Government-run food trade show IFEX Philippines 2022 successfully kicked off at the World Trade Center Metro Manila last month and welcomed nearly 6,000 local and foreign buyers and visitors from all over the world during the three-day event.

The activity also generated approximately US$100 million in export sales and P56 million in domestic sales as more than 300 Philippine exhibitors showcased thousands of premium Philippine food products.

Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform and vice chair Senator Imee Marcos graced the event to support the Department of Trade and Industry's thrust to uplift the country's food micro, small and medium food enterprises.

Deputy executive director Ma. Lourdes Mediran of CITEM — the promotions arm of DTI and event organizer — said that IFEX Philippines 2022 is designed to be "a site of reunion and rediscovery" where Philippine food companies and international buyers can reaffirm their partnerships and make new connections.

Visitors came primarily from the Philippines, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Australia.