IFEX Philippines 2025 features 500 exhibitors, traders in food, beverage

The Philippines' first lady Louise Araneta-Marcos visits a booth during the International Food, Beverage and Ingredients Trade Show at the World Trade Center Metro in Manila, Philippines, Thursday. Courtesy of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions

The International Food, Beverage and Ingredients Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines ended on a high note with the participation of key industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers and support organizations.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippines’ largest international food, beverage and ingredients trade show ran from Thursday to Saturday in the World Trade Center Metro exhibition halls in the country's capital, Manila. CITEM is an export promotion government agency under the Southeast Asian country’s Department of Trade and Industry.

The yearly exhibition has played a pivotal role in the food and beverage industry since its inception in 2004 as a networking instrument for export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises of not only the Philippines’ but also overseas firms.

According to CITEM on Monday, the trade show featured over 500 food exhibitors nationwide and welcomed global trade buyers, partner agencies, the diplomatic community and other guests.

The Philippines’ first lady Louise Araneta-Marcos was among the notable guests at the event, where she visited the trade show on the opening day. CITEM said in a press release the first lady has shown her continuous support for the export industry. She toured the trade halls, taking time to visit booths and meet with participating exhibitors.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo called for cooperation between the public and private sectors in the food industry during her opening address on the opening day.

“(They) should continue working with us and help us find ways to meet the trade challenges of today,” she said. “They need to respond with agility through policies and responsive programs.”

Another special development for the food and beverage trade show was the addition 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 took a bolder stand in its globally responsible approach to contributing to sustainability and circularity in the food sector,” CITEM said in a press release.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, front row fourth from left, poses with Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, front row center, and Sen. Mark Villar, front row fourth from right, during an opening ceremony for the International Food, Beverage and Ingredients Exhibition Philippines at the World Trade Center Metro in Manila, Philippines, Thursday. Courtrsy of Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions