IFEX Philippines’ media preview, held on April 26, at the PICC in Pasay City, was a grand salu-salo no less, filling and making the tummy of every attendee happy.
Spearheaded by CITEM (Center for International Trade Missions and Expositions), the lead promotions arm for export of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event showcased the participating food, beverages, and food products in the upcoming IFEX 2024 happening at the World Trade Center-Manila in Pasay City from May 10-12, 2024.
The event also paid homage to newly developed Philippine food products and food applications that satisfy three major criteria: Packaging Design and Innovation; Product Innovation, and Market Demand and readiness through the Katha Awards Food (formerly known as Trendy Awards).
For 40 years now, 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.
For its signature program under the FOODPhilippines banner, CITEM will stage IFEX Philippines 2024: It’s a salu-salo! – where one can find the best flavors in this 17th edition of the biggest international trade show for food and ingredients. This year’s IFEX Philippines expects to bring in a new stream of importers along with its regular community of buyers and visitors from the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East regions.
CITEM also regularly participates in overseas trade fairs to showcase the latest offerings of Philippine companies engaged in the food industry in various regions, such as Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. It recently concluded its Philippine showcase in Gulfood 2024 in Dubai last February.
Katha Awards
“The Power of Slow” by CÓCOES was adjudged Katha Awards for Food 2024 Best Beverage.
“This prestigious recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and taste in every sip of The Power of Slow beverage. Crafted with care and expertise, our drink embodies the essence of indulgence and wellness, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life,” said Christian Eyde Moeller, president and CEO of Lionheart Farms.
The Power of Slow by CÓCOES is a Palawan-made all-natural beverage crafted from coconut flower sap, a natural ingredient obtained from the blossoms of the coconut palm. The beverage offers a refreshing and unique taste experience while supporting local farmers and promoting eco-friendly practices. It will be available soon at select partner retailers nationwide and on the Lionheart Farms’ e-commerce site.
Ready-to-eat Healthy Snack, Dona Maria Brown Rice Puffs was also awarded in the Cereals and Cereal Products Category. Doña Maria Brown Rice Puffs are crunchy oven-baked puff snacks made from Doña Maria Jasponica Brown Rice. It’s GLUTEN-FREE, NO MSG and a first of its kind to be manufactured in the Philippines!
Buenas Dried Leaves got the nod for Fruits and Vegetables, Seaweeds, and Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Category. While Buenas Gourmet Bagoong was chosen Finalist for Fish and Seafood Products Category. Likewise, Buenas Halo-Halo Series also made it as a Finalist for Food Ingredients, Condiments and Sweeteners Category
Restfriend Goodies, a local pasalubong producer in Cagayan de Oro City, also emerged victorious after it was awarded for the Ready-to-Eat Savories and Home Meal Replacements. Bestfriend Goodies won the award, the first in Region 10, for its Bean Appetit Monggo with Squash in Coconut Milk and Dilis.
Ube Cream Liqueur, a product of Destileria Barako from the Panay Island also made it as one of the hallmarks of innovation, creativity and excellence in elevating Filipino craftsmanship in the culinary landscape.
For complete list of winners, visit the official FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/ifexphilippines/
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