MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The country’s premier food trade show, IFEX Philippines 2025 opened its doors to a packed crowd at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on May 22. Spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the 18th edition of the flagship food event drew top names from both the public and private sectors which marking its biggest staging since the pandemic and a powerful statement for the resilience of the Filipino food industry.
On opening day, a lineup of government leaders, diplomats, trade executives, and industry heads took center stage among them include DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Senator Mark Villar, and PHILEXPORT President and CEO Dr. Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., all joining CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
As over 500 exhibitors from across the country showcased the rich and diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines, Executive Director Ocampo set the tone in her opening speech. Calling for dynamic collaboration between sectors, she underscored the need for responsive policy, strategic programming, and an empowered export community.
With CITEM being more empowered with the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 75, the CITEM leader stated, “we will continue to develop strategies to reach wider markets, lead product development initiatives, and implement programs for capacity-building and assistance in market entry certifications to help MSMEs reach their full potential.”
Adding more layers to the event’s already rich agenda was the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), which hosted its own Exhibition and Conference at the Philippine Trade Training Center. One of the key moments was the launch of the Green Economy Platform – a new digital hub supported by the EU–Philippines partnership. With Dr. Marco Gemmer, the EU’s Head of Cooperation, leading the charge, the platform aims to serve as a knowledge repository and connection point for stakeholders working toward a circular economy.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos made an unannounced visit, casually strolling through the booths, greeting exhibitors, and sampling the best of what Philippine food innovators had to offer. Her presence signaled strong support from the highest levels of government for homegrown exports and MSME development.
Meanwhile, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized how platforms like IFEXConnect and the Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace are reshaping the digital landscape for exporters providing 24/7 e-commerce storefronts and B2B tools for both local and international markets.
IFEX also hosted the KATHA Awards for Food, spotlighting design excellence and booth creativity. Escaba Food Products Inc., Market Reach International, and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro (in tandem with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental) took home top honors in individual, group, and regional categories.
Visit CITEM’s official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts to see more photos and highlights of IFEX Philippines 2025. You may also visit ifexconnect.com and citem.gov.ph for more news and updates about the export industry.
