FOR its 27th edition, Food Taipei continues to be a bigger show as it attracts buyers from over 100 countries, positioning Taiwan as a strong international food market.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), invites local food companies to join the 27th Taipei International Food Show, or Food Taipei from June 21 to 24 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan.
“We encourage Philippine food exporters to tap Taiwan’s booming market for organic and healthy food, showcase the country’s premium food products and strengthen their market presence in Taiwan,” newly appointed Citem Executive Director Clayton Tugonon said.
Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Food Taipei is one of Asia’s leading food shows that welcomes over 68,000 buyers and visitors across the world.
The four-day event is annually participated in by over 1,656 exhibitors from 108 countries and regions. It is held in conjunction with key events, including Taipei Pack, Foodtech and Pharmatech Taipei, Taiwan Horeca and Halal Taiwan.
Expected buyers include the giant Canadian food-retail chain T&T Supermarket Inc.; the Asian food chain Uwajimaya Asian Grocery and Gift Markets from the state of Washington, USA; the Japanese company Global Food Creators Co. Ltd.; and Shanghai Aoruitong International Trading Co.
Last year 11 Philippine food companies that joined the fair generated $21.6 million export sales and 400 total trade inquiries.
“For this year, Citem is preparing the country’s delegation to leverage in the growing interest for healthy and functional foods brought by the increase of aging population and health-conscious consumers in Taiwan,” Tugonon said.
The Philippine participation will highlight business- matching activities and showcase the country’s export products before the Taiwanese buyers, in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Taipei and Manila Economic and Cultural Office.
“With plenty of fruits and raw natural food to offer, Philippine companies can easily penetrate the Taiwan food market, which is heavily reliant on agricultural imports due to the country’s limited arable land and agrarian production,” he said.
Due to the busy lifestyle of Taiwan’s people, Taiwan’s retail sector and consumer food-service industry also emerges as a lucrative market for the Philippines. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada predicts Taiwan’s food-service sector will grow into a $21.6-billion industry by the end of 2017.
In addition, the retail sector in Taiwan has seen an explosive growth over the years. According to Euromonitor, retail sales in Taiwan’s packaged-food market is expected to reach $8.4 billion by 2020 with an 11-percent annual growth.
High-growth food categories forecasted include ready-to-eat meals; processed meat and seafood; soup; sweet and savory snacks; processed fruit and vegetables; baked goods; and sauces, dressings and condiments.
Citem is, thus, inviting Philippine manufacturers, exporters, consolidators, traders and suppliers of products that offer premium tropical fruits, such as banana, coconut, mango, pineapple, all-natural sauces, condiments, cocoa, coffee, muscovado sugar, herbal teas and confectionery. Also welcome to participate are exporters of ready-to-eat seafood products, as well as other health and wellness options.
Applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.