Representatives from CITEM, DTI Region 6, and MSMEs gathered at the DTI Regional Office in Iloilo City on January 31, 2025, to discuss opportunities for local food enterprises at IFEX Philippines 2025
Representatives from CITEM, DTI Region 6, and MSMEs gathered at the DTI Regional Office in Iloilo City on January 31, 2025, to discuss opportunities for local food enterprises at IFEX Philippines 2025

Iloilo City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged small businesses based in Western Visayas to showcase their products in this year’s IFEX Philippines 2025 to have a chance at expanding their markets overseas.

Through the joint effort with DTI’s attached agency, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), IFEX Philippines 2025 has become the country’s biggest food trade expo and is slated to push through on 22 to 24 May 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City with the aim to showcase Philippine food products to the global market.

In an orientation attended by various micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), trade and promotion 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,” she stated.

DTI VI Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable; CITEM’s Rowena Mendoza, Dept. Manager; Rianna Custodio, TIDS, TPS for Food; and Katrina Pineda, Division Chief, CBD, taking their turns to speak at the discussion for opportunities for local MSMEs at IFEX Philippines 2025
(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, CBD

Last year’s IFEX Philippines 2024 generated USD 92 million in sales, with over 500 exhibitors. This year, organizers aim to exceed the previous year’s exhibitors and surpass last year’s sales performance. 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.

Now on its 18th edition, IFEX Philippines is the longest-running food sourcing show in the country, bringing together major food industry players from around the world. The event 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.

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. The application deadline is 30 April 2025, though certain IFEX components have different deadlines. Early registrants will have the advantage of selecting their preferred slots and gaining longer exposure for their products in the market.

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. 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.

As IFEX Philippines 2025 is poised to become a bigger and more dynamic platform, DTI VI encourages all qualified MSMEs in Western Visayas to take part and explore global market opportunities. To register, visit IFEXConnect.com for more details. ♦

Date of Release: 03 January 2025

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