The 19th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) 2025 has successfully concluded, marking another milestone in the Philippines’ premier food and beverage industry event. Held from June 11 to 15 at the World Trade Center in Manila, the expo drew an impressive crowd of industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts, reaffirming its status as the region’s leading F&B showcase.
The event was officially inaugurated with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Honorable Senator Mark Villar as the keynote speaker, alongside other prominent figures such as Honorable Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Francisco Laurel, Jr., represented by Assistant Secretary Philip C. Young, and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, represented by Ms. Angelica Roa-Yu. The ceremony also featured Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., who expressed her appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Worldbex Services International, the event’s organizer.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees enjoyed a lively opening act with Chef Abi Marquez, who showcased her culinary talent through a live demonstration of her signature dish, “Puto Maya with Hot Chocolate Batirol.” Throughout the five-day expo, visitors experienced a dynamic lineup of activities including live cooking demonstrations, industry talks, product launches, and exciting competitions. Highlights such as the Culinary Cup: Home Chef, Latte Art Competition, YHE Competitions, and the Philippine National Coffee Competitions (PNCC) in the Brew District captivated audiences, emphasizing the industry’s innovation and creativity.
MAFBEX 2025 also featured a diverse array of exhibitors, ranging from leading local F&B companies to international participants from countries such as South Korea, Japan, Poland, Belarus, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These exhibitors showcased cutting-edge products, culinary techniques, and business opportunities, reinforcing the expo’s reputation as a global platform for growth and collaboration in the F&B sector. Special events like the Chefs of the World showcase, highlighted by Chef Abi Marquez’s culinary demo, further elevated the event’s appeal, offering attendees a taste of world-class cuisine.
MAFBEX 2025 proved to be a resounding success, demonstrating the resilience and innovative spirit of the Philippine food and beverage industry. With its vibrant activities, international participation, and robust industry engagement, the expo continues to serve as a vital platform for showcasing the Philippines’ culinary potential to a global audience. As the event wrapped up, it left a lasting impression of the country’s thriving F&B scene and its bright future ahead.
