PH food exporters aim to widen share in MEA markets

The Philippine pavilion officially opened at Gulfood 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 20.

The Philippine participation in Gulfood led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is complemented by the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Dubai.

DTI Assistant Secretary Glenn Peñaranda and CITEM Executive Director Dr. Edward L. Fereira, Ph.D., led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the Philippine pavilion at Gulfood. They were joined by Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver (Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to the UAE), Charge d’Affaires Christopher Castillo of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Ambassador Roberto G. Manalo (Ambassador-designate of the Philippines to Iran), and Consul General Renato Duenas Jr. (Philippine Consul General in Dubai).

“We encourage both our buyers, partners, and our exporters to establish partnership in pursuing market opportunities here in Dubai and even beyond. As we promote increased bilateral business with GCC, be assured that the Philippine government through DTI, the PTIC-Dubai as well as the Office of the Agricultural Attaché and the Embassy, will actively engage governments, authorities, and private sector in facilitating more business,” said Assistant Secretary Peñaranda.

Under the country’s collective food promotion program, FOODPhilippines, the participation in Gulfood aims to increase exports of Philippine food products in the Middle East and Africa region (MEA), particularly in the GCC states. The Philippine pavilion highlights the country’s top food exports, including halal-certified, high-value, and innovative products by 18 Philippine companies. The exhibit features fresh and processed fruits and vegetables; processed marine products; ethnic and gourmet products; non-alcoholic beverages; confectionaries, biscuits, and pastries; and other food and beverage categories.

As one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibitions, Gulfood offers opportunities for Philippine companies to establish and strengthen their presence in the MEA region. The GCC states remain an attractive market for Philippine produce and goods, particularly halal products. According to the Export Potential Assessment undertaken by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Philippines has the potential to increase its exports in the GCC by a total of US$ 729.69 million, of which US$ 121.02 million are food and agri-based products.

To complement the Philippine participation in Gulfood, EMB conducts business-to-business matching activity for 26 Philippine exporters of halal-certified food, personal care, and cosmetic products, including companies that are not part of the country delegation in Gulfood. The OBMM began on February 11 and will continue in Dubai from February 16 to 25, in time for the five-day Gulfood.

“Our participation in international trade shows like Gulfood plays a vital role in the promotion of premium-quality Philippine food products and ingredients on the global stage. And with the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food, it is also important that we position the country as a viable sourcing destination and increase our share of this market,” said Dr. Fereira.

The Philippines’ hybrid participation consists of the following companies: Century Pacific Food, Inc., Fisherfarms, Inc., Market Reach International Resources, QPhil International Trading, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., SL Agritech, Inc., Grand Asia Integrated Natural Coco Products Corporation, Mega Global Corporation, Krystle Exports Philippines, Inc., Sagrex Foods, Inc., Marikina Food Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Foods, Inc., Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corporation, GEM Foods International, Inc., Bethany Sales, Inc., CJ Uniworld Corporation, and Lorenzana Food Corporation.

The Philippine participation in Gulfood through CITEM, in partnership with PTIC-Dubai, is part of the Department of Trade and Industry-Trade Promotions Group’s (DTI-TPG) concierge of services and promotional efforts in the GCC states.

The Philippine pavilion is located at booths R152-R174 of the Sheikh Rashid Hall. The Gulfood exhibition is open until February 24. To learn more about the Philippine exhibitors, visit their digital storefronts at IFEXConnect.com. Browse stories on the Philippines’ rich food culture and culinary landscape at foodphilippines.com.