MANILA, Philippines — As the local F&B industry expands internationally, Filipinos have come to prove their innate prowess in creating quality food products and services that cater to the global market.
Now on its 12th year, the Manila Food and Beverage Expo, or simply MAFBEX 2018, seeks to empower the Filipino F&B trade further by showcasing the freshest and finest “glocal” products from across the country throughout its five-day run.
Aptly tagged as the “Ultimate Foodventure,” MAFBEX will take visitors on a delicious journey around the world as it is set to house 500 booths by 300 exhibitors hailing from all over the Philippines as well as countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam.
In bringing together a dynamic selection of food and beverage brands from various regions in the country and presenting it side by side with international presentations, MAFBEX 2018 is also expected to promote the world-class quality of the local F&B industry and likewise bridge the gap between local and foreign trade networks.
Curious about what’s in store at MAFBEX 2018? Here’s a little teaser of the “glocal” food and beverage finds that await at the biggest food event of the year.
1. Taiwanese pastries (Taiwan)
Taiwanese pastries, biscuits and health snacks. Released
Apart from its beautiful sceneries, Taiwan is known for its luscious and succulent pastries. Dessert and pastry fans are sure to enjoy sampling a wide range of traditional Taiwanese pastries and candied fruits like pineapple shortcakes and other biscuits and health snacks to be presented by the Corporate Synergy Development Center.
Borne out of a partnership forged between MAFBEX and Taiwan, the participation of select Taiwanese companies at this year’s edition of MAFBEX is in line with the One Town One Product (OTOP) program mobilized by the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, an organization functioning under the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs.
An economic strategy adapted from Japan, the OTOP program is viewed as an effective and inclusive way to promote local companies in Taiwan and their respective homegrown products that capture the rich tradition and unique artistry of the Taiwanese people. Through MAFBEX, Taiwan hopes to shine a brighter light on its culinary heritage.
2. Red Ginseng (South Korea)
Korea Red ginseng pure extract. Released
A product famous among those who are fans of Koreanovelas, Red Ginseng by Haetter Co. is a nutritious food supplement that can be consumed on the go. Featuring extracts derived from six-year-old red ginseng, red Reishi and honey, the Red Ginseng supplement functions well to protect the liver and detoxify alcohol, control diabetes, normalize blood pressure, prevent atherosclerosis, as well as improve overall stamina and endurance.
3. Trung Nguyen Coffee (Vietnam)
Vietnam's premium quality intant coffee. Released
Vietnam is known for being the world’s biggest producer of strong-flavored robusta beans and for over 20 years, Trun Nguyen has been a global leader in the production of premium quality instant coffee as well as roasted and grounded coffee.
4. Regional fare
Committed to showcase the best regional food items from across the country, MAFBEX also teamed up with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to handpick select regional specialties to be presented at this year’s show.
As part of its efforts to support small and medium local enterprises across the country and introduce their unique F&B products to a global market, MAFBEX, with the help of DA and BFAR, managed to gather 48 exhibitors which will occupy around 90 square meters of the total event venue.
Crab paste from Camarines Sur by the Cagbunga Crab Paste Producers Associations of Gainza. Released
Spanish-style sardines from Masbate by Ticao Masbate Products. Released
Among the products to be exhibited are spicy appetizers from Pangasinan by Farmer’s Delight Products; Spanish-style sardines from Masbate preserved in corn or olive oil by Ticao Masbate Products; Crab paste from Camarines Sur by the Cagbunga Crab Paste Producers Associations of Gainza; and Chocoliz from Bulacan by Saret Organic Farmville, which is a minimally processed cacao bar that purposely retains the bean’s natural character.
At MAFBEX 2018, expect a wonderful food journey that consists of the best and most progressive flavors from the local and international F&B industry.
Organized by MAFBEX Events Management, a subsidiary of Worldbex Services International, the 12th Manila Food and Beverage Expo is happening on June 13 to 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the World Trade Center Manila.
For more information, follow @mafbex.ph on instagram and the Manila Food and Beverage Expo fan page on facebook or call (02) 6569239 or email info.worldbex@gmail.com.