From machinery to ceramic knives

The recently-concluded World Food Expo 2010 (WOFEX) was mounted by Premier Events Plus Group at two venues, apparently due to the increased number of exhibitors that ranged from state-of-the-art machinery to the very novel ceramic knives. While strengthening their partnership with regular clients, WOFEX also encouraged those who are planning or hesitant to go into the food business to take the gamble and aim for success.   

We went through the equipment display first at the World Trade Center and got overwhelmed by the different types of machinery one can get to produce various food products. First in a row of suppliers was Yama Water Incorporated offering to water station operators the 21K RO Series/18 Stages Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System, a program that has been developed jointly in the US and Taiwan. The equipment, made in Taiwan, produces what they call energy water with the choice of incorporating alkaline. This, however, is good only for a day, meaning the alkaline loses it potency in 24 hours. If interested, call 559-0473.

For those wanting to sell siomai, siopao and other dumplings, Qnix International Corporation’s CE Quickly Gas Steamer can be the answer. This replaces the traditional bamboo steamer. Equipped with automatic controls, this lessens steaming time. Call 243-6130. The company has acquired both the US and Thai Invention patents.

Designer’s Den Limited, tel. no 351-5661, makes display racks, gondolas, food karts/kiosks, counters and exhibition booths, among others. And for bigger establishments, cold storage structures, which are pre-engineered, are built with pre-fabricated building components by Isteel Inc. based in Bagong Ilog, Pasig, tel. no. 611-4022. Baking tools are offered by Gourdo’s such as cupcake stands, good for 32 pieces at P3,500, plus turntables and cutters.

At the SMX, the second venue, were food elements and products, either for supplying stores or sold in karts/kiosks. The new ceramic knives will be a big investment for a private kitchen at a price range that starts from P4,500. Possmei International Co. Ltd. is selling the new bubble tea concept, which to our mind is a take-off from the familiar sagu, only they have innovated on flavor and added a crackling element in the Popping Boba variant. Call 697-2743. Everything on Sticks is exactly that – crab eggrolls, crab claws, nuggets, kikiam, and even balut are all on sticks. They promise a return of investment in 12 to 18 months. 

Honkley Food Products Inc. (tel. 447-7882) reckons with 30 years of manufacturing (locally) different types of noodles, claiming 90 percent of the market. We tried the Ramen Gold, selling in supermarkets for P50 a pack of 200 gms, and found it easy to cook as it only needs boiling after which any topping could be added.

The gentleman behind the Meyer/Jacksonville counter claims that the US has the best meat, even while this can be contested by Australia, New Zealand and maybe Japan. On their display were natural Angus beef and sausages (smoked bratwurst, beddar cheddar, Polish sausage and hotlinks). They are available at Robinsons and SM Hypermart for P325 a pack. American poultry also found its way to this Expo, just as their meats did. One brand is Ansley seafood and meat.

We met two personable students of American Hospitality Academy (AHA) Philippines who were manning their booth at the Expo. They told us US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. did some cooking in their recent anniversary celebration. Culinary enthusiasts might want to meet New York master pastry chef and cake designer Toba Garrett who will be visiting the county in October, presiding over a series of baking classes at AHA. Inquire from the Academy, tel. 982-7372.   

Another culinary school we found in the Expo is ISCAHM (International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management) with an announcement that their curriculum now includes the Australian Certificate III in Culinary Arts and Patisserie, as well as Diploma in Pastry and Bakery Arts and Kitchen Management. The future for employment in Australia and New Zealand is bright for those who would take up these courses. Direct inquiries at tel. 426-7672.

Now is not too early to look at the prospects of good business during the coming Christmas season. Check the beautiful collection of RM Boxes for gift cakes, pastries etc. Call 713-9181.

This is not quite food-related, but surely a lot of homemakers like us will delight in the announcement that President Noynoy Aquino does not want his photo or name on projects initiated by his office. High time we are spared of seeing public servants’ initials/names/pictures on lamp posts, on infrastructure development, etc. all of which are financed not by them personally but by the people’s money. Hurray, P-Noy!

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