KATHA Awards, Tastemakers Shine at IFEX 2025 Preview

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) delivered an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of IFEX Philippines 2025 featuring Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition and Conference by treating members of the media with a first look at the winning and nominated products under CITEM’s KATHA Awards for Food–the 2025 IFEX Philippines Media Preview held on May 15, 2025 at Casa Ibarra in Pasay City.

This is the second year that CITEM has organized a special gathering of this kind to bring attention to the growing calibre of quality export-ready food products the country has to offer. With the trove of media organizations and personalities that include today’s influential online community, participating KATHA exhibitors are given unmatched press for their offerings and brand identity.

IFEX Philippines Project Director Rowena Mendoza expressed gratitude to the media and online community. Acknowledging their important work, “we wanted to tell our stories to those who share it the best–Filipino journalists and content creators.”

Focusing on the news makers, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo reiterated the significance of showing unrelenting support to IFEX Philippines exhibitors and KATHA nominees, saying that “at the heart of these events is a belief–that Filipino products, talent, and ideas have a rightful place on the global stage. At CITEM, our work is dedicated to showcasing the country’s capabilities in every undertaking. Our preview tonight is no exception.”

The KATHA Awards, which has been part and parcel of IFEX Philippines since its establishment in 2015, is a celebration of the country’s best in today’s emerging and innovative food products, which forms part of the Flavor Finds group of exhibitors for IFEX Philippines. This recognition seeks to inspire as well as challenge Philippine exhibitors to have a stronger hand in shaping the country’s reputation in international markets. And what better way to achieve this than to provide a comprehensive trading and networking space than IFEX Philippines. As the country’s biggest business-to-business and export-oriented international trade show for food, beverage, and ingredients. IFEX Philippines is a substantial platform that connects the most promising food manufacturers to buyers from all over the world. 

Anticipating up to 700 exhibitors, which is a marked increase from previous years, there is also an expected 40-50 percent increase in foreign buyer attendance. The Sustainable Solutions Exchange (SSX), which is the flagship initiative of CITEM that promotes sustainable practices and resources, marks its physical debut as an Exhibition and Conference. In addition, a more focused servicing hub for customized product development will be available with the return of the Grocer’s Exchange Mart (G-Mart), a show feature helping global retailers meet and connect with elite exhibitors offering products for private labeling, white labeling, and toll packaging services.

Before the 2025 winners were revealed, CITEM added more excitement to the evening with the recognition of two new FOODPhilippines Advocates Par Excellence for 2025–media personalities Erwan Heussaff of FEATR by The Fat Kid Inside Studios, and Anne Kristel Cabral Laysico of Philtimes AU and Masterplan Global. Rounding the group is Abigail Marquez, a pioneering advocate now continuing on her second year. They have been playing key roles in amplifying the culture, talent, and heritage of Philippine cuisine through their unique brands of storytelling and advocacy here and abroad. They also shared insights as they took the stage to receive their recognition from CITEM.

Having travelled around the world meeting big names and sharing her passion for Filipino food in the past year alone, Abi Marquez has come to realize the main reason behind the growing love for Filipino cuisine. “Great food speaks a universal language. And through her sharing of recipes and innovative takes of classic dishes, she believes in continuously sending the message that “we lift each other up through food.”

Though not having a more organic start in the industry, Raine Laysico’s shift to champion Filipino food has brought her more meaning in helping others. Coming together with fellow Filipino food enthusiasts and advocates in Melbourne, Australia, they now look to something bigger than themselves. Mixed with authentic culture, she believes that “our food is high class, our food can be fine dining. And, our food is meant for everyone.”

As for Erwan, he wants to dispel the longstanding rhetoric of mediocrity among Filipinos, refusing to accept Filipino culture, food, and talent as being not good enough to go beyond what is simply the accepted convenient mindset. He is equally grateful for the opportunity to further amplify the voice of Filipino food, its beauty, and communities across the country as a FOODPhilippines advocate. Echoing the thrust of the KATHA Awards, “For everyone that’s adding innovation in their food products, I think that’s the way to go. I am very encouraged, I really love it when I see that people are thinking about indigenous products, Filipino products, and how these can exist in the modern world.”

They also took time to visit the respective booths of the nominees along with other media and guests in attendance to discover the flavors and stories behind their offerings. Of the 19 nominated products from 15 companies, a total of nine winners were selected in different product categories. For Beverages: Kalamancello by Sol’s Italian Food in Beverages; Bakery Products and Confectionaries: Royal Blue Instant Purple Yam (Ube) Dessert by Innovative Packaging Industry Corporation (Oh So

Healthy Corporation); Meat, Poultries, and Dairies: One Vizcaya Dimmsum Pork

Siomai with Mushroom by One Vizcaya Export Corporation; Functional Foods,

Health Foods, Alternative Foods: Buenas Vegan Bagoong by Gem Foods

International, Inc.; Seafood: Barrio Fiesta Bagoong Hipon by Prime Global Corporation, Century Superkids Crispy Tuna Nuggets by Century Pacific Food, Inc., and Napoleon’s Bangus Karaage by Hou Yang Food Corporation; Processed Fruit and Vegetables, Sauces and Condiments: Cócoes Organic Coconut Flower Aminos Teriyaki by Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation; Snacks and Ready-to-Eat:

Kangkong King Water Spinach Chips Salted Egg Flavored by KKK Food Corporation. A special citation for Best in Packaging Design was also given to Century Pacific Food, Inc.’s unMeat line of products.

Other IFEX Philippines exhibitor products that made it to the final round include the

Dark Chocolate Covered Pili Nuts by Theo & Philo; Instant Home-made Hard Ice

Cream Mix (Vanilla) by Miguelito’s International Corporation; Vizcaya Fruit Pops by

One Vizcaya Export Corporation; unMeat Bao Plant-based Buns and unMeat

Meat-free Hotdogs by Century Pacific Food, Inc.; Sheentaro Dried Lemongrass by

Dry Tech Manufacturing Corp.; Northbay Salmon in Oil Classic Tapa and Salmon

Reserve Fiery Glazed Salmon in Soya Oil by Kai Ana Foods Int’l Corp.; Orange Vegan Dinuguan by Orange Country Enterprise; and 3 Sisters Unsweetened Banana Chips by Three Sisters Home Made Banana Chips.

See more of the Media Preview highlights by visiting CITEM’s official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. You may also visit ifexconnect.com and citem.gov.ph  for more details on the 18th edition of IFEX Philippines this coming May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila Philippines.