CITEM to host Philippines’ largest food, beverage event next week

Visitors wait in queues at various product booths during the IFEX 2024 event at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in the Philippines, May 10, 2024. Courtesy of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) will organize the Philippines’ largest international food, beverage and ingredients trade show next week. CITEM is an export promotion government agency under the Southeast Asian country’s Department of Trade and Industry.

The agency said Tuesday it will host the International Food, Beverage and Ingredients Trade Show (IFEX) at the Exhibition Halls of the World Trade Center Metro Manila in the Philippines from May 22 to 24. The yearly exhibition has played a role since its inception in 2004 as a networking instrument for export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises of the global food and beverage industry.

The event has showcased more than 5,000 global food products from over 700 companies through the years. More than 10,000 trade buyers and visitors from 50 countries are expected to visit this year’s show.

“CITEM has developed an agile marketing tool for its thousands of participating exhibitors with food suppliers, manufacturers, traders, consolidators and private and public support organizations,” the agency said in a press release.

The IFEX Philippines 2025 will have four distinct sectors — the FOODPhilippines Hall, International Zone, Sustainability Hall and MarketPlace.

“Aside from these main areas are the business-matching activities to facilitate seamless engagements between exhibitors and buyers with a dedicated Buyers’ Lounge for B2B transactions; a series of knowledge-sharing conferences led by industry experts and thought leaders; and special events peppered throughout the fair to foster a collaborative business environment,” it added.

Potential buyers will also have an exclusive access to special rates for event accommodations and services, incentives and special activities during the event.

Another special development for the event is the co-location of the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) as the SSX Exhibition and Conference with IFEX Philippines. The SSX was created as a pioneering platform in the country aiming to empower and prioritize environmental and social responsibility in the food sector and other essential industries.

“Together with the SSX, the exhibition also takes a bolder stand in its globally responsible approach to contributing to sustainability and circularity in the food sector,” it said.

“Participating exhibitors will be able to pursue better product development and market leads in international markets with the vast possibilities of integrating sustainable practices and technologies in their product lineups.”

CITEM will also hold an awards event for participating exhibitors who demonstrate innovation in their latest products.

The agency said there are still slots available for IFEX Philippines 2025. Visit ifexconnect.com to register as a buyer or exhibitor, or to learn how to be part of IFEX Philippines.

A promotional poster for IFEX 2025 / Courtesy of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions