THE Department of Trade and Industry 7 is encouraging local businesses to join the International Food Exhibition (Ifex)-NXTFOOD Asia to widen their market reach.

Rowena Mendoza, assistant project director of operations of the DTI 7, said the exhibit will run from May 24 to 26 at the World Trade Center in Manila.

“We’re promoting the top food brands and products like mango, pineapple, banana, cacao, coffee, seafood and coconut. The exhibit will be participated by contingents from other countries like Singapore, US, Germany, Taiwan and China,” she said at a forum hosted by the Association of Government Information Officers and Philippine Information Agency 7.

Mendoza said agricultural products belonging to the Philippines’ top seven premium products are showcased in the country’s largest international food trade exhibit. The DTI is expecting 600 exhibitors from all over the country as they are still conducting a regional roadshow.

In 2017, the DTI reported $180 million in sales for the Ifex, with 800 exhibitors from the Philippines and around the globe.

The exhibit will feature ethnic and specialty food, tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, beverages, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic and healthy food products. (JOB)