CITEM’s FOODPhilippines debuts at Seoul Food 2026

PRESS RELEASE

Bringing the soul of premium Philippine tropical flavors and ingredients to one of today’s most influential global food markets, the Center of International Trade and Expositions (CITEM) brings its inaugural FOODPhilippines participation to Seoul Food 2026, happening from June 9–12 at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

This comes on the heels of the successful run of IFEX Philippines 2026, wherein South Korea was among the top 10 visiting countries during the three-day food event. CITEM sees this as a strategic opportunity that aligns with the organization’s cross-border growth initiatives.

"International trade exhibitions do not exist in a vacuum,” says CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “They represent the precise touchpoints where diplomatic relations and commercial strategies intersect. By capitalizing on mechanisms like our free trade agreement with South Korea, we are not only expanding market access for our high-value food innovations, but also weaving a more resilient economic fabric that strengthens bilateral and multilateral ties within the ASEAN region and its major trading partners."

Aside from its long history of expatriate talent excelling in various industries, such as automotive, electronics, and other infrastructure-related sectors, the Philippines benefits from the minimal tariffs afforded by the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement (PH-KR FTA). The FTA, which took effect in December 2024, exempts 94.8% of the country’s exports to South Korea, thereby posing significant gains for local agriculture and food exporters with stronger ground to penetrate more markets and bolster export competitiveness across the ASEAN and beyond.

The Philippines is a top agricultural exporter to the East Asian nation, registering over US$3.5 billion in Philippine exports in 2024. Annually, estimates put Philippine exports of food and other agricultural products between US$300 and US$350 million. South Korea relies heavily on imports to offset its low arable land and declining agrarian sectors, which are aggravated by shifting dietary needs and consumer demand for more variety and convenience in food choices. Agricultural goods valued at US$37.4 billion were brought into South Korea in 2025.

“Food is the ultimate cultural bridge. Our inaugural participation at Seoul Food 2026 is built on a profound mutual respect and an embracing of each other’s cultures. There is a beautiful complementarity between the bold, vibrant culinary heritage of the Philippines and the dynamic, sophisticated palate of South Korea. By introducing our premium flavors to this market, we aren't just trading goods—we are deepening a shared cultural connection that naturally drives sustainable, high-yield business growth,” says Ocampo. 

The food collective features a trove of high-grade, innovative food products made from in-demand tropical fruits, crops, and world-class fresh frozen seafood. Products made from banana, coconut, and ube are leading the pack in the form of processed chips, condiments, oils, and powders – all of which are strong indicators of the growing transformation of Philippine food producers from mere suppliers of raw materials to makers of high-value, sophisticated offerings in sync with global consumer trends. Market favorites, pineapple and calamansi products, are also part of the food curation for this year’s Seoul Food 2026.

A total of 24 food and wellness exhibitors are participating this year. Anchoring the FOODPhilippines banner are 16 companies, namely: 3 Sisters Homemade Banana Chips; 5R Entrepreneurs Agricultural Ventures & Development Corporation; Bahaghari Global Food Inc.; Central Seafoods Incorporated; FM Bolus Corporation - Merl's Native Delicacies; Fruits of Life Inc.; JJ Grand Premium Fruits, Inc.; Marbello's Processed Foods Manufacturing; MarketReach International Resources; Oleo-Fats, Incorporated; One Vizcaya Export Corporation; Phil-Union Frozen Foods Inc.; Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co., Inc.; Shapes Bakeshop; See's International Food Manufacturing Corporation; and BHMC Bionatural Products, Inc. 

The other eight are under the Department of Agriculture (DA) Pavilion, showcasing fresh fruits, selected high-value agri export crops, and regional gourmet confections. These are: Ashley Pili Candies; Audrey’s Confectioneries; Brianna Food Creations; C.O.P. Pili and Sweets and Pastries; JLB Import and Export; JPC Golden Alliance Trading Inc.; Mira’s Food Agriventures; and Sangkutsa Food Products Inc.

FOODPhilippines at Seoul Food 2026 is made possible through CITEM’s inter-agency partnerships with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bohol Provincial Office, DTI MIMAROPA Regional Office, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Seoul, and the DA’s Philippine Agriculture Office – Seoul. 

The trade fair’s venue not only signifies a massive food showcase for international and local buyers. The satellite city of Goyang, which houses KINTEX, is a primary gateway for economic activity that connects international industry players to the heart of the largest city and capital of Seoul. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) is the primary organizer of the Seoul Food exhibition.

The FOODPhilippines Pavilion is located at Hall 5 Booth 5B101 & 5B201 of KINTEX. Visit ifexconnect.com to know more about these exhibitors and access their digital storefronts. 

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Banner image credit: KOTRA | KINTEX