Philippine Food Expo 2025 officially opens, celebrating flavors, innovation, and industry growth
Manila, Philippines – April 4, 2025 – The much-anticipated 17th Philippine Food Expo officially opened its doors today at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila, bringing together over 300 exhibitors and thousands of industry professionals, food lovers, and entrepreneurs in a vibrant celebration of Filipino food, innovation, and business. Organized by the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX), Inc., the three-day event runs until April 6 and showcases the depth and diversity of the Philippine food industry under one expansive roof.
Distinguished guests and dignitaries graced the Opening Ceremony of the 17th Philippine Food Expo held on April 4, 2025, at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. Leading the ceremony was Hon. Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, alongside key representatives from government, academe, and the private sector, including Ms. Angelica Roa-Yu of the Pasay City Government, Asec. Philip C. Young of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., President of PHILEXPORT, and Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL of the University of Santo Tomas. They were joined by PHILFOODEX President Mr. Ruben L. See and members of the PHILFOODEX Board of Directors, together with foreign ambassadors, consuls, PCCI directors, and PHILEXPORT trustees, in a collective show of support for the continued growth of the Philippine food industry.
A National Showcase of Economic Impact and Innovation
Held in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Development Council, and PHILEXPORT, the Philippine Food Expo 2025 is a collaborative effort to champion Filipino food, drive trade opportunities, and boost agricultural growth. Now on its 17th year, the Philippine Food Expo has firmly established itself as the country’s leading all-Filipino food and beverage trade show. But the Expo is more than just an exhibition – it is a national showcase of innovation and collaboration that makes a significant impact on our economy. Results from the Expo translate into real economic gains, as the connections and deals forged here help drive investments, generate employment, and strengthen local enterprises.
By bringing producers and markets together, the Expo plays a vital role in boosting agricultural sector growth and opening new doors for international trade. It empowers Filipino businesses to secure partnerships and export deals, placing more Philippine-made products on the global stage. Each successful transaction contributes directly to the income of farmers and entrepreneurs, reinforces rural development, and fuels agro-industrial progress, solidifying agriculture’s role as a pillar of the Philippine economy.
Diverse Exhibitor Lineup Across Multiple Sectors
The expo features a dynamic range of product lines including:
- Food & Beverage: From frozen meats and dim sum to trail mix, artisan pastries, local sauces, and ready-to-eat delicacies.
- Health & Organic Products: Herbal capsules, organic honey, plant-based supplements, and locally made juices.
- Hospitality, Tourism & Services: Hotel suppliers, tourism groups, travel packages, media content creators, and hospitality schools.
- Packaging & Equipment: Commercial kitchen tools, packaging machines, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Technology & Utilities: POS systems, software, air and water purifiers, ride-hailing apps, and third-party labs.
- Retail & Trade: Franchises, FMCGs, logistics providers, grocery distributors, and retailers.
- Associations & Government Agencies: Represented by the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, and Halal certification bodies, among others.
Opening Day Highlights: Competitions, Talks, and Culinary Excellence
The first day of the expo delivered a full lineup of engaging programs:
- Philippine Regional Table Setting Competition and Kitchen Masters set the stage for culinary talent.
- Healthy Pasta Competition and Ube for Every Craving with Abigail Marquez put the spotlight on innovation and tradition.
- Trending Desserts with Chef Emily Peralta and the Healthy Beverage Seminar by Chef Christopher Carangian delighted both chefs and home bakers.
- Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP) hosted a seminar focused on the Latest Trends in Catering and Food Service.
More to Come: A Weekend of Flavor and Innovation
Over the next two days, expo-goers can expect:
- April 5: Day two of the expo promises an exciting array of events including the PINASarap Breakfast Competition, showcasing modern twists on classic Filipino morning fare, and the Taste the 100% Fresh Meat segment by Our Farms. Attendees will also gain insights at GS1 Philippines’ seminar on “Creating TRUST in eCommerce, MSMEs, and the Global Migration to 2D,” which tackles traceability and digital commerce standards. Chef Emily Peralta returns with her session on The Secrets of Pavlova Cakes, while Chef Nathaniel Uy demonstrates Fusion Dishes Made Easy using Premium Choice Meats. The day also features Judging for the Food Styling and Photography Competition, the Modern Filipino Dessert Competition, and insightful cultural seminars by Mr. Jose Pepito Alvarez and Mr. Richie Gielbys B. Cavinta focusing on Ilokano heritage and the San Nicolas culture-based governance program. Culinary demonstrations continue with Filipino Heritage Cuisine by Razorchef Philippines, European at Home by Chef Jose Sarasola, and Modern Filipino Cuisine by Chef Ruben Ignacio Jr. Meanwhile, business-minded attendees can take part in the Usapang Agribiz Investment Forum organized by the Department of Agriculture, as well as the PHILFOODEX General Membership Meeting.
- April 6: The final day kicks off with the Philippine Food Expo Knowledge Challenge, followed by Mastering Halal Certification, a seminar from the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc., offering valuable guidance on achieving certification from farm to fork. The competitive spirit continues with the Mystery Ingredient Competition, pushing chefs to their creative limits. Chef Emily Peralta leads an intensive French Patisserie Workshop, and Eurofins presents a crucial seminar on Food Safety Trends and Emerging Contaminants. The event concludes with the Culinary Challenge Awarding Ceremony, honoring the exceptional talent and innovation demonstrated throughout the expo.
A Strong Finish to an Empowering Celebration
The Philippine Food Expo 2025 is more than a trade show—it’s a national platform uniting local innovation, culinary artistry, and global market potential. From forging investment opportunities to uplifting MSMEs, every aspect of the expo reinforces the Philippines’ growing influence in the global food and beverage arena. As the event draws to a close, attendees, exhibitors, and partners alike can walk away with not just valuable insights and new connections, but with a renewed sense of pride and purpose in advancing the Filipino food sector. With each successful transaction, showcase, and conversation, the Philippine Food Expo continues to shape the future of our local industries—one proudly Filipino product at a time.
📍 April 4–6, 2025
📍 World Trade Center, Metro Manila
📩 Inquiries: Contact Exhibition Manager Cut Unlimited at [email protected] | (02) 8363 4900 / 8362 2266
📱 Follow us on Facebook @PhilippineFoodExpo | Instagram @philfoodexpo
#PhilippineFoodExpo2025 #SupportLocal #FoodInnovation #B2BNetworking #TasteThePhilippines
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