Rowegie Abanto

Article (news)

IFEX

Stanley Palisada

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778824875232692695427_847380837809894_8839793988525647238_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/> PH food exports pivot to value and narrative at IFEX 2026. Stanley Palisada, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — The 19th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines marks a turning point for the nation&#x27;s food exports. While tropical staples remain a focus, the 2026 event emphasizes high-value processing and sustainable manufacturing to meet shifting global demands.  The global market is moving away from raw commodities. International distributors, especially in Europe and North America, now hunt for &quot;functional&quot; products—items that offer specific health benefits, such as organic ingredients and gourmet heritage goods.This shift allows local producers to escape volatile bulk pricing and enter stable, premium retail markets.  Trade is becoming story-driven. Today’s consumers view food as a way to connect with different cultures and ethical standards. For Filipino exporters, a product’s origin and the tradition behind it are now as marketable as the taste itself.&quot;Filipino food needs a reason,&quot; said Raine Cabral-Laysico, IFEX curator. &quot;People are finally showcasing the &#x27;why&#x27; behind the food. A unique story is something nobody can replicate.&quot;By highlighting ethical practices and heritage, local brands are meeting the global demand for transparency and authentic connection.Eco-friendly operations are no longer optional. This year, IFEX is co-located with the Sustainability Solutions Exchange, reflecting a global mandate for green trade. International buyers now prioritize products with biodegradable packaging and businesses that utilize circular technologies to reduce waste.For many exporters, adopting these low-carbon manufacturing standards is no longer just a choice but a necessity for securing long-term international contracts.  <div> </div><div>BUILDING GLOBAL TRUST</div>Transparency is the new currency of trade. Modern buyers demand digital traceability to prove ethical sourcing and fair-trade practices. By using digital platforms for verification, Filipino exporters are proving they can compete in a market that values accountability as much as quality.  Running from May 21 to 23, 2026, IFEX serves as the industry’s compass. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the event provides small and medium enterprises with the technical training and international links needed to reach global shelves.  &quot;Our theme, &#x27;Tropical Flavors to the World,&#x27; takes pride in what we bring to the table,&quot; said CITEM Executive Director Leah Ocampo. &quot;Philippine tropical products remain among the most sought-after in the world.&quot;The industry is riding a wave of significant momentum. Following a strong 2025 performance that generated over US$740 million in potential export sales, projections for 2026 remain bullish as demand for high-value coconut oil and fresh fruits surges.Currently, the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands stand as the top three global buyers, with the Netherlands serving as a critical gateway for Philippine tropical oils and fats into the European market. This growth is bolstered by a 26 percent increase in banana export volumes and a 14 percent rise in pineapple shipments, positioning the Philippines to solidify its status as a premier global food source.

The 19th International Food Exhibition Philippines marks a turning point for the nation's food exports. While tropical staples remain a focus, the 2026 event emphasizes high-value processing and sustainable manufacturing to meet shifting global demands.

The 19th International Food Exhibition Philippines marks a turning point for the nation's food exports. While tropical staples remain a focus, the 2026 event emphasizes high-value processing and sustainable manufacturing to meet shifting global demands.

Beyond the commodity: PH food exports pivot to value and narrative at IFEX 2026

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Beyond the commodity: PH food exports pivot to value and narrative at IFEX 2026

Stanley Palisada,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 15, 2026 02:19 PM PHT

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International Food Exhibition

IFEX

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