IFEX Philippines 2026 surpasses ₱5B, driving huge wins in export sales and local revenues

PRESS RELEASE

The 19th edition of IFEX Philippines continues to set the tone for the country’s growth momentum in global food, as organizer Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) estimated total initial exhibitor sales generated at ₱5.05 billion for the three-day food trade event held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City on May 21-23, 2026.

The amount reflects a combination of domestic, export, and retail sales from over 520 exhibitors that showcased thousands of tropical food products and ingredients to foreign and local visitors, with foot traffic reaching nearly 20,000. This year, the United States (US) proved to be the top visiting country, followed by Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and Australia. 

Based on partial, unofficial data, IFEX Philippines 2026 generated an estimated US$80.16 million in export sales, while local domestic sales stood at ₱50.69 million and retail sales reached ₱27 million. 

As the country continues its trajectory of economic recovery, and given the string of current geopolitical challenges affecting key regions where prospects and movement of Philippine food exports abound, the impressive outcome of this year’s IFEX Philippines hopes to inspire more confidence in product development, trade programs toward encouraging more local MSMEs to scale, and pursue opportunities in the global market. 

According to CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, the encouraging results were driven by a stronger, more strategic execution. “Our success this year comes down to our ability to mount a bigger show with high-quality exhibitors and a greater showcase of food innovations.” To navigate shifting global trade dynamics, she also emphasized the power of strategic partnerships, saying that “Through an aggressive buyer campaign with the help of the DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps, we effectively countered the negative effects that ongoing geopolitical tensions could have otherwise imposed on our export momentum.”

Elevating green trade standards

Meanwhile, the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), one of the anticipated features of IFEX Philippines, previewed its Start-Up Pitching Competition, wherein green startups across industries took to the stage to present their timely and next-generation ideas, while connecting with key industry movers and securing vital market exposure.

A total of five ventures have been selected for the big reveal, which will be held on October 15-17, 2026: GNS Enterprise, D’Sustainable Planet, Green Beauty and Wellness, Magwai, and FLQ Food and Panciteria. These finalists stand to gain more recognition beyond the SSX stage as the winners will become a part of the CITEM-organized delegation to the 2027 SDG Asia in Taiwan.

The SSX Roadshow for the next edition is now underway with Cebu as the primary stop. The CITEM team was led by CITEM Executive Director Ocampo, with IFEX Philippines Project Director Rowena Mendoza, and Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist Katrina Pineda. They met with leaders from the Startup Ecosystem Alliance Cebu Inc. (SEA Cebu Inc.), headed by President Enrique San Juan.

CITEM aims to establish a robust infrastructure that bridges provincial green enterprises with international industrial supply chains. Strengthening these local networks ensures that regional sustainable advancements have direct access to institutional buyers, helping enhance SSX’s position as a premier sourcing hub for eco-friendly solutions.

Regional trade momentum

Another test of the country’s economic mettle on the global trade map is the participation in the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) happening in September 2026 in Nanning, China. CITEM aims to organize about 100 local exhibitors as part of the Philippine delegation, as it bears the Country of Honor distinction as well as the key presence of the Province of Cebu, named as the Province of Charm. 

Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro was on hand to spearhead the province’s efforts and other preparations for the CAEXPO event. Along with the CAEXPO booth and seminars that were featured at IFEX Philippines 2026, the governor attended the Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement Signing with CITEM’s Executive Director Ocampo.

Other key government agencies collaborating for this major event include DTI’s regional offices, Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC) with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) - Guangzhou, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Department of Tourism (DOT) – all of whom are engaging in key roles to bring about strong showing of the country’s trade, investment, and tourism capabilities.

Building on these goals, Province of Charm Cebu will showcase its world-class destinations, business and investment opportunities, festivals, and culinary prowess threaded by its rich heritage and cultural dynamism.

The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will run from September 17-21, 2026 at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China. 

For more information or details about participation, exhibitors involved in food, wellness, technology, and tourism, as well as other trade entities, may get in touch with the CITEM CAEXPO 2026 Project Officers: Ms. Leilani Santiago (lsantiago@citem.com.ph) and Ms. Angelie Perea (maperea@citem.com.ph).