As proof that Filipino delicacies have an appeal to the Middle Eastern market, Philippine food enterprises delivered a remarkable performance in Gulfood 2026, generating over $125 million in total export sales and helping fulfill the growing demand for Filipino flavors among global buyers.

Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), the delegation of 25 companies presented premium, functional options in the prominent food and beverage sourcing event, which ran from 26 to 30 January in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

For the country’s 21st participation in Gulfood, the exhibitors were showcased under the banner of “FOODPhilippines,” a branding initiative led by DTI-CITEM to spotlight the country’s strengths and advantages as a sourcing destination.

In a statement on Friday, DTI-CITEM said the food expo delegation quickly gained momentum, recording $35 million in total sales on opening day.

By the show’s conclusion, the Philippines was able to produce $125.43 million in total export sales, attesting to the enduring appeal of Filipino flavors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

As in last year’s edition, the country’s top performer was Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc., a company offering fermented marine products such as bagoong and patis.

SL Agritech Corporation also held on to second place on the strength of their cavendish bananas and rice offerings. Ranking third was Fly Ace Corporation, which presented its competitive Tentay condiments.

“These results highlight the depth of our enterprises’ capabilities,” DTI-CITEM department manager Rowena Mendoza said. “Moreover, the figures prove the country, as a food sourcing destination, is more than equipped to make an impact on the global food export arena. CITEM intends to build on this momentum in future trade shows and connect more of our enterprises to high-value business opportunities.”

The Philippine exhibitors in Gulfood 2026 were BV&R Commodities Corp.; Fly Ace Corporation; Global FoodSolutions Inc.; Galinco; Krystle Exports Philippines Inc.; Lionheart Farms; Marbello’s Processed Foods; Marigold Manufacturing Corporation (Mama Sita’s); Marketreach International Resources; Mega Prime Foods Inc.; Ngosiok Marketing (Super Q); Oleo-Fats Inc.; Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp. (Philippines); Philippine Cinmic Industrial Corporation; Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc.; Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc.; P. Togo Corp.; Q-Phil International Trading; Sagrex Foods Inc. (Golden Saba); Sandpiper Spices and Condiments Corporation; See’s International Food Mfg. Corp.; SL Agritech Corporation; Sonya Garcia’s Secret Cottage Restaurant Inc.; 3 Sisters Homemade Banana Chips; and Yan Yan International Philippines Inc.

Support for food SMEs

The FOODPhilippines Pavilion opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walkthrough led by Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and officials of the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Operations Group.