Fruit, nut product innovation contest

By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched at The Venue here the Competition for Innovation in developing products made of fruits and nuts.

During the launching program, Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 Tourism and Promotion Officer Ray Tabafunda lauded the initiative of the DTI in creating an opportunity where entrepreneurs, students and food producers could develop their products that also supports food tourism.

He, however, encouraged them to adopt good packaging to give more value to the product and make the supply sustainable in the market.

Engr. Ma. Arlene Galopo, DTI Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist, said that the focus for this year’s Competition for Innovation is developing products made of fruits and nuts.

This is open to all local food enthusiasts, women, youth, food providers like hotels, restaurants, carenderias, caterers among others who are interested to promote their recipes made of fruits and nuts which also reflect the culture of the province.

The competition is on its 3rd year now since it was launched in 2017. In the previous years, the contest categories are rice-based finger foods, muscovado based finger sweets/candies and root crop-based products.

For interested participants, the months of July to September were set by DTI for product research and development, while the product judging maybe done on the 3rd week of September.

Winners will then be linked with shared service facilities to further improve the product including the labels and packaging.

Prizes are at stake for the winners. First place will receive P5,000 cash, second – P3,000 and third – P2,000.

Galopo said increasing tourist arrivals in the province post a big opportunity for food producers and other key players in tourism industry value chain. (PIA)