Strategic innovation and tropical heritage took center stage at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition
Halls, the new home of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
(CITEM), as it hosted the Media Preview and KATHA Award for Food ceremony for the 19th
edition of IFEX Philippines happening this May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro
Manila in Pasay City.
Opening the festivities, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Al
Valenciano highlighted the strategic importance of the country’s small and medium
enterprises. He expressed that the Media Preview highlights the valuable contribution of the
country’s MSMEs, not just as producers, but leaders in growing the presence and strength of
Philippine food and tropical ingredients in the global food supply value chain.
IFEX Philippines champions the message, “Tropical Flavors for the World,” which celebrates
the vibrant and diverse natural richness of the country’s premier exports—from world-class
mango and pineapple to versatile showcases featuring coconut and heritage grains. These
flavors and ingredients served as the foundation for the KATHA Award for Food winners,
products recognized for their innovation, craft, and export-readiness. Their efforts to propel
the local industry forward and into the premium global scene are helping transform the
Philippines’ natural wealth into high-value offerings that continue to capture growing demand
in the global premium sourcing market.
Reflecting on the deeper mission of the trade show, Executive Director Leah emphasized
that the success of these innovations lies in the depth of their origins and the collective effort
of the community.
“We hope that you share not just the products, but the stories behind
them—the farmers that produce the crops, the processors that add value to them, the
exporters and entrepreneurs that bring them to wider markets, and the hard work,
industry, and passion that bring these flavors to life.”
role in amplifying the voice of the food community, helping bridge the gap between local MSMEs and global
market access.
Keeping the storytelling alive is the latest iteration of IFEX Kitchen, a collaborative space
featuring local and international chefs who have been championing local food in their
creations as they navigate their own roles in the Filipino diaspora. Some come from culinary
spaces that have been recognized in various industry awards, including the inaugural
MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026.
Part of the chef pairings for the Kitchen’s Gastronomic Exchange at the food trade show is
Chef Miggy Cabel Moreno, restaurant proprietor of Michelin Bib Gourmand selections Palm
Grill and Cabel. Specializing in Tausug cuisine, Chef Moreno is able to honor his childhood
and heritage while advocating the authentic flavor profiles of Mindanao dishes rich in
seafood, spices, and coconut. He is also helping expand the food horizons of this
Halal-friendly fare to more demographics, proving that traditional flavors have a solid place in
modern, innovative food and natural invitation for human connection across cultures.
and heard with Southern Mindanao food heritage being recognized and appreciated by more people, particularly for
Tausug cuisine.)
By integrating winning KATHA Award ingredients into world-class arrangements, the IFEX
Kitchen demonstrates that Filipino talent and tropical produce are intrinsic to the future of
global gastronomy, where traditional flavors can be elevated into modern, innovative
creations that resonate with international palates.
Wearing a new hat at IFEX Philippines is Abi Marquez, a multi-awarded food content creator.
Apart from being a FOODPhilippines Advocate par Excellence, Marquez is also part of the
distinguished board of judges for the KATHA Award. Her presence encapsulates how new
media can effectively communicate the quality, language, and imagination of food to a global
audience.
The following winners, created by a select group of established and emerging foodmakers,
have undergone a meticulous journey toward this celebration of excellence. KATHA Award
for FOOD Winners List 2026:
Best in Packaging Design
Innovative Breakthrough in Versatile Healthy Snacking
Other products that made it to the KATHA Award for Food Finalist List include: Barique
Premium Lambanog by Pasciolco Agri Ventures; Coco Crisps by Hueza Bakery; Don Hulyo
Hot Sauce by Mercado Foods and Sauces; Kik’s Tamarind Candy (Zero Added Sugar) by
Prime Global Corporation; Leches (Jams) by Golden Flavours Pastries and Gourmet Inc.,
Lubi Coconut Cookies by Golden Flavours Pastries and Gourmet Inc.; Szechjuan Chili-Garlic
Crisps by Mercado Foods and Sauces; Tá Tea Series by Herbanext Laboratories, Inc.,
UnMEAT Soup Line by Century Pacific Food Inc.; and Wangsil Turmeric Pickled
Radish-Pouch by Daebak Korean Food Trading.
By bridging the gap between local producers and global tables, IFEX Philippines 2026
continues to elevate the Philippine food industry, ensuring that every product tells a story
of heritage, resilience, and world-class ingenuity.
Trade buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, chefs, food industry professionals, and
advocates of Philippine food are invited to experience IFEX Philippines 2026 from May 21 to
23, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Register now and discover how
Philippine flavors are shaping new opportunities for the global food market.
