A delegation of 25 food exhibitors will rally behind FOODPhilippines, the country’s collective food promotions program, to showcase an array of nutritious food options at the 29th edition of Gulfood. The Philippine delegation will return for the 19th consecutive time to one of the world’s biggest and most relevant trade shows for food and beverage following its hybrid participation in 2023.

Bannering the theme “Healthy and Convenient Food Options,” the delegation seeks to address the increasing demand for healthy, organic, and convenient food among local consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A recent study conducted by Future Market Insights, a U.S.-based market research organization, showed that the organic food market in the UAE was projected to record a valuation of USD 176 billion last year. This is expected to reach USD 553 billion by the end of 2033. Restaurateurs along with health experts echo the same sentiment, positing that this food trend is predicated on consumers’ growing interest towards healthy and convenient food lifestyle following Covid-19 pandemic.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (CITEM) Executive Director Dr. Edward Fereira is confident that the Philippines is more than capable to tap this huge market opportunity.

“Consumers shifting to healthy food options could be equated to people opting to live a more sustainable lifestyle. People have become more conscious about their well-being. This trend could work in our favor only if we provide a competitive environment for our local food enterprises. That’s why it’s only quite fitting that the Philippines take part in international trade shows such as Gulfood,” Fereira said.

As the Philippines’ 17th major trading partner and 6th largest source of remittances, the UAE plays a vital role in the Philippine economy, noting that a huge portion of which is driven by export-related activities. In 2023, the Philippines generated over Php 50 million in export sales following its participation in the previous edition of Gulfood.

“The Philippines has a lot more to offer. Our consistent participation in this annual trade show for food and beverage will sustain the benefits we have gained after expanding our market share in the global halal trade. So, for this year, we will take them on a journey like no other as they get a bite of delicious, easy, and healthy eating,” Fereira added.

Gulfood, recognized as a gathering of leading food and beverage brands from more than 120 countries across the globe, provides an avenue for the Philippines to do business and maintain presence as a viable sourcing destination of food and ingredients in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The much-anticipated trade show for food and beverage will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE from February 19 to 23, 2024.

Located at booths R154 to R198 along Sheikh Rashid Hall, at the Dubai World Trade Center the Philippine Pavilion will house a fine selection of healthy and delectable food products, including

plant-based snacks, healthy snack bars, fresh cut fruits and veggies, high-protein options, as well as ready-to-cook-meals. Matchmaking services and business-to-business (B2B) meetings will, likewise, be facilitated between Philippine food exhibitors and foreign trade buyers during the 5-day trade fair.

Top Philippine food exhibitors joining the delegation are Amley Food Corp.; CaLe88 Foods Corp.; DT Interacts Philippines, Inc.; Krystle Exports Philippines, Inc.; Market Reach International Resources; Mega Prime Food, Inc.; Miguelitos International Corp.; Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc.; Pixel Transglobal Foods, Inc.; Q-Phil International Trading; Sagrex Foods, Inc.; Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corp; See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp.; SL Agritech Corp.; Yan Yan International Philippines, Inc.; DATAJ Aquafarm, Inc.; JBM Food Products; Lighthouse Cooperative; Bestfriend Goodies; Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing; Seabeth Food Processing; Gem Foods International, Inc.; Profood International Corp.; Lionheart Farms Philippines Corp.; Hijo Superfoods, Inc.

This year’s participation is led by CITEM, an attached corporation of the Department of Trade and Industry, in close collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), and Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai (PTIC-Dubai).

CITEM is also set to hold IFEX Philippines, the country’s biggest international trade show for food and ingredients, on May 10-12, 2024 at the World Trade Center, in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

To learn more about the Philippine exhibitors, visit their digital storefronts on IFEXConnect.com. Read stories on the Philippines’ rich food culture and culinary landscape on foodphilippines.com.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). For 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence, and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors. CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

About FOODPhilippines

FOODPhilippines promotes the country as a source of quality food products and ingredients in physical and/or digital trade shows and business-to-business platforms in priority markets around the world. Under the FOODPhilippines banner, the Philippines is positioned as an exporter of healthy, organic, natural, and specialty food products and services. ♦

Date of release: 26 January 2024

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