CITEM brings Halal-food and other healthy offerings to Gulfood 2025 in Dubai, UAE

A total of 19 FOODPhilippines exhibitors, led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), are currently showcasing the country’s top food export Halal-friendly products to Gulfood 2025, considered the largest gathering for food brands and innovation. 

Happening from February 17-21, 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), this year marks the 20th year of CITEM’s participation in the trade event that features more than 5,500 exhibitors coming from over 120 countries.  

A ribbon-cutting activity was held at the Philippine Pavilion on Day 1 of Gulfood 2025, which was attended by members of the diplomatic community and organizing team. Photo below shows (from l-r) CITEM’s onsite Project Manager Atty. Anna Grace Marpuri, Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Assistant Director Katrina Rivera, Consul General Marford Angeles, Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo Roaring, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Supermarket owner Abu Nader, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Philip Young, with Special Envoys from the Office of the President (OP) Anna Kathryna Pimentel and Karen Santos.

From left: CITEM onsite Project Manager Atty. Anna Grace Marpuri,;EMB Asst. Director Maria Katrina Rivera; Consul General Marford Angeles; Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo Roaring; Philippine Ambassador to Dubai, H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver; Philippine Supermarket owner Abu Nader; DA Assistant Secretary Philip Young; and from the OP, Special Envoy Anna Kathryna Pimentel and Special Envoy Karen Santos.

The Philippine delegation represents how the unmatched quality and potential of the country’s unique food and ingredients can meet the current global demands for healthy, sustainable options that are convenient yet still hold authentic flavors. In fact, participating exhibitor Lionheart Farms has been shortlisted in the Gulfood Innovation Awards 2025 under the Best Beverage Product category with product entry, The Power of SLOW – Carbonated Coconut Flower Sap Drink in Calamansi flavor.

Gulfood Innovation Awards product contender from Lionheart Farms (Philippines)

As Gulfood 2025 focuses on fortifying food systems amidst the ever-growing challenges of climate change and food security, and with more than 700,000 Filipinos living in the UAE alone, CITEM is hoping to expand Philippine presence with products that are tailored to meet the cultural and dietary demands in the Middle East and neighboring regions. 

The Philippine Pavilion at the DWTC offers a variety of products, including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed marine products, ethnic and gourmet items, non-alcoholic beverages, baked goods, and other confectionery and ingredients. Behind the featured products are the following FOODPhilippines exhibitors: BV&R Commodities Corporation; Global Food Solutions, Inc; Golden Saba (SAGREX Foods Inc); Kim’s; Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation; Mama Sita’s; Marikina Food Corporation; Market Reach International Resources; Mega Prime Foods Inc.; Miguelitos International Corp.; Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp. Philippines; Philippine Cinmic Industrial Corporation; Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc.; PIXCEL Transglobal Foods Incorporated; Q-Phil International Trading; See’s International Food Mfg. Corp.; SL Agritech Corporation; The Cabalen Group; and YanYan International Phils. Inc.

Premium Philippine crops and fresh seafood as main ingredients make for delectable authentic offerings, such as the Kinilaw, which is simillar to Ceviche.

In addition to the Philippine showcase, the delegation also engaged in other networking activities, such as the appreciation dinner for PH exhibitors and buyers on February 17, 2025 courtesy of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investments Center (DTI-PTIC) in Dubai. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, along with other officials from the Consulate, the Department of Agriculture, and DTI graced the occasion. 

Prior to the opening of Gulfood, CITEM was also on hand for another participating exhibitor’s milestone event, the store opening of Miguelito’s Ice Cream at the West Zone Supermarket Al Khail Gate Branch - Al Quoz Industrial Area 2 in Dubai on February 15, 2025.

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A viewing of one of CITEM’s program presentations was held at the start of the Appreciation Night activities on February 17, 2025.

Miguelitos Ice Cream store opening at West Zone Supermarket Al Khail last February 15, 2025 with (from left) Prime Group CEO Dr. Mary Jane Alvero; Vice Consul Paola Ebora; event guest Tolaram Vatnani; West Zone and Shankar Trading Company Executive Director Raju Gidwani; Consul General Marford Angeles; West Zone Head for Import Procurement Bharati Vatnani; Miguelitos International Corp. President Michelle Aman with Export President Miguel Aman; and CITEM onsite Project Manager Atty. Anna Grace Marpuri.

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In the homefront, CITEM is gearing up to bring more food MSMEs in the spotlight at IFEX Philippines 2025, set for May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.