Manila FAME generates $6.6 million in export sales

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines generated $6.6 million worth of export sales from Manila FAME, the premiere trade show for design and lifestyle, according to the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a statement yesterday, the DTI-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said the figure is 51 percent higher than Manila Fame’s face-to-face edition in 2019.

“Coconut slippers from exhibitor Everything Green emerged as the top-selling export product with more than $3.3 million in negotiated sales,” CITEM said.

 Coconut slippers were featured under the Coconut Pavilion, a collaboration of CITEM with the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) in an effort to make use of the rather discarded husk of the abundant natural material.

Manila Fame was participated by over 200 local exhibitors of home, fashion, and lifestyle products and attracted more than 4,000 local and international visitors.

Aside from the export sales, the trade show also generated P44.7 million in domestic sales.

Dubbed as a launching pad of Filipino manufacturers and artisans, the trade show held from Oct. 19 to 21 opened with the global promotion of locally made export-quality products.

With the conclusion of the country’s premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products last October, international buyers and patrons can now look forward to seeing selected local exhibitors joining overseas trade fairs starting early next year under the banner DESIGNPhilippines,” CITEM said.

Various Philippine furniture and lighting brands and visual artists are set to join the upcoming Paris-based trade show Maison et Objet on Jan. 18 to 22, 2024.

In addition, the successful debut of Antique and Quirino provinces in Manila FAME 2023 has prepared them for international participation, along with other seasoned manufacturers, in the upcoming trade fair Ambiente in Frankfurt, Germany on Jan. 26 to 30, 2024, according to the CITEM.

CITEM executive director Edward Fereira encouraged industry stakeholders to “keep the momentum and continue elevating Philippine enterprises as they try reaching various markets around the world.

During the opening of the trade show, Fereira highlighted the agency’s efforts in helping Filipino talent and enterprises to connect with the right people and open more avenues for businesses to grow.