Philippine food firms generate USD 125 million at Gulfood 2026

Philippine food enterprises delivered a strong performance at Gulfood 2026, generating over USD 125 million in total export sales and helping fulfill the growing demand for Filipino flavors among global buyers.

With support from the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), a delegation of 25 companies presented premium, functional food options at the prominent food and beverage sourcing event, which ran from Jan. 26 to 30 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

For the country’s 21st participation in Gulfood, the exhibitors were showcased under the banner of FOODPhilippines, a branding initiative led by DTI-CITEM to spotlight the country’s strengths and advantages as a sourcing destination.

The delegation quickly gained momentum, recording USD 35 million in total sales on opening day alone. By the show’s conclusion, the Philippines had produced USD 125.43 million in total export sales, attesting to the enduring appeal of Filipino flavors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

As in last year’s edition, the country’s top performer was Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc., a company offering fermented marine products such as bagoong and patis. SL Agritech Corporation held on to second place on the strength of its cavendish bananas and rice offerings, while Fly Ace Corporation ranked third with its competitive Tentay condiments.

“These results highlight the depth of our enterprises’ capabilities,” DTI-CITEM Department Manager Rowena Mendoza said. “Moreover, the figures prove the country, as a food sourcing destination, is more than equipped to make an impact on the global food export arena. CITEM intends to build on this momentum in future trade shows and connect more of our enterprises to high-value business opportunities.”

The Philippine exhibitors in Gulfood 2026 were BV&R Commodities Corp.; Fly Ace Corporation; Global FoodSolutions, Inc.; Galinco; Krystle Exports Philippines, Inc.; Lionheart Farms; Marbello’s Processed Foods; Marigold Manufacturing Corporation (Mama Sita’s); Marketreach International Resources; Mega Prime Foods Inc.; Ngosiok Marketing (Super Q); Oleo-Fats, Inc.; Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp. (Philippines); Philippine Cinmic Industrial Corporation; Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc.; Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc.; P. Togo Corp.; Q-Phil International Trading; Sagrex Foods Inc. (Golden Saba); Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corporation; See’s International Food Mfg. Corp.; SL Agritech Corporation; Sonya Garcia’s Secret Cottage Restaurant Inc.; 3 Sisters Homemade Banana Chips; and Yan Yan International Philippines, Inc.

The FOODPhilippines Pavilion opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walkthrough led by Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and officials of the DTI Regional Operations Group. The officials met with participating exhibitors to survey the featured products and discuss the Philippines’ growing footprint in the global food market.

Officials present during the ceremony included Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai; Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo D. Roaring of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center; Vice Consul Aleah Marie Gica of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai; Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut of the DTI-Regional Operations Group; Regional Director Celerina T. Bato of DTI Region VIII; Provincial Director Meilou Macabare of DTI Samar; and Department Manager Rowena Mendoza of the Consumer Business Department, DTI-CITEM.

CITEM is the export promotion arm of the DTI, marketing the country as a premier sourcing destination for quality export products and services. Beyond overseas trade fairs, CITEM organizes the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, the country’s largest business-to-business and export-oriented trade show for food, beverage, and ingredients.

Gulfood is one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibitions, attracting thousands of exhibitors and buyers from across the globe. The MENA region has been a significant market for Philippine food exports, driven by the large Filipino diaspora and growing interest in Southeast Asian flavors.

The 19th edition of IFEX Philippines will run from May 21 to 23 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.