Madrid Fusion Manila showcases agri goods

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to showcase top agricultural products of the Philippines in the prestigious Spanish gastronomy congress Madrid Fusión that would be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from April 24 to 26, 2015.

Agriculture undersecretary for Special Concerns Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the agency would put up a booth in the event where the country’s top agricultural exports would be exhibited.

Among the products to be exhibited are coconut and its by-products such as coco sugar and coconut oil, heirloom rice, coffee, cacao, mango, pineapple, banana, dalandan, kalamansi, chocolates, cheeses, wines, nuts, preserves, and tuna.

“We will also showcase products that are only found in the Philippines such as batuan, sua, kamias and adlai, among others,” Puyat said.

This is the first time that Madrid Fusión would be held in Asia.

Held annually in Spain since 2003, Madrid Fusión brings together renowned chefs and top food suppliers from all over the world.

Madrid Fusión Manila, through the DA, would also feature lunch menus that would feature signature dishes from various regions in the country and the local ingredients used.

“For the regional lunches, we will be showcasing all the top dishes from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao using our top export products,” Puyat said.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the department’s participation in the event would be an opportunity to introduce Filipino products in mainstream global cuisine.

“This could link producers of high-quality agricultural products – especially artisanal and organic – to potential markets within and outside the country,” Alcala said.

Madrid Fusión Manila is a joint partnership among the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), along with Madrid Fusión organizers Foro de Debate and Arum Estrategias de Internacionalización.