DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque highlighted the fair as a critical engine for growth, noting that these local businesses are the backbone of a resilient economy, with many participants, including former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have successfully transitioned into world-class “food-preneurs.”
The NFF served as a strategic hub for business development, facilitating long-term partnerships through the DTI Business Connect Lounge. Visitors were treated to a sensory feast of cooking demonstrations and interactive product tastings, while exhibitors received vital recognition, such as the DTI MIMAROPA region, which earned the Overall Top Performing Region Award for its outstanding sales.