The 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair, organized by the Department of Trade & Industry – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) in cooperation with the DTI Regional Operations Group, will be holding a ten-day physical fair from 15-24 October 2021, at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Around 80 exhibitors from the different regions will be participating at the event. MSMEs engaged in the food industry will be showcasing products like processed food and beverages, fresh produce and organic products, fresh and dried seafood, cooked food, halal products and cuisine, condiments and other cooking ingredients, dairy products, health and wellness products, and food supplements, among others. There will also be exhibitors featuring industry- related products and services, such as traditional cooking tools/equipment, food packaging materials and allied products, baskets and bayongs, labeling and food processing equipment, and design services.
To accommodate all the eligible MSME participants, including those who cannot be physically present at the event venue, the PINASarap Food Hub will be one of the unique features of the 2021 Hybrid National Food fair. This virtual hub will provide the listing of the National Food Fair products and exhibitors from all over the Philippines.
For MSMEs participating remotely, the PINASarap Food Hub will display their QR codes, thus providing easy access to their online store links and Facebook business pages. In this way, shoppers and food enthusiasts will still be able to order their favorite food products online.
Meanwhile, for MSMEs who are physically present at the venue, the PINASarap Food Hub QR code will lead to their Company Name and booth location.
The 10-day mall event is the culmination of the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair which is a year-long series of activities to help MSMEs recover and thrive in spite of the challenges posed by the global health crisis.
With almost 50% of MSMEs belonging to the food and beverage sector, the DTI- BDTP introduced innovations to help food entrepreneurs sustain their businesses and even thrive.
To equip MSMEs with the knowledge and skills to do business online, the Philippine Trade Training Center held a webinar series. The MSMEs were also assisted in onboarding to eCommerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
Just last September, the National Food Fair Digital Mall was officially launched on the UnionBank Global Linker platform, with over 200 MSME stores established online.
The DTI-BDTP has also amassed a video library of training programs and webinars, business talks, cooking demos, etc. that can be viewed on demand on its Facebook and YouTube channels. These videos will also be broadcast at the mall event from October 15 to 24, for interested mall- goers.
For those wishing to check out the exhibitors at the National Food Fair, please note that safety guidelines, particularly wearing of face masks and face shields, as well as social distancing, and other hygiene measures will be strictly implemented. All exhibitors have been fully vaccinated.
For more information, please follow the on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. ♦
Date of Release: 12 October 2021