PHL’S food selections goes live on FOODEX JP online platform
THE Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) leads a delegation of 10 Philippine food companies for FOODEX Japan 2021, the largest food and beverage trade show in the Asian region. For the first time in its 45-year history, the 2021 edition of FOODEX takes on both physical and digital formats, the latter being a result of travel restrictions entailed by the pandemic.
Flavors harnessed from Philippine soils and seas will be showcased through the offerings of the following exhibitors: mango-infused vegetable drink mixes by Business Innovations Gateway Inc.; varied coconut-based products by Eau de Coco Inc., Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., and Pasciolco Agri Ventures; banana chips by Prime Fruits International and See’s International Manufacturing Corp.; fresh cavendish bananas and golden pineapples by SL Agrifood Corp.; and tuna and sardine products by Century Pacific Food and Market Reach International Resources, respectively.
Magicmelt Foods Inc., meanwhile, will offer classic Filipino snacking options such as biscocho (buttered toast), rosquillos (round cookies), and otap (puff cookies).
All these products will be featured in the site, https://www.jma-buyers.com/fx_webguide_en/company. php?no=1012.
Citem Executive Director Pauline Suaco-juan noted that the Japanese market requires only the freshest and top-quality food products to sustain their healthconscious lifestyle. She also said that the Philippines, having utilized its climatic and topographical conditions to bring out unique flavors, will meet the moment as consumers across the globe become more particular with the products they bring into their homes.
“Our mangoes and coconuts are sweeter, and our tunas are fatter,” Suaco-juan said. “Flavor is second nature to us Filipinos, and our evolving understanding of wellness will show the world that whichever need may arise, the Philippine food industry is here to answer the call,” she added.
While the physical show in Chiba, Japan, will end on March 12, exhibitors and buyers can interact through online meetings and chats on the FOODEX online platform until October 8. Afterwards, the Philippine delegation for FOODEX joins other food companies in Citem’s flagship, homegrown food-sourcing platform, IFEX Philippines NXTFOOD ASIA (IFEX), happening in July 2021.
The Philippine participation at FOODEX Japan 2021 is made possible in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) in Tokyo and Osaka.
AIFFS event
IN support of staging this year’s firstever Asean International Furniture & Furnishings Show VX 2021 (AIFFS VX) led by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), the Citem will also bring in 10 Philippine brands for the fully digital edition of AIFFS.
Representing the best of Philippine craftsmanship in the home and lifestyle sectors at AIFFS are FAME+ exhibitors Acento Colleccions, E. Murio, Enpekei International, Goltrio, Junk Not, La Galuche, Mejore, Obra Cebuana, Prizmic & Brill, and Stonesets International. Each brand has shown its commitment to paying homage to Philippine culture through their designs.
Launched in October 2020, FAME+ is Citem’s response to the evolving and rapidly digitizing demands of trade and export. The digital trade platform improves the searchability and discoverability of its over 200 exhibitors from the home, fashion, and lifestyle (HFL) sectors to buyers and design enthusiasts across the globe.
Through its digital magazine Touchpoint, FAME+ tells the story of Philippine design excellence as reflected in the materials, techniques, traditions, and people that make these export products.
“A keen emphasis on technique, particularly material manipulation, and design sensibilities rooted in our proud heritage are just some of the Philippine-design signatures you can expect to see at AIFFS,” Citem Executive Suaco-juan said. “We’re looking forward to sharing the story of our great artisanal tradition with our Asean neighbors and with buyers and design aficionados all over the world,” she added.
Organized by the Asean Furniture Industries Council (AFIC), the AIFFS will be hosted by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines Inc. (CFIP) and will be participated in by seven Asean countries: the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Visitors can interact with exhibitors on the AIFFSS VX online platform from March 9 to 12, and can still view exhibitor catalogues from March 13 to 18, 2021. Visitors and buyers may log on to www.aiffsvx.com to register.