Philippines showcases fresh food at Hong Kong Expo PRO

FOODPhilippines, the country’s leading food promotions initiative, is set to make a significant impact at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Food Expo PRO, running from August 15 to 17 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event is an important opportunity for the Philippines to highlight its diverse array of fine-tasting, fresh, and healthy food products to a global audience.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippine Pavilion will feature seven exhibitors showcasing some of the nation’s top agricultural and seafood products.

Located at Hall 5C, booth E17, the pavilion will offer a selection of fresh fruits such as durian, cavendish bananas, and pineapples.

Additionally, visitors can explore seafood products including mangrove crabs, fresh frozen cuttlefish, and dried seaweed.

The exhibitors joining this business mission are Eng Seng Food Products, Hueza Bakery, Kangkong King, La Carlota Food Enterprise, the Municipal Government of Buguey, Raspina Tropical Fruits Incorporated, and Siargao’s Bounty Seafood Corporation.

These businesses are eager to penetrate the lucrative Hong Kong market, which is renowned for its dynamic platform where entrepreneurs can scale their operations.

Hong Kong has consistently taken steps to cement its position as a global trading hub. In 2023, it imported a wide variety of food products including seafood, fruits, and vegetables with a total import value pegged at USD 25 billion, CITEM said.

The expo is expected to be a prime opportunity for Filipino food and beverage (F&B) companies to establish reliable partnerships and gain valuable insights from global food experts.

This year’s HKTDC Food Expo PRO, now in its second edition, combines onsite and online platforms through its “Exhibition+” format, enhancing opportunities for networking and business expansion.

The Philippines has maintained strong economic ties with Hong Kong, which was the country’s 6th largest trading partner in 2023, recording over USD 8 billion in export sales. Seafood, fruits, and nuts have been key commodities in this trade relationship.

In a move to further solidify these ties, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through CITEM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HKTDC in May 2024. This agreement aims to boost trade activities and foster collaboration on trade promotion between the two regions.

“Hong Kong offers a favorable trade environment for all. It serves as a gateway to other Asian markets due to its strategic location and boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, ensuring efficient logistics of merchandise,” CITEM said.

“Most importantly, it has put in place business-friendly measures which allow foreign enterprises to do business with ease, including the implementation of zero tariff on seafood imports.”

The participation of FOODPhilippines in the HKTDC Food Expo PRO is made possible through a partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong (PTIC-Hong Kong).

The event is part of a broader strategy to promote Filipino food products globally, with upcoming participation in other major trade fairs, including the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, and SIAL Paris in France later this year.

The Philippine presence at these international trade fairs underscores the country’s commitment to expanding its reach in the global market and promoting the best of its local food products on the world stage.