Beyond the label: Integrating into the global food supply ecosystem with GMART

PRESS RELEASE

As the global food industry shifts from brand loyalty to value-driven quality, the Philippines is positioning its manufacturers at the center of this evolution. The Grocers’ Exchange Mart (GMART), a special feature of the 19th edition of IFEX Philippines on May 21-23, 2026, serves as the strategic gateway for Philippine MSMEs to occupy a major seat in the multibillion-dollar private label food market. 

According to NielsenIQ (NIQ) market intelligence, this sector is projected to cross the US$600 billion mark in 2027.

The traditional "seat at the table" for food exporters has long been defined by individual brand presence. However, a global surge in private and white-labeling, particularly in North America and Europe, has redefined success. GMART is the specialized ecosystem designed to facilitate these high-stakes partnerships, moving Philippine manufacturers from the sidelines into essential, scalable roles within the global supply chain.

For the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), GMART is central to its mission of making local companies globally competitive.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo stresses the unique value of GMART, stating that it is more than a showcase, “it is a strategic response to a fundamental shift in how the world eats and shops. By transcending the limitations of traditional branding and manufacturing, we are enabling Philippine enterprises to become the silent engines of global retail, proving that our quality can compete at the highest levels of the international supply chain.”

In September 2025, CITEM validated the Philippines’ potential as a strategic sourcing destination at Private Label Middle East (PLME) in Dubai, the largest trade event for contract manufacturing in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. The mission showcased the country's comparative advantage in Halal-certified products derived from coconut, banana, and calamansi, among other high-value crops. By gaining critical insights into global consumer preferences and retail requirements, Filipino exhibitors positioned themselves as sophisticated partners ready for integration into the global "house brand" ecosystem.

Value chain excellence

Building on these global insights, GMART provides a network of advantages by connecting qualified local manufacturers with local and international trade buyers across the value chain.

For exhibitors:

Accelerated market entry – helping MSMEs get their foot in the door of major supermarkets, specialty sectors, and the global hotel/food service industry.

Scalable solutions – enabling "silent" partnerships where Philippine quality meets global retail branding.

Strategic growth – moving beyond consumer brands to diversify export portfolios through toll-packing and bespoke manufacturing demands from major international retailers and grocery chains.

For buyers:

Margin management – transcending traditional brand premiums to offer competitive retail pricing without compromising product integrity.

Supply resilience – diversifying sourcing through reliable Philippine partners to mitigate global supply chain disruptions.

Enhanced brand control – tailoring exclusive product lines to specific regional tastes and dietary trends with authentic tropical ingredients. 

The global pivot toward private labels is most evident in high-growth sectors where the Philippines holds a competitive edge. Bloomberg Intelligence forecasts the plant-based food market alone is expected to reach US$77 billion by 2030, while demand for sustainable, high-quality seafood is at an all-time high.

GMART serves as the specialized platform to meet these demands across 9 priority product categories: Bakery Products and Confectioneries; Beverages; Fruits and Vegetables; Seafood; Gourmet and Specialty Food; Ingredients, Condiments, and Sweeteners; Meat, Poultry and Dairy; Plant-based Food Products; and Snacks and Ready-to-Eat.

Empowering private label innovators

The relaunch of GMART in 2025 confirmed a substantial appetite for reliable private and white labeling, as well as toll manufacturing from local industry players. Driven by inflation impact and a shift in consumer spending habits, international buyers are seeking partners who offer brand control and high-quality production without the traditional brand premium. The Philippines meets these demands through its competitive pricing and flexible private labeling offers.

Focused on empowering Philippine private label innovators and connecting them to global buyers for scalable, customized solutions, CITEM reinforces its commitment to capacitating local companies. By fostering these connections, GMART ensures the Philippine food sector remains a formidable, adaptable force on the world stage.

IFEX Philippines invites international trade buyers, supermarket category managers, and local food manufacturers to be part of this specialized sourcing experience. Whether it be for diversifying retail portfolios or scaling manufacturing capabilities, GMART provides the strategic seat at the global food table.

For more information on how to participate in GMART or to register for IFEX Philippines 2026, visit ifexconnect.com or get in touch with the Trade Promotions Service-Food Sector of CITEM. For IFEX Philippines: ifexphilippines@citem.com.ph | +63 916 210 4322 (Ms. Zhary Bagayas) and for GMART: rjaparagatos@citem.com.ph | +6397 7033 3063 (Ms.Rem Paragatos).