180 agri-firms to participate in government food show

Department of Agriculture joins as IFEX’s industry partner

The Department of Agriculture, through its Agri-business Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), is targeting around 180 food companies in the farming industry to participate in the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines on May 18-20 at the World Trade Center, Manila.

“As an industry partner of IFEX 2007, we aim to broaden the production and the market of agricultural products coming from the different regions of the country,” said Francisco Ramos III, Director of DA-AMAS. “We assist IFEX every year by co-hosting the buyer reception and inviting more exhibitors through Department of Agriculture’s regional field units that produce fish, poultry and livestock, rice and corn, and high-value commercial crops.”

DA-AMAS facilitates the preparation of the participating regions by making sure that they meet the criteria set by DTI. This includes substantial volume and quality of food products, BFAD accreditation, certification, and potential to export.

Last year, DA-AMAS represented 180 agrifirms in IFEX, generating roughly a hundred thousand dollars of export sales. They still target the same number of participants for this year’s IFEX but this time, they project to earn a million dollars. “Through this government-led food show, we plan to reach bigger markets in Asia. We are confident that we’re going to attract importers by highlighting our fresh/processed fruits and fresh seafood,” explained Francisco.

Francisco also said that IFEX 2006 helped DA-AMAS’ participants meet hundreds of buyers from Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and USA. Also, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Bicol region was thoroughly promoted last year that many of them are now exporting their finest food products abroad.

When asked how Philippines is competing versus aggressive Southeast Asian countries, Francisco answered: “We have an advantage over other countries when it comes to our agricultural food products’ quality and price. In order to compete better, the government, through DTI and DA-AMAS, is now working on productivity enhancement and volume expansion.”

Latest record from the Department of Agriculture reveals that the sector’s gross value of production was estimated at P815.5 billion, up by 5.65 percent compared to its 2004’s level. The crops subsector registered the largest share at P406.8 billion, while the livestock subsector was valued at P154.2 billion, fishery at P146.8 billion, and poultry at P107.8 billion.

“The participation of DA in this annual food show synchronizes with the government’s efforts in boosting the image of our country as an international source of food and food ideas,” said Trade Assistant Secretary and CITEM Executive Director Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes. She also said that this year’s IFEX will focus on the concept of ‘Filipino Food in a Global Setting.’

Aside from DA-AMAS, other industry partners of IFEX 2007 will be: Bureau of Export Trade and Promotion (BETP), San Miguel Packaging Products, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Packaging R&D Center of the Philippines, and Philippine Trade and Training Center (PTTC).

Last year, IFEX Philippines generated foreign and local sales amounting to a near total of US$ 80 million, almost tripling the 2005 total sales of about US$ 32 million. It also assisted 283 of the country’s food exporters, manufacturers, and consolidators and accompanied 1,332 local and foreign buyers.

IFEX 2007 is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry. For more information on this food fair, please call CITEM, Agri-Marine Division at 831-1282, 831-2201 locals. 204 and 238, e-mail: agrimarine@citem.com.ph or visit www.ifexphilippines.com.