US highlights top quality agricultural products and partnerships in PHL

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As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the United States is organizing a series of Galing USA promotions in April and May to showcase the exceptional quality, versatility, and local application of U.S. food products and expand market access for American agribusiness in the Philippines.

In partnership with the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ten of the Philippines’ finest restaurants celebrate American Restaurant Month by offering special dishes that demonstrate how America’s finest beef, poultry, and specialty ingredients inspire culinary excellence across cooking styles and traditions.  From April 13 to May 13, the following restaurants and their branches across 32 locations will offer special menu items ranging from USDA ribeye steaks and U.S. duck confit to selections of American cheeses:

• 25 Seeds
• Bizu Patisserie and Café
• Café Fleur
• Cyma
• Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
• Farmer’s Table
• Mamou
• One World Deli
• Souv
• The Split

Leading a U.S. Agribusiness Trade Mission to the Philippines, Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering said, “This initiative highlights the strong partnership between our nations and showcases the exceptional quality of U.S. products featured on these menus.  U.S. products are celebrated for their unparalleled quality and standards, which is why so many exceptional restaurants choose to incorporate U.S. ingredients into their culinary creations.”

USDA is also partnering with The Marketplace and Metro Supermarket to promote a wide range of American food and beverage products, including U.S. meat and poultry, cheese, and blueberries.  Shoppers can taste “Authentic American Flavors” at The Marketplace Parqal Mall location in Parañaque City and experience the “Great American Food Fest” at Metro Supermarket’s Market! Market! location in Taguig City from April 13 to 26.

“American farmers and ranchers are proud to supply high-quality and delicious products to consumers here in the Philippines,” said Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering.  “We greatly value our strong partnership with Filipino retailers like The Marketplace and Market! Market!, who help bring the best of American agriculture and flavors to Filipino households.”

On April 14, Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering led the awarding of Key Partners in U.S. Agricultural Excellence and Prosperity to eight Filipino organizations for their valuable contributions to strengthening bilateral trade and food security by making high-quality U.S. food and agricultural products available to Filipino consumers.  “The awardees constitute nearly 200 years of combined U.S.-Philippines partnership.  We are truly honored by your continued trust in U.S. agriculture, and grateful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our bilateral relationship,” she noted.

The awardees are:

• Century Pacific Food, Inc.
• Dane International Commodities, Inc.
• Jetti Petroleum, Inc.
• Meat Importers and Traders Association
• Philippine Association of Feed Millers, Inc.
• Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc.
• Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc.
• Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing added, “This recognition reflects the broader strength of the U.S.-Philippine trade relationship as partners in prosperity.  It is an auspicious occasion to recognize this inaugural class of honorees as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic ties this year.”

The Philippines is the tenth largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, averaging $3.4 billion in annual exports over the past five years.

Galing USA is an initiative by USDA through the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Foreign Agricultural Service, aimed at promoting high-quality U.S. food and beverage products in the Philippine market.

For more updates on American Restaurant Month and U.S. food promotions, follow Galing USA on Facebook.