CITEM Eyes Bigger Global Presence for IFEX Philippines 2025

The country’s biggest international food, beverage, and ingredients trade show is set to return on May 22-24, 2025 for the 18th edition of IFEX Philippines, as organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

IFEX Philippines has been a pioneering sourcing show catering to the export needs of the global F&B industry since its inception in 2004.

The B2B trade event has been instrumental in the growth and development of export-oriented micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as it provides an unmatched platform for creating and sustaining connections between trade buyers and exhibitors, consumers and product awareness, as well as innovations and decision-makers.

Scalability within reach

Through the years, IFEX Philippines has showcased over 5,000 global food products and labels from over 700 companies to more than 10,000 trade buyers and visitors hailing from 50 countries.

Having cast a wide net into the global food market amidst the ever-changing language of business connectivity and lasting engagement for its stakeholders, CITEM in recent years has developed an agile marketing tool for its thousands of participating exhibitors with IFEXConnect.com, the digital platform of IFEX Philippines.

Food suppliers registered under IFEXConnect are capacitated with a year-round lead generation storefront that simultaneously enhances the sourcing experience of buyers worldwide, strengthening the visibility of their respective brands that can lead to other potential opportunities, including cross-industry collaborations.

Bringing convenient networking to the country’s food suppliers, manufacturers, traders, consolidators, and private and public support organizations, among others, many of the exhibitors also gain unique access to the overseas food trade fairs for which CITEM regularly organizes the Philippine participation.

Appetite for diversity

Armed with the biggest and most trusted brands in its export lineup, CITEM guarantees this year’s IFEX Philippines to offer a more robust environment, with its interactive and immersive features to enhance the sourcing experience of buyers and visitors coming from all over the world.

IFEX Philippines 2025 will have four distinct sectors lining up the Exhibition Halls of the World Trade Center Metro Manila, namely the FOODPhilippines Hall, International Zone, Sustainability Hall, and MarketPlace. Aside from these main areas are the business-matching activities to facilitate seamless engagements between exhibitors and buyers with a dedicated Buyers’ Lounge for B2B transactions; a series of knowledge-sharing conferences led by industry experts and thought leaders; and special events peppered throughout the fair to foster a collaborative business environment.

IFEX Philippines trade buyers will also have exclusive access to special rates for event accommodations and services, incentives and special activities under the Very Important Buyer or VIB Program. Add these to the fresh insights generated from the show floor sourcing experience and seamless market access to exhibitors through their respective digital storefronts at IFEXConnect.com available 24/7.

Responsibility and equity in the value chain

Another significant development this year is the co-location of the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) as the SSX Exhibition and Conference with IFEX Philippines. The SSX was created as a pioneering platform in the country aiming to empower and prioritize environmental and social responsibility in the food sector and other essential industries. Initiated as a three-day digital conference on 23-25 March 2022, the Sustainability Solutions Exchange  was integrated as a show feature in IFEX Philippines 2024.

Seeded in CITEM’s thrust toward progressive action and inclusivity, IFEX Philippines 2025, together with SSX, now takes a bolder stand in its globally responsible approach to contributing to sustainability and circularity in the food sector.

Participating exhibitors will be able to pursue better product development and market leads in international markets with the vast possibilities of integrating sustainable practices and technologies in their product lineups that range from the following: bakery products, snacks and confectioneries; beverages; cereals; food ingredients, condiments, and sweeteners; fruits and vegetables; functional and nutraceutical food; gourmet and specialty food; meat, poultry, and dairy; plant-based food; seafood; ready-to-eat and home-meal replacements; and allied food industries and trade services.

Through the dedicated spaces for product showcasing and the discussions stemming from the conference, networking, business matching, and pitching activities, CITEM projects a wider impact for SSX given the growing global movement for improving food production and consumption, and the diverse profile of IFEX Philippines trade buyers from Africa, the Americas, ASEAN and Asian Regions, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania.

CITEM will also hold the prestigious KATHA Awards for Food in recognition of the latest products and innovation from the selected offerings of participating exhibitors. The KATHA serves as a validation of product quality and a prime tool for amplifying local and international brand value and industry credibility among peers, stakeholders, and consumer markets.

Limited slots are still available for IFEX Philippines 2025. To register as a buyer or exhibitor, or how to be part of IFEX Philippines, visit ifexconnect.com. To know more about CITEM’s export promotion efforts, news, and overseas trade fair participation, visit citem.com.ph.