The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) , which led the 22-company Philippine delegation, said the deals were sealed at the Taste of the Philippines pavilion. The exhibit was designed to highlight the global competitiveness of Philippine food products and strengthen ties with international buyers and distributors.
Learning from Asia’s food powerhouse
“Thailand’s reputation as the ‘Kitchen of the World’ is well-earned, owing to its continuous investment in food production, processing, and packaging technologies,” said Maria Emmanuelle Burgos, Commercial Counsellor of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Bangkok. “By engaging with Thai experts and institutions, we hope to adapt innovations that can bolster our food sector.”
As part of the trade mission, the delegation also attended a seminar on food packaging trends, conducted benchmarking visits to Thailand’s National Food Institute, and conducted market sensing in supermarkets, food halls, and a durian farm in Nonthaburi.
Showcasing the best of Filipino flavors
Kenneth Ochia, marketing manager of KLT Fruits Inc., one of the participating exporters, emphasized the business value of market exposure. “Joining THAIFEX gave us strong visibility and opened new opportunities,” he said.
Among the featured products were processed fruits, sauces, condiments, ready-to-heat meals, noodles, snacks, beverages, dairy, pastries, and cacao-based items.
Collaboration behind the culinary push
The Philippine contingent included industry names such as Mama Sita's, Mega Prime Foods, Fly Ace Corp., and Xiangtai Fruits and Vegetable Corp.
The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of DTI, the Department of Agriculture, PTIC-Bangkok, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and PHILFOODEX Inc. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
