Phl firms in good position to tap EU food market

MANILA, Philippines - Local food companies are in a position to expand their presence in Asia amid increasing demand for food in the region, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said.

The ECCP’s Fairs & More Inc. (FMI), a leading trade fair organizer in the country, said there are opportunities for Philippine food firms to expand in Asia as the region’s demand is expected to grow.

FMI noted that the region is projected to account for the bulk of the 35-percent increase in food demand by 2025.

The world food retail industry is estimated to be worth $4 trillion annually.

Philippine food firms’ participation in international trade fairs is a way to expand their presence in the region.

Late last month, the FMI together with the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions brought 20 Philippine food companies to the ThaiFex World of Food Asia, considered as one of the leading business platform for food companies in the region.

Among the Philippine companies FMI brought to ThaiFex were Agrinurture Inc., Brand Exports Philippines, Chef Tony’s, Chocovron Global Corp., Gem Foods Int. Inc., Global Food Solutions Inc., Handyware Philippines Inc., KSK Food Products, Mama Sita’s/Marigold Manufacturing Corp., Mega Fishing Corp., MFP Home for Quality Food Corp., Monde Nissin Corp., Pearl Foods Int. Inc., Philippine Grocers Food Exports Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc., See’s Int. Food Mfg. Corp., and Super Q Golden Bihon.

Sure Marketing Co. Inc. and the Philippine Coffee Board were also at the World of Seafood and World of Coffee and Tea pavilions, respectively.

The ThaiFex was seen as a right venue for Philippine companies to gain a stronger foothold as well as expand in the region given the visitor traffic and number of decision makers present during the event.

“Their participation in the expo is one of steps they are taking in introducing local food companies outside the country,” FMI said.

“The Philippines is in a position to compete in Asia on certain food products including processed foods, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, fruit and vegetable drinks, food preserves, noodles, pastry ingredients, and condiments,” it added.

Last year, FMI took 22 Philippine firms to the Anuga fair in Germany and introduced energy drinks, coconut water and organic products to the European market.