Local producers eye Taiwan mart

Local food producers are looking at expanding their exports to Taiwan despite the expected slowdown in overseas sales as a result of the global financial crisis.

The Philippines participated in the recently held business matching activity during the Taipei International Food Show/Outbound Business Matching (OBM) wherein Philippine firms scored $3 million in total sales.

“We want to promote the use of a business mission model that does not only generate export business for RP exporters, but also provides exposure to the latest technologies and requirements of particular markets,” Trade Senior Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino said.

“This way our exporters will be able to determine what they need to be competitive in the export market. Moreover, the business matchings are pre-arranged to increase the success rate of business missions,” Aquino added.   

Aside from promotion of products, the OBM acted as an opportunity for the RP food exporters to obtain first hand information about Taiwan’s consumption patterns, current product and packaging trends, and health requirements. 

The OBM consisted of 13 participating firms. The range of products that were promoted in the OBM included tropical fruit juices, purees, dried fruits, desiccated coconut, dried milk powder, pasta, vegetables, ice cream, sauces/mixes and condiments, sweets, confectionery products, cookies, snack foods, and food supplements.

The OBM was conducted in time for food-related fairs, namely: Food Technology Taiwan 2008 and Food Pack Taiwan. This enabled the participants of the OBM to gain first hand information on the latest technologies on food processing, packaging, and labeling. 

Through technology familiarization, members of the Philippine delegation met potential suppliers of processing and packaging equipment, which are needed in upgrading products and processes that are in turn prerequisites in the entry to and sustainable presence in the intended market.           — Elisa Osorio