Mindanao food firms to join international food exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - Mindanao-based food companies are set to participate next month in one of the biggest international food exhibits in Asia.

The food firms are attending the food fair in Japan with the support of the Philippine and United States governments.

Foodex Japan 2011, which will be held in Makuhari Messe, Chiba from March 1 to 4, will feature a 180-square-meter Philippine pavilion.

Ten of the 20 Filipino exhibitors attending Foodex Japan are Mindanao-based food companies engaged in the production and export of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables from the region.

Japan is Mindanao’s second largest export market, absorbing 18 percent of total Mindanao exports valued at approximately $452 million according to data from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

The Mindanao-based exhibitors will be participating in the food show through the joint efforts of USAID’s Growth with Equity In Mindanao (GEM) Program, the Departments of Agriculture and Trade and Industry.

The GEM Program, which is implemented under the oversight of MinDA, is one of the USAID-funded programs covered by the Mindanao Peace and Development Assistance agreement between the Philippines and the US.

These programs support peace and development in Mindanao, through assistance in infrastructure, agriculture development, workforce preparation, and private sector competitiveness, among others.

“Our support for this activity as the Philippine government counterpart is in line with our strong desire to enable Mindanao businesses to penetrate larger markets like Japan,” according to Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of MinDA.

Antonino explained that the promotion of trade and investment through international exhibits is one of the development strategies adopted by MinDA under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development framework. 

Last year, Foodex Japan attracted more than 80,000 visitors from about 75 countries.

The 10 Mindanao food companies heading to Japan include banana chips producers KF Nutri-Foods International Inc. (Padada, Davao del Sur), Four Seasons Fruits Corp. (Tagum City), See’s International Inc. (Davao City) and BG Fruits & Nuts Manufacturing Corp. (Cagayan de Oro City).

Also participating are Philippine Fresh Fruits Davao/Puyod Farms (Davao City), Southern Philippines Fresh Fruit Corp. (Davao City) and FEDCO, or the Federation of ARB/Banana Cooperatives (Davao City), a cavendish banana exporter.

The Mindanao delegation includes fruit processors Philippine Food International Inc. (Davao City), Stargate Enterprises and AgriNurture-Fruitilicious Inc. (Cagayan de Oro City). 

Foodex Japan is expected to help Mindanao food exporters penetrate major markets and establish links with buyers and potential business partners, as well as familiarize themselves with buying trends in Japan and other major international markets.

“This event will help us expand in Japan as we will be able to go directly to our markets now,” said Rene Dalayon, FEDCO chief executive officer.

He added that the exhibit will also be an opportunity for the Mindanao firms to explore new product lines, including alternative value-added products.