CITEM 2026 KATHA Award for FOOD nominations in full swing

CITEM PRESS RELEASE

The much-anticipated industry event for the latest innovative food finds and excellent tropical flavors is now open for IFEX Philippines exhibitors–the 2026 KATHA Award for FOOD.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the KATHA Award for FOOD champions creativity and excellence in the industry, furthering the global competitiveness of Philippine food MSMEs, including emerging export players.

Building on the excitement of the 19th edition set for May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), participation in the prestigious recognition program affords winners and nominees unique opportunities for brand recognition, industry leadership, and international market growth.

Of storytelling and cultural integrity

Fashioned to empower collaboration, consumer insight, and cultural integrity, the Award is as much a celebration of the heritage and diversity of Philippine food as it is a showcase of distinction amidst the ever-evolving landscape of global food products.

"Beyond the trophy, the KATHA Award is a seal of Philippine excellence that signals to the global market that our product is world-class, culturally rooted, and innovatively crafted," says CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. She adds that by putting a spotlight on the country’s MSMEs through this program, “We aren't just celebrating flavors—we are accelerating the journey of Filipino food brands from local kitchens to international dinner tables."

One winner will be chosen for each of these nine (9) food product categories, namely: Bakery Products and Confectioneries; Meat, Poultry and Dairy; Functional Foods, Health Foods, Alternative Foods; Processed Fruit and Vegetables, including Sauces and Condiments; Seafood; Snacks and Ready-To-Eat; Specialty and Gourmet; and Pulses and Grains.

Aside from Best in Packaging Design and Best Booth Presentation in the Individual, Regional, and Group categories, two new special citations will also be part of the 2026 edition:

• Gastronomy - for exceptional culinary creations and applications of food products that bring memorable gustation.

• NXTFOOD PH - for a maximum of 10 emerging food products that have the most potential to develop into tomorrow’s next successful food offering. 

Of industry excellence and global advocacy

Nominated products require participation in the Flavor Finds special setting of IFEX Philippines 2026. The Flavor Finds platform hosts select companies with innovative, market-competitive products that represent the vibrant tropical flavors from across the Philippine regions and neighboring ASEAN contemporaries. Successful enrolment in the Flavor Finds showcase automatically qualifies the product for nomination to the KATHA Award for FOOD. 

Winners can look forward to participation perks in the next edition of IFEX Philippines, strategic marketing channels, and overseas trade fair opportunities organized by CITEM for its FOODPhilippines program. This year’s highly anticipated announcement of the KATHA Award for FOOD winners coincides with another exciting reveal of the latest addition to CITEM’s new voices of Philippine food diplomacy, the FOODPhilippines Advocates Par Excellence.

Leading the pack is multi-awarded Filipino food content creator Abi Marquez as she returns for her third year. Marquez—who previously headlined the recognition with food scholar and author Clang Garcia in 2024 and with fellow food champions Erwan Heussaff and Raine Cabral Laysico in 2025—will help usher another exciting moment in food diplomacy for 2026. This year’s highly anticipated announcements of new food champions will take center stage at the KATHA Awards for FOOD Media Preview.

This new chapter of Philippine food diplomacy is rooted in authentic storytelling—a value championed by the program’s advocates. Returning advocate Abi Marquez emphasizes that the mission is about “harnessing the power of social media to tell the stories” of these businesses, ensuring people gain a deep appreciation for the products. Fellow storyteller Erwan Heussaff echoes this sentiment, noting, “I don’t think Filipino food needs to be ‘elevated’—it needs to be communicated, discovered, and built upon.”

Applications for the KATHA Award for FOOD are open until 31 March 2026. Click here to REGISTER as a FLAVOR FINDS exhibitor today, or get in touch for more information through email at rjaparagatos@citem.com.ph  or Viber at +63 977 033 3063. You may also check what’s in store for this year’s IFEX Philippines at ifexconnect.com 

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Banner caption: Winning products at the 2025 KATHA Award for FOOD ranged from sweet and savory meals to innovative, convenient snacks and mixes.