IFEX Philippines 2026 Day 1 highs: Where Filipino excellence meets global opportunity

PRESS RELEASE

Amidst shifting global trade dynamics and a complex macroeconomic landscape, the 19th edition of IFEX Philippines opened its doors on May 21, 2026 with a remarkable Day 1 showing. With an initial wave of over 2,000 local and international trade buyers, visitors, and guests, the curated trade setting underpins a robust global demand for resilient supply chains and premium agricultural solutions, aptly positioning the country as a key sourcing destination anchored on the message of bringing “Tropical Flavors for the World.”

A promising economic indicator, the initial turnout demonstrates how the country’s food export sector remains a highly competitive and stable sourcing hub, this despite international market pressures and global shipping challenges. International distributors are actively shifting away from raw commodities to seek reliable, sustainable partners in the Philippines who offer processed, high-value food innovations.

This food trade event is also a testament to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission’s (CITEM) own organizational resilience and unwavering resolve. Reflecting on the road to opening day after the successful conclusion of Day 1, CITEM found itself at a critical crossroad, as it heavily weighed the decision to continue while facing intense pressure and calls from various sectors to cancel or postpone the trade show given the unpredictable global landscape.

It was only fitting that CITEM forge ahead with the staging of IFEX Philippines. As Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo mused at day's end: "Why should we stop when our MSMEs never stopped innovating despite the odds? To step back in the face of these headwinds would have been to fail our food sector when they need us most. And, I am glad that we did make the right decision.”

This opening ceremony brought together government leaders, private sector heads, diplomatic corps, global trade buyers, and prominent digital content creators. Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Senator Francis Pangilinan graced the event, and led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Anchoring the event’s overall sentiment, Corporate Treasurer and Trustee of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Association, Inc. (PHILFOODEX) Roberto Angelo Amores said, “We are no longer just a country of exporters, but a nation of storytellers,” adding that the Filipino’s passion and resilience were evident in the high-value products and country’s unique tropical flavors in the global market.

IFEX Philippines treated dignitaries and trade buyers to the latest Festival of Flavors showcase, where regional tastes meet global possibilities in a curated gastronomic setting of unique regional ingredients and products. Here is where guests get to experience firsthand how localized culinary traditions are translated for international palates.

Winners of the highly regarded KATHA Award for Food were also on display and made available at Flavor Finds feature of the trade show. The showcase houses the year's most creative, export-ready, and innovatively packaged food products that set new excellence standards for bringing premium tropical flavors to bigger markets.

Early afternoon saw the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Pitching Competition come to fruition. The meet serves as a high-stakes launchpad for eco-focused startups and green innovators to pitch scalable, market-ready solutions directly to corporate giants and international investors. Recognizing that environmental and operational resilience are key factors to keeping local MSMEs competitive globally, the SSX platform proves that sustaining tropical food supply for the world requires looking far beyond financial metrics, adding more value by building an eco-conscious foundation for future generations.

CITEM capped the evening with the Partners Appreciation Night, which is dedicated to celebrating the driving forces that help facilitate the journey of Philippine tropical flavors to the global market. The event recognized various indispensable trade partners from regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and overseas trade posts. Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) gave the keynote speech, and together with CITEM Executive Director Ocampo, handed out the awards.

Conferring both local and overseas teams, among the top accolades was Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Dubai for bringing in the delegation with the highest number of international buyers to IFEX Philippines 2026.

CITEM also recognized a vibrant community of the country's top food content creators and social media influencers. These digital storytellers were commended for using their platforms to amplify the voices of local producers, effectively translating the rich heritage behind Philippine tropical flavors to diverse demographics in the digital space.

Adding star power to this advocacy, the 2026 FOODPhilippines Advocates Par Excellence were officially introduced to the public during the evening program, namely global food sensations Abi Marquez and Chef Nouel Catis, as well as seasoned broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim. Their distinct work will deepen the global footprint of Filipino food through their respective platforms. This is the third year for Marquez as Advocate, while first time as part of the Board of Judges for the KATHA Award for Food. Chef Catis, meanwhile, is in his second year with IFEX Kitchen.

The evening also served as the official introduction of the IFEX Philippines Culinary Icons, IFEX Kitchen Chefs who are set to hold court and mount live culinary demonstrations during Days 2 and 3 of IFEX Philippines. The newly introduced lineup also includes Chef Catis working alongside fellow returning chefs David Pamplona and Morris Danzen Catanghal who will showcase creative, global applications of exhibitor products, translating traditional ingredients into modern dishes designed for international palates. Completing the lineup are culinary benchmarks in Filipino cuisine and international tastemakers across the globe: Rex De Guzman of Turo Turo UK; Miggy Cabel Moreno of Palm Grill and Cabel in Quezon City; Mark Singson of Food Art Music Canada; Ross Magnaye of Serai and Ricci Carmona of Dirty Ice Cream, both from Australia; local-based Myke Tatung Sarthou of Azadore/Lore/Tatung’s; and Rolando "Lau" Laudico and Jacqueline "Jac" Laudico of Guevarra’s by Laudico.

Social entrepreneur and founder of EcoUling Aya Fernandez was also recognized as the 2026 Sustainability Advocate Par Excellence, while additional KATHA Award winners were also revealed, namely: Markenburg International for Best Individual Booth Presentation; Best Group Booth Presentation for P. Togo Corp. (The Cabalen Group); and Region 7 for Best Regional Booth Presentation. 

Looking forward to even larger global platforms, this year’s IFEX Philippines 2026 features a dedicated China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) booth and specialized seminars. This presence marks critical on-ground preparations for taking the "Tropical Flavors for the World" message to a landmark annual economic event in Nanning, China, which is one of the world's key economic drivers.

For the upcoming 2026 edition of CAEXPO this September, the Philippines has been granted the prestigious distinction of "Country of Honor." With this strategic opportunity, CITEM is organizing a national participation, mobilizing dozens of local exhibitors from multi-sectors that span food, fashion, inter-agency networks, and inter-government partnerships. This year, the Philippine Pavilion will highlight the vibrant trade, investment, and tourism potential of the Province of Cebu, hailed as the "City of Charm."

Local enterprises, exporters, and service providers looking to expand their footprint and introduce their tropical flavors to the lucrative Chinese market and wider ASEAN region are highly encouraged to join the official Philippine delegation to CAEXPO 2026. 

Interested parties can visit the CAEXPO pavilion or attend the scheduled institutional seminars at IFEX Philippines 2026 to learn more about registration, logistics, and market matching opportunities, or reach out to the CITEM’s CAEXPO 2026 Project Officers Ms. Vicky Arellano (varellano@citem.com.ph) and Ms. Angelie Perea (maperea@citem.com.ph).

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Banner caption: IFEX Philippines 2026 Day One opens to a festive crowd of today’s industry proponents and tastemakers at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on May 21, 2026.