CITEM advises all exhibitors, buyers, suppliers, service providers, partners, stakeholders, and the public to remain vigilant against unauthorized individuals, groups, or third-party entities falsely claiming to represent CITEM and its official programs and events.
These unauthorized communications may be sent through email, calls, SMS/text messages, social media, messaging applications, websites, or other digital channels. They may involve the alleged selling, distribution, or unauthorized access to CITEM data, databases, or contact lists. They may also involve solicitations, donation requests, sponsorship offers, payment instructions, or other monetary requests using the name of CITEM, its officials, personnel, events, or partners.
Please be reminded:
Official CITEM communications are sent only through verified official channels and corporate email domains, including @citem.com.ph.
CITEM does not authorize any individual, third-party entity, or unofficial representative to sell, distribute, share, or provide access to its official data, databases, contact lists, or stakeholder information.
CITEM does not authorize donations, sponsorship payments, direct fund transfers, e-wallet payments, or other monetary transactions through personal accounts or unofficial channels.
Do not click links, download attachments, reply, provide information, or make payments in response to suspicious communications.
If you receive any suspicious communication claiming to be connected with CITEM, please verify directly with your official project focal point or through CITEM’s official communication channels.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and vigilance.
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
October 05, 2026
Amidst the natural abundance and rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, the country continues to strengthen its position as a premier sourcing destination for in-demand tropical food selections for the European F&B market.
Connecting local producers directly with European buyers, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has organized a curated delegation of 16 Philippine food exporters and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase the country’s high-value tropical offerings at SIAL Paris 2026, happening at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte in Paris, France from October 17-21, 2026.
The participation comes on the heels of a major breakthrough in the country’s free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union (EU). The announcement on September 22, 2026 marks a significant step toward deeper trade and investment ties with the EU’s 27-member bloc, with the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA) expected to create new market opportunities and provide fairer, more stable, and predictable rules for cross-border trade once formally concluded and implemented.
For the Philippine agricultural and food processing sectors, the PH-EU FTA promises expanded access across Europe’s dynamic market, helping lower landing costs and provide local exporters with a strong competitive advantage.
In June 2026, France was part of the European test market that received the first shipment of the world-class Guimaras mangoes with Geographical Indication (GI) certification. The premium tropical offering arrived in Brussels, Belgium and was distributed by the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Belgium to other embassies, including the Philippine Embassy in France. Distributed as promotional items, this move highlights the country’s capacity to meet stringent European phytosanitary, traceability, and premium quality standards for high-value agricultural produce.
The GI mark ensures the specific origin or traceability of the product and takes a step toward protecting intellectual property rights and value creation of Philippine food. The DTI and the Department of Agriculture (DA) partnered with local grower cooperatives for the milestone test shipment.
For CITEM, the showcase comes at a critical juncture for Philippine trade promotion. According to CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, “SIAL Paris offers an exceptional platform to capitalize on the momentum of expanding PH-EU trade ties and strategically positions Philippine exporters in the European market.” She explained that the participation underscores the country’s strategic priority to integrate more local producers and manufacturers into the global food and value supply chains. She added, “Opening direct access to top European buyers allows us to convert global market demand into long-term growth for local SMEs and agricultural communities.”
The FOODPhilippines Pavilion during the 2024 edition of SIAL Paris. The CITEM-organized participation that year generated USD28.69 million in export sales.
The showcase features sustainable coconut formulations, value-added fruit preparations, premium seafood, refreshing natural beverages, artisanal sauces, and delectable snacks from leading exporters that include: Amley Food Corporation; Astoria Culinary Expert Services; Cardinal Agri Products, Inc.; Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc.; Century Pacific Food, Inc.; GSL Premium Food Export Corp.; Ilocos Food Products; JJ Grand Premium Fruits, Inc.; KLT Fruits, Inc.; Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation; Marigold Manufacturing Corporation; Ngosiok Marketing; One Vizcaya Export Corporation; Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp.; Pixcel Transglobal Foods Incorporated; and See’s International Food Mfg. Corp.
Bringing vibrant color and unmatched versatility to the product roster, the iconic Philippine ube drives product innovation, transforming sweet and savory culinary lines into bold new experiences.
By combining strict international compliance with advanced shelf-stability practices, local exporters preserve the authentic taste of island traditions while meeting the rigorous quality and clean-label standards expected by global supply chains.
The Philippine presence is further reinforced through a strategic partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Paris and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT). Together, these institutions play a critical role in maximizing business outcomes for the delegation. PTIC Paris provides essential on-the-ground intelligence, market insights, and trade facilitation, while PHILEXPORT mobilizes export-oriented enterprises and supports business matching efforts. Their combined expertise ensures targeted B2B networking opportunities and enables local exporters to build long-term partnerships with European distributors and retail category managers.
The FOODPhilippines Pavilion is located at Hall 4, Stands J252 and J241. Visit IFEXConnect to learn more about the SIAL Paris 2026 FOODPhilippines exhibitors.
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