TWENTY-SIX producers, including some local government units (LGUs), in Negros Occidental are joining this year’s International Food Exposition (Ifex) Philippines to be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on May 25 to 27.
Joy Ogan, executive assistant to the governor said Thursday, May 17, that most of these micro and small enterprises form part of the 40 producers assisted by the Provincial Government through the Technology and Livelihood Development Center.
The participants who will be showcasing truly Negros products that include New Wave Exporters Inc., HLS Aqua Products, Fishta Seafoods, Gem Foods International Inc., Satoca, Kusina Jamora, Ereñeta-Manaloto, Ading’s Gourmet Tuyo, Fresh Start Organics, MFK, Alter Trade Corporation, Organic Producers in the Island of Negros Multipurpose, Jarvis Gourmet Foods, Virgie’s Homemade Products, Norgi’s, Elizabeth, Anyols, Ophelia’s Food Products, Melva’s Foods, Anna Prado, Oyen’s Food Products, Bobette’s Delicacies, and Sir Jess Enterprise.
Aside from enterprises, three LGUs are joining the food exposition. These are Cadiz City, Mapapla, and Himamaylan City.
Ogan said the Provincial Government has allocated about P800,000 in assistance that would cover the exhibitors’ expenses on freight, and space rentals.
“Our participation, which is the fourth since 2013, will help local producers enhance market opportunities and linkages, and find more potential clients and buyers,” she said, adding that "it will expose our producers to market dynamics and strengthen their market readiness."
Ifex Philippines was organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with other agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA).
It is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippines, and Asia's 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.
Featuring “The Best of the Seas,” the three-day event is reputed as the premier business-to-business platform for local and international food companies to discover new markets, launch new products, and transact with the world’s biggest buyers.
For Negros Occidental, its booth at the international pavilion will feature four local exporters. The retail section, meanwhile, will carry premium seafood and non-seafood commodities including muscovado and organic brown sugars, condiments, chips, and pastries.
Ogan said the annual event has been a platform to enhance the abilities of local enterprises that are engaged in processing and marketing of various commodities, making them effective players in the local and global value and supply chain.
“This is particularly significant in view of the provincial government's diversification efforts,” Ogan said, adding that “Negros has significant potentials beyond sugar.”
Moreover, aside from Ifex, other measures of the Provincial Government to boost local producers include participation in other trade fairs particularly those organized by the DA, DTI, and Department of Tourism, among others.
Aside from the annual Negros Trade Fair, some international trade exposures participated by the province also include Anuga in Germany, Japan Trade Exhibit, Middle East and North Africa, Thai Food Exchange, and Taiwan International Food Fair.