International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines
The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines is an annual government-led trade platform in the Philippines for food products for the international and local markets. It is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Philippine Department Of Trade and Industry, and is a favored sourcing destination for international companies like Wal-Mart, Hirasho Shoten, Co. Ltd., Heuschen Schrouff, Manning Impex, Five Rings, and Wilby Commercial.
General Overview
The most recently held 7th EDition of IFEX Philippines in May 2010 generated a total of USD 65 million in export sales and Php 42 million in retail sales. It likewise attracted buyers from different regions such as the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and North America.
History
IFEX Philippines was launched in 2003 under the leadership of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in a bid to internationalize and promote the thriving Philippine food sector.
Exhibition
The 8th IFEX Philippines will house three major halls, namely:
Exporters Hall
The IFEX Exporters Hall highlights the Philippines' major food exports from its 17 regions, including seafood, mangoes, bananas, coconuts, and pineapples.
International Hall
The IFEX International Hall features country pavilions and international food manufacturers looking to penetrate the Philippine food market as well as target foreign buyers. Exhibitors include suppliers of food equipment and machinery, packaging materials, ingredients, food emulsifiers and extenders, food coloring, post-harvest technologies and general food products catering to the Philippine consumer market.
Retailers Hall
The IFEX Retailers Hall offers on-the-spot or retail selling as well as product launching from event exhibitors.
Organizer
IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) [hyperlinked to CITEM website], an export promotions agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. The show is also done in partnership with the Department of Agriculture - Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), the Bureau of Export Trade Promotions (BETP), the Regional Operations and Development Group (RODG), the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), the Mindanao Development Authority, and Growth With Equity in Mindanao (GEM) - Davao.
Through CITEM, IFEX has also participated in various international food fairs like Gulfood, Foodex Japan, THAIFEX, the ASEAN Food and Beverage Expo, SIAL Paris Nord, and Anuga.