PHL products generate US$ 109-M sales in world’s largest food trade show in Dubai

The FoodPhilippines pavilion showcased premium, healthy, and halal-certified food products.
(CITEM photo)

MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) has generated over US$ 109 million in negotiated sales during the 21st Gulfood: Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire in Dubai.

CITEM through the country’s industry brand FoodPhilippines showcased premium, healthy, and Halal-certified products from 24 Philippine companies in the world’s largest annual food and hospitality trade show.

It was noted that the country’s best-selling products during the trade fair include rice and fresh bananas. Philippine rice products, noodles, coconut products and by-products, canned fruits, dried mangoes, canned seafood, fermented marine products, confectioneries, snacks, chips, sauces and condiments were also well-received by the Dubai market.

CITEM Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos said that there is great opportunity for the Philippine coffee in the Middle East market from the volume of inquiries on ground and whole beans in particular.

“With Gulfood as the world’s largest annual food and hospitality trade show, it opens up greater opportunities for local coffee bean growers, which can mean growth in the business,” added Gaetos.

According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, coffee prices only range from one to two US cents, but with proper branding and marketing, coffee price can be pegged at two to five US dollars.

Ready-to-drink coffee and tea are also fast growing beverage products in United Arab Emirates market.

FoodPhilippines unifies the promotional efforts of the government in overseas trade exhibitions and events to project one brand, one image, one voice.

Under this industry brand, the Philippines is positioned as Asia’s most exciting sourcing destination for food exports, being one of the world’s top exporters of fresh fruits and marine products.