The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has registered $44 million worth of negotiated sales of local specialty food to the United States during a recently held food and beverage trade exhibition in the West Coast.
Citem said in a statement the “Food Philippines” brand had made its mark in the 41st Winter Fancy Food Show (WFFS), touted as the largest food and beverage trade show in the American West Coast.
Food Philippines is a branding initiative of DTI-Citem, which serves to unify the promotional efforts of the government in overseas trade exhibitions and events to project one brand.
Some 17 Filipino enterprises showcased their specialty products under the said brand from January 17 to 19 in San Francisco, ranging from processed fruits, frozen and canned tuna, ethnic food, condiments, sauces and mixes and snacks.
A total of 540 inquiries and negotiated sales amounting to over $44 million were registered by the export promotions division of DTI.
The best-selling items included virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, frozen tuna, banana chips, frozen saba, organic muscovado sugar, upland rice and jasponica rice, and sea salts. Buyers were mostly looking for natural, organic and healthy products.
“We are also considering a participation in the Summer Fancy Food Show to sustain the impression we have made in WFFS, and continue positioning the Philippines as a source of high-value, fresh, healthy and natural food products,” said Rosvi C. Gaetos, executive director of Citem.