THROUGH its participation in the recent International Food Exposition (Ifex) Philippines 2019, Negros Occidental has been invited to participate in two travel and trade events in the United States (US) in August this year.
These follow-through events of Ifex are the "Fiesta in America" considered the biggest exposition and cultural show on the US east coast, particularly in New Jersey and New York, and the "Pistahan sa San Francisco."
Joy Ogan, executive assistant to the governor, said having been invited to a global event is one of the many gains acquired by the province from its Ifex participation this year.
This is aside from obtaining international market opportunities for local products and enabling Negrense producers to generate more income, Ogan said.
"Participation to these travel and trade events in America will surely provide more international exposure opportunities for Negros Occidental," she added.
For "Fiesta in America" alone, the event has daily foot traffic of at least 5,000 Filipino-Americans.
"This will boost the awareness on Negros brands in the international market," Ogan said, adding: "We hope to see more of our local brands among Asian stores in America."
The three-day Ifex Philippines was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last May 24 to 26.
The international food trade exhibition was organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission of the Department of Trade and Industry.
In collaboration with other agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Ifex 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.
Eighteen participating producers from the province raked in a total direct sales of P377,106, which is higher than last year's P110,000 with 22 exhibitors.
The direct sales is on top of the negotiated bookings amounting to 37,800 US dollars.
Ogan said the booked sales this year were with Australia, China, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia plus inquiries from markets in US and Mexico.
Among the best selling products from Negros Occidental were breads and pasalubong items like saba sticks and mushroom chips.
Buyers are interested in muscovado sugar, coconut products, banana sticks, banana marble, fresh bananas, and pineapple, Ogan said.
"We are encouraged to improve our packaging to ensure food safety standards and to obtain certification from the Food and Drug Administration," she said.