A delegation of 16 companies from Taiwan joined the business matching activities at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2023 last 26-28 May 2023 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. The business matching activities were hosted by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The IFEX Philippines 2023 provided foreign buyers, including Taiwanese companies an efficient platform to meet Philippine food producers and manufacturers for their sourcing requirements, particularly new and innovative Philippine food products that were featured during the three (3) day event.
Targeting both the mainstream market and Filipino diaspora in Taiwan, the Taiwanese companies met with a wide variety of snack food, fruit preserves, meat alternatives, sauces and condiments and beverage companies from the Philippines.
“The general feedback received from the Taiwan delegation shows a growing trend in terms of new food concepts and ideas to serve the diverse taste of the Taiwan market,” Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)-Taipei and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Director for Commercial Affairs Anthony B. Rivera said.
In 2022, Taiwan ranked 8th in terms of total trade of the Philippines, 7th export market, and 8th import supplier.
The DTI-EMB reported that food exports to Taiwan increased by around 3.0% in 2022 signaling strong demand in the market. From USD 49.7 million to USD 51.1 million, the increase in exports is mainly due to fresh or chilled fish and baked confectioneries.
According to PTIC-Taipei, the delegation is part of the campaign to increase Philippine exports to Taiwan. Under the integrated promotion campaign, this program includes food service, food brands, food innovation, and food trade shows and missions with Taiwan led by a strong collaboration among the PTIC-Taipei, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), DTI-EMB, Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (PHILFOODEX), and the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT).
Date of Release: 06 June 2023