CITEM Opens Nominations for 2025 KATHA Awards for Food

Nominations for the KATHA Awards for Food 2025 are now open, marking the lead-up to IFEX Philippines 2025, the country’s premier food trade event set for May.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the KATHA Awards have been a benchmark for food innovation and excellence since their launch in 2015. The awards recognize outstanding products and makers, boosting brand credibility and market potential while reinforcing the Philippines’ reputation as a hub for world-class Asian food and ingredients.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participating in the IFEX Philippines Flavor Finds exhibition are eligible to submit their latest food innovations. Award categories include:

Baked Goods, Cakes, Desserts, and Confectionery

Beverages

Dairy Products

Food Ingredients, Condiments, and Sweeteners

Functional and Nutraceutical Food

Gourmet and Specialty Food

Meat and Poultry

Organic Food

Plant-based Alternatives

Processed Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables

Pulses and Grains

Seafood Products

In addition to product recognition, special citations will be awarded for booth and packaging design. Winners will be honored at the IFEX Philippines KATHA Awarding Ceremony, where they will receive trophies and certificates.

The KATHA Awards aim to inspire innovation and excellence in the local food industry, ensuring Filipino products remain globally competitive.

Shortlisted product contenders are then screened by a professional team of experts in food and food-related sectors. These experts will conduct food samplings, panel presentations, and interviews with product owners to assess product quality and taste, branding and packaging, function or food application, marketability, product quality and taste, as well as sustainability in terms of supply and environmental impact.

Winners will be unveiled by CITEM during the IFEX Philippines 2025 Media Preview in April, and will be displayed throughout the three-day IFEX Philippines trade show slated for 22-24 May 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.

Nominations or applications to the KATHA Awards for FOOD 2025 are being accepted until 28 February 2025. As a prerequisite, enroll NOW your new and innovative products in IFEX Philippines Flavor Finds via this link Flavor Finds Online Registration Form and gain the spotlight at the exhibit’s central setting, including the automatic nomination in Katha Awards for Food.

Register as an IFEX Philippines exhibitor at ifexconnect.com and know more about the KATHA Awards for FOOD and other nomination requirements. You may also visit citem.com.ph to know more about the country’s export promotion efforts, news, and overseas trade fair participation.