24 June 2019
Published also in Business Mirror
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), conducted business-to-business (B2B) matching activities of the recently concluded International Food Exhibition (Ifex) Philippines. It was held from May 24 to 26, 2019, at the World Trade Center (WTC), Pasay City, Metro Manila.
The B2B matching activities were coordinated with the active support of DTI-EMB’s partners, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions and the Foreign Trade Service Corps through the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in servicing buyers and exporters.
“DTI-EMB took the lead in the business matching with the use of special venue called IFEX Connect. Several matches were determined, and commitment between buyers and exporters transpired. DTI will continuously support our partners in export to meet their counterparts through B2B as one of EMB’s programs, and bring more products in the international market,” DTI-EMB Director Senen M. Perlada said.
The meetings took place at the Ifex Connect, the event’s primary business matching area for exhibitors and buyers to come together, meet and do business negotiations. It also served as a venue in promoting Philippine food products, exchange ideas and negotiate further on the details. Prearranged business schedules were facilitated where buyers’ requirements are properly matched with the right exporters. Buyers were able to maximize their desire to find the right partners for their products.
Leading buyers and top grocers from the United States, Canada, ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, East Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa and South Asia attended the activity.
The Philippine exporters who took the opportunity in meeting the buyers were able to promote various products like fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, bakery and confectionery, snack food, beverages, sugar, sauces and condiments, meat and poultry, dairy products, cacao, coffee, seafood and coconut products. The presence of companies that are halal-certified, with natural and organic food and ingredients and other certifications was considered primarily by the buyers in the negotiation panel.
Philippine exporters met more potential buyers this year. Filipinos are receptive to the requirements of the buyers and the technology necessary to their products. Some buyers discovered new products as well and were enlightened on the uses of some healthy products. Due to an increased number of matches, sales succeeded to an amazing $13.81 million, booked and under negotiation, from 568 business matches assisted.