MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urges small businesses based in Western Visayas to showcase their products in this year’s IFEX Philippines 2025 and have a chance to expand their markets overseas.
Slated on May 22 to 24, 2025 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, IFEX Philippines 2025 is touted as the country’s biggest food trade expo, with the aim to showcase Philippine food products to the global market, DTI stated in a news release.
During an orientation hosted by trade and promotions officers and representatives from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Iloilo City, DTI Regional Director Rachel Nufable expressed enthusiasm for this year’s IFEX, emphasizing the importance of international market expansion.
“Our products have great potential, and we are pushing to bring them to the global stage. I encourage our MSMEs to seize this opportunity,” Nufable said.
(from left) DTI VI RD Rachel N. Nufable, CITEM’s Rowena Mendoza, Dept. Manager, Rianna Custodio, TIDS, TPS for Food and Katrina Pineda, Division Chief, CB / Photo courtesy of DTI-Regional Operations Group Region 6
Data from DTI shows that last year’s IFEX Philippines generated USD 92 million in sales, with over 500 exhibitors.
Organizers aim to exceed the previous year’s exhibitors and surpass last year’s sales performance by encouraging MSMEs to participate.
“CITEM representatives presented different participation packages for MSMEs and encouraged the different local government units (LGUs) to support this initiative. Likewise, the team is conducting factory visits to three MSMEs in Iloilo City as part of its promotional efforts,” DTI mentioned.
“DTI Region 6 is inviting MSMEs in Region 6’s food industry to participate in IFEX Philippines 2025. However, only those with a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) or at least an FDA License to Operate (LTO) for food safety purposes will be eligible,” DTI said.
The application deadline is on 30 April 2025, though certain IFEX components have different deadlines, DTI emphasized. Early registrants, though, will have the advantage of selecting their preferred slots and gaining longer exposure for their products in the market.
Now on its 18th edition, IFEX Philippines 2025 will feature exhibition halls showcasing over 5,000 global food products and brands; business matching sessions connecting local MSMEs with 10,000 trade buyers and visitors from 50 countries; conferences providing insights from industry experts on food trends; global markets and business strategies; and special events; including product demonstrations, networking opportunities, and innovation showcases.
KATHA Awards for Food
One of the most anticipated components of IFEX is the KATHA Awards for Food, which recognizes the most innovative food products among the thousands of entries in the event.
According to the DTI, the awards honor newly developed food products that exhibit exceptional packaging design, product innovation, market demand, and readiness.
Winners will receive the prestigious KATHA trophy, a symbol of excellence in the food industry.
The submission deadline for KATHA Awards is on 15 February 2025.
To register, visit IFEXConnect.com for more details.
