activities here and abroad.
The IFEX is held for three days every year at the sprawling SMX Convention Center in Pasay City right beside the SM Mall of Asia.
Mediran said they are expecting 350 food exporters and manufacturers from Northern Mindanao who will present their products at IFEX 2009.
"We provide them technical assistance like packaging design and how to extend shelf life," she added.
The savory possibilities of doing business with IFEX Philippines begin with the wide array of products available in the show: beverages, organic and natural products, fine food and regional gastronomic delights, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, biscuits, snacks, and confectioneries, marine products, and allied products and services.
IFEX Philippines is divided into two zones - the exporters' zone and the retailers' zone.
The retailers' zone is a prime venue for spot-selling, product and cooking demonstrations, and market-testing of new products with foreign importers; Philippine food consolidators; wholesalers; distributors; retailers; supermarket purchasers; catering, food service, and hotel and restaurant owners; specialty stores, franchisers, and leisure and entertainment operators. It is also where chefs, gourmets, and entrepreneurs shop for quality regional food specialties and delicacies.
