The Philippines looks to export at least $90 million worth of halal food as it returns as exhibitor to this year’s Gulfood fair in Dubai from 17-21 February.

The Philippine delegation, which will promote the country’s top halal-certified food selections, will be led by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

The exhibitors will include 23 export champions under the industry brand FOODPhilippines, to feature products including processed fruits and vegetables, marine products, coconut products, ethnic and gourmet products among others.

With the growing number of halal food producers in the Philippines, this participation is part of DTI’s strategic move to elevate our local exporters in the global halal food chain with our premium food and beverages.

Gulfood, or the Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire, is held annually at the Sheikh Rahid Hall of the Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates. Its food fair last year saw the participation of 98,000 visitors and 5,000 exhibitors from 198 countries across the globe.

The Philippines generated $89.7 billion worth of sales during its last participation at the Gulfood, propelled by best-selling products such as coconuts and its by-products; rice, mangoes, canned fruits, canned seafood and fermented marine products, according to DTI-CITEM.

“As one of the world’s biggest stages on food trade, Gulfood will enable the Philippine firms to further tap into the immense opportunities in the MENA (Middle East and North African) region since it will give them access to buyers, stakeholders and notable personalities in the global food and hospitality sector,” DTI-CITEM executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan stated.

“With the growing number of halal food producers in the Philippines, this participation is part of DTI’s strategic move to elevate our local exporters in the global halal food chain with our premium food and beverages.”

According to CITEM, food and beverages account for 62 percent of the total $2.6 trillion value of the international halal market. Pharmaceuticals make up 22 percent, followed by cosmetics and personal care at 10 percent and nutraceutical at 6 percent.

“This participation also aims to widen the Philippines’ market reach and influence in the international halal network as the country further asserts itself in this lucrative market by aligning its halal-accreditation systems and institutions,” added Suaco-Juan.

Meanwhile, the trade agency said that it is eyeing for halal to become a major industry in the country due to factors such as the rising demand for halal products even in non-Muslim markets, as well as increased awareness of availability, increased number of certifiers and the growth of e-commerce.