Guimaras Mangoes Shine at IFEX 2025 Showcase

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PASAY CITY—The globally renowned Guimaras mangoes, celebrated for their exceptional sweetness and Geographical Indication (GI) status, were the highlight of the International Food Expo (IFEX) Philippines 2025, held May 22 to 25 at the World Trade Center.

The event also marked a milestone in the Manggahan Festival 2025, bringing national and international attention to the pride of Guimaras’ agricultural industry.

Booth K01–404 welcomed hundreds of visitors eager to sample the premium mangoes and discover a variety of value-added mango-based innovations from the island province.

Distinguished guests at the booth’s opening included First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Senator Mark Villar, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, along with top officials from DTI, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and the Provincial Government of Guimaras.

Guimaras mangoes are the first and only Philippine agricultural product to hold a registered GI designation, which certifies their quality, origin, and authenticity in global markets.

“This GI status is a powerful symbol of Filipino agricultural heritage and assures both domestic and international consumers of the mango’s unparalleled sweetness and quality,” said DTI Secretary Roque during the event.

The GI seal elevates Guimaras mangoes into the league of internationally protected products such as Champagne, Roquefort cheese, and Darjeeling tea.

A major logistical breakthrough also occurred at IFEX 2025, as FAST Logistics Group transported two tons of fresh Guimaras mangoes via refrigerated truck from the island to Manila—a first for the province.

The effort ensured the mangoes arrived in peak condition, preserving their premium quality throughout the journey and during the expo.

“We recognized an opportunity to support mango farmers and producers by leveraging our logistics expertise to bring their world-class produce to international platforms like IFEX Philippines,” said FAST Logistics CEO for Logistics Manuel Onrejas Jr.

He emphasized FAST’s commitment to expanding into agri-logistics to help farmers overcome distribution barriers and access broader markets.

“As we have proved in this trade fair, logistics is key to better market premium produce like Guimaras mangoes,” Onrejas said.

FAST Logistics also led the booth installation at IFEX, designing a vibrant and culturally rich display that honored the heritage of Guimaras and the festive spirit of Manggahan.

The exhibit featured both short-form and long-form videos showcasing the mango harvest, community stories, and the island’s lush landscape, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the showcase.

The booth was a joint collaboration involving DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group, DTI Region VI, DTI Guimaras, the Guimaras Mango Growers Cooperative, and the Provincial Economic Development Office.

The project underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in enhancing the competitiveness of Filipino products on the global stage.

Rose Griesser of the Guimaras Mango Growers Cooperative represented local farmers during the exhibit, emphasizing the community’s pride in their produce and its cultural significance.

“The showcase reflects our commitment not just to product excellence but also to preserving our farming traditions and supporting the livelihood of our people,” Griesser said.

Through events like IFEX and partnerships with firms like FAST Logistics, Guimaras mango growers are gaining improved access to national and international markets, bolstering local incomes and regional development.