DTI Region 6 Urges MSMEs to Join IFEX 2025

The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 (DTI-6), led by Regional Director Rachel Nufable, welcomed representatives from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) to promote IFEX Philippines 2025, the country’s premier international food trade show.

Scheduled for May 22-24, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, IFEX Philippines aims to showcase Philippine food products to the global market while providing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with valuable business opportunities.

An orientation session was held at the DTI Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City, attended by MSMEs from Western Visayas’ food industry, DTI provincial offices, trade and promotion officers, and representatives from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Participants joined both in person and via Zoom.

Nufable expressed enthusiasm for this year’s IFEX and underscored the importance of expanding internationally.

“Our products have great potential, and we are pushing to bring them to the global stage. I encourage our MSMEs to seize this opportunity,” she said.

Last year’s IFEX Philippines 2024 generated $92 million in sales and featured over 500 exhibitors. This year, organizers aim to increase participation to 600-700 exhibitors and surpass the previous year’s sales performance.

CITEM representatives presented various participation packages for MSMEs and encouraged local government units (LGUs) to support the initiative. As part of its promotional efforts, the team is also conducting factory visits to three MSMEs in Iloilo City.

Now in its 18th edition, IFEX Philippines remains the longest-running food sourcing show in the country, bringing together major food industry players from around the world.

The event will feature:

• Exhibition halls showcasing over 5,000 global food products and brands.
• Business-matching sessions connecting local MSMEs with 10,000 trade buyers and visitors from 50 countries.
• Conferences with industry experts sharing insights on food trends, global markets, and business strategies.
• Special events, including product demonstrations, networking opportunities, and innovation showcases.

DTI-6 is inviting MSMEs in Region 6’s food industry to participate. However, only those with a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) or at least an FDA License to Operate (LTO) for food safety purposes will be eligible.

The application deadline is April 30, 2025, although certain IFEX components have different deadlines. Early registrants will have the advantage of selecting preferred slots and gaining longer market exposure.

One of the most anticipated components of IFEX is the KATHA Awards for Food, which recognizes the most innovative food products at the event.

The awards honor newly developed products that excel in packaging design, product innovation, market demand, and readiness. Winners will receive the prestigious KATHA trophy, a symbol of excellence in the food industry.

The submission deadline for the KATHA Awards is February 15, 2025.

With IFEX Philippines 2025 set to be bigger and more dynamic, DTI-6 urges all qualified MSMEs in Western Visayas to take part and explore global market opportunities.

To register, visit IFEXConnect.com for more details.