Last March 26, 2026, the Philippine Food Expo (PFE) held an important exhibitors’ briefing at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, serving as a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming 18th edition of the country’s premier food and beverage trade event. This gathering brought together representatives from various companies, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, exporters, and retailers, all united by the goal of showcasing the vibrant and diverse flavors of the Philippines. Held in the Luna and Hidalgo Function Rooms on the mezzanine level of the WTCMM Building in Pasay City, the event provided an essential platform for exhibitors to receive vital information, network, and coordinate their efforts for a successful expo scheduled from April 17 to 19, 2026.

The program began with registration, and the issuance of exhibitor kits, which included IDs, gate passes, and complimentary tickets. Following this, the attendees participated in a series of important sessions, starting with welcome remarks from Mr. Ruben L. See, president of PhilFoodex, Inc., who emphasized the importance of unity and thorough preparation to make PFE 2026 a memorable event. Ms. Aprille Robles, the Project Director, outlined the house rules and guidelines to ensure smooth operations during the expo. Ms. Ranille de Luna from the World Trade Center shared venue policies and operational procedures, while Ms. Chaira Bermudez from Centrex Corporation explained the role of the official contractor to assist exhibitors with setup and breakdown logistics. Marketing strategies were also discussed by Ms. Jaq Bautista, highlighting the importance of promoting the event and ensuring visibility for participating brands.

The briefing concluded with an open forum where exhibitors could ask questions and clarify concerns, followed by closing remarks from Ms. Mayose Gozon-Bautista, the president and chief executive officer of Cut Unlimited, Inc., who encouraged everyone to remain committed to making the event successful. As the 2026 edition of PFE approaches, organizers are excited to expand the event’s scope by launching its first International Pavilions, welcoming exhibitors from Malaysia and India. This move aims to foster cross-border collaborations, open new trade opportunities, and elevate Filipino cuisine on a global platform. Despite these international efforts, the expo remains firmly rooted in promoting regional Filipino cuisines, with past editions highlighting flavors from regions like Ilocos. The upcoming event promises to continue this tradition while also showcasing modern culinary innovations.

Culinary demonstrations featuring renowned chefs such as Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez, Gerick Manalo, Emily Peralta, and JM Sunglao will offer audiences a closer look at Filipino cooking techniques and contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes. The popular Culinary Challenges will return with over 43 schools participating in a competition centered on Davao’s flavors, serving as a vital platform for emerging culinary talents and regional representation. Additionally, the Philippine Flair Tour, a flair bartending competition, will add an energetic and entertaining element to the event, highlighting the skills of professional bartenders from across the country.

As the event draws nearer, both organizers and exhibitors are working diligently to ensure a seamless and impactful expo. PFE 2026 aims to be a celebration of Filipino culinary artistry, industry growth, and global outreach—bringing together stakeholders from all sectors of the food industry to create opportunities, forge new partnerships, and promote the rich flavors of the Philippines worldwide. For the latest updates and more information, interested individuals are invited to visit the official Philippine Food Expo social media pages. Overall, the 2026 edition promises to be a remarkable celebration of Filipino flavors on the global stage.

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The event was not just about exhibitions; it was a hub of knowledge exchange, featuring expert-led discussions, live product demonstrations, and strategic networking opportunities. Prominent speakers such as Jayson Lo, Ric Gindap, Cristalle Belo-Pitt, and Chinkee Tan shared their insights on entrepreneurship, branding, leadership, and personal resilience, inspiring attendees to pursue growth with renewed vigor. The PHILSME Business Conference served as a cornerstone of the event, providing attendees with actionable strategies and innovative ideas to adapt to the evolving market demands.

Among the highlights was the recognition of active entrepreneurs and community builders through the PHILSME Business Network’s awards, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support within the SME community. The presence of major corporate participants like GCash for Business, Cignal TV Inc., and JRS Dynamics further enriched the event’s offerings, while the Malaysian Pavilion by MATRADE facilitated valuable cross-border collaborations, opening doors for Filipino SMEs to explore international markets.

Supported by a robust roster of sponsors—Platinum, Gold, and Silver—the expo delivered exceptional value, offering a comprehensive platform for business growth, partnerships, and industry innovation. As PHILSME 2025 wrapped up, organizers announced plans for their next event scheduled for October 2025 at SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong. This upcoming gathering promises to continue fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among startups and emerging businesses, ensuring that PHILSME remains a vital catalyst for the growth and resilience of the Philippine SME sector.

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