Cover Discover food, flavours and culinary innovations from every corner of the country at IFEX Philippines (Photo: courtesy of IFEX Philippines)

This latest iteration of IFEX Philippines will highlight the country as a gateway to food and culinary innovations

Food has always played a central role in Philippine culture. It’s an integral part of our daily lives, from leisurely afternoon snacks to communal parties and fiestas. But above all, it also reveals the country’s rich biodiversity, which allows for a myriad of produce and ingredients to be present in our dishes. The 19th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines will once more highlight this authenticity from May 21 to 23 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

A rich variety of locally made artisanal products will be proudly showcased at IFEX Philippines, which will amplify and strengthen the country as a source of highly coveted tropical ingredients. “We are not just navigating global challenges,” Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director Leah Ocampo remarks. “We are defining the flavour profile of the future.”

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Above Hueza oatmeal almond crisps (Photo: courtesy of IFEX Philippines)
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Above Baken real bacon crisps (Photo: courtesy of IFEX Philippines)
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Above Theo & Philo chocolate (Photo: courtesy of IFEX Philippines)
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Above Likhang Filipino: A year-round showroom and retail space showcasing IFEX Philippines exhibitors and premium export products beyond the show floor (Photo: courtesy of IFEX Philippines)

Thanks to this robust gathering of international players and partnerships with trade facilitators like the Philippine International Trading Corporation, local and foreign exhibitors gain direct access to the world. These include qualified importers, retail giants and Hotel, Restaurant and Catering-specialised purchasers from the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Even smaller businesses and enterprises can fulfill large-scale global orders, making entry into the international scene seamless and cost-effective.

See more: March 2026 Dining Radar: new restaurants and cafés in Metro Manila

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Above The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines team (Photo: courtesy of IFEX Philippines)

This year’s edition will also feature IFEX Fiesta, an exclusive cocktail experience with a curated four-course menu designed to showcase the various applications of local ingredients from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It is a conscious celebration of our heritage and the immense talent and ingenuity of our chefs. Accompanying this culinary escapade is IFEX Live, a digital marketplace and live commerce stage that fosters an interactive buying experience. Together, these nicely complement IFEX Kitchen, a space for live demonstrations for premium ingredients and heritage crops, highlighting their potential and sheer versatility.

IFEX Philippines is an invaluable melting pot of exchange, showcasing the Philippines’ finest offerings to the world of food. More than this, however, it is an opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore new flavours, and for growing businesses to find yet-untapped palates.

To learn more about IFEX Philippines, visit them on Ifex Philippines on Facebook, @ifexphilippines on Instagram and on their website at ifexconnect.com/ifexphilippines

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Tobias Jared Tomas
Associate Editor for Branded Content and Tatler GMT, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Tobias Jared Tomas

About

Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles. 

He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.

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Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.