THE PROVINCIAL Government of Negros Occidental is banking on more number of exporter-exhibitors from the province to generate higher sales during the three-day International Food Exposition (Ifex) Philippines 2018, which will open today, May 25, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Joy Ogan, executive assistant to the governor, said yesterday, May 24, they are optimistic to increase the sales of the participants from the province by at least 20 percent this year.
In 2017, 12 participating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted by the provincial government generated a total of about P3.2 million sales.
The figure comprised P991,000 in pre-orders or booked sales and direct sales amounting to almost P50,000.
These are on top of about P2.2 million worth of under negotiation sales specifically from banana chip products through various traders and buyers from countries like Taiwan, Kuwait, Japan, Australia, and Korea.
Ogan said with more seafood exporters this year, the province can cater to orders better. Though there were many inquiries last year, it cannot be served well due to inadequate producers.
“All our exhibitors in the international pavilion are exporters, that is our advantage this year,” she said, adding that “with better quality products now, Negrense producers are also expected to rake in higher sales.”
Featuring “The Best of the Seas,” the international exposition 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.
Twenty-six producers including three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental are joining the activity. Most of them are still assisted by the provincial government through the Technology and Livelihood Development Center.
Ogan earlier said that 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 aside from serving primarily as a platform for business matching, especially for exports, the event also provides producers the opportunity for local marketing.
“Aside from helping local producers enhance market opportunities and linkages, Ifex also allows them to generate more income while exposing themselves to market dynamics and strengthen their market readiness,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ifex Philippines was organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions (Cite) 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. (EPN)