The 18th Philippine Food Expo (PFE), the country’s premier food and beverage trade show transformed the World Trade Center Metro Manila into a hub of Filipino flavors, innovation and business opportunities, welcoming an estimated total of over 26,000 visitors from April 17-19, 2026.
Spearheaded by the PHILFOODEX Inc. in collaboration with Cut Unlimited Inc as the Official Exhibition Manager, the expo brought together over 300 micro, small, medium enterprises that showcased regional and food craftsmanship from all over the archipelago.
With this year’s theme, “Feast of Philippine Flavors to the World,” the Philippine Food Expo featured an expanded exhibition floor, highlighted by the inclusion of country pavilions from Malaysia and India under the International Pavilion. This curated participation fostered greater cross-border collaboration and strengthened global market linkages, contributing to an estimated PhP 1,070,775,000.00 in both booked sales and indicative sales generated during the event’s 3-day run.
Throughout the three-day exhibition, visitors experienced a dynamic lineup of activities and insightful seminars that highlighted the country’s culinary heritage while promoting new innovative industry practices to adapt to today’s trends. At the heart of the expo, exhibitors engaged directly with trade buyers and fellow industry players while getting feedback from visitors, creating meaningful business connections.
The event commenced with the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the pavilions hosted by the Department of Agriculture, featuring the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). This was followed by a stirring performance from the Emilio Aguinaldo College Chorale, and an energetic presentation by Intenzyc of the University of Santo Tomas College of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
The formal opening ceremony was then led by esteemed representatives from government and industry, alongside international delegates—underscoring the strong partnerships and shared commitment among national and global stakeholders in advancing the agriculture sector.
Beyond the formal ceremonies, the PFE stage came alive with the interactive live cooking demos from culinary well-known personalities including Chef Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez, Chef Gerick Manalo, Chef Emily Peralta, Chef Chris Carangian, Chef JM Sunglao, Chef Wado Siman and Chef MJ Martinez. Attendees were able to witness innovative cooking techniques and well-crafted recipes, making the experience both educational and engaging.
A great comeback this year was “Flair Battle Philippines Flairbartending Competition” hosted by the Philippine Flairtending Tour, where professional bartenders showcased their impressive flairtending skills, technical precision, creativity and showmanship. Emerging as the champion was Mr. Joe Mari Castillo, who will represent the Philippines at the International Bartending Competition this July in Pattaya, Thailand.
A diverse mix of free seminars, workshop and talks led by industry experts and associations such as Chef Emily Peralta and Chef Chris Carangian, Department of Agriculture-High Value Crops Development Program, Department of Agriculture, GS1 Philippines, Association of Local Artisan Food and Other Producers of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology, University of Santo Tomas and Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc, providing valuable insights and facts about the food innovation and market trends for aspiring and established entrepreneurs.
The much-anticipated Culinary Challenges gathered the next-generation’s chefs from 45 schools nationwide, competed in nine different categories: Food Styling & Photography, Philippine Regional Table Setting, Healthy Pasta, Kitchen Masters, PINASarap Breakfast, Creative Filipino Dessert Platter, Mystery Ingredient, PFE Knowledge Challenge & UST Dream Team, in giving spotlight to the distinctive flavors of the Davao Cuisine. Capping off the event with the Awarding Ceremony that hailed Holy Angel University as this year’s Culinary Challenge Champion and other category winners named:
Other category winners included:
- Food Styling & Photography Champion: De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Antipolo City
- Philippine Regional Table Setting Champion: National University Fairview
- Healthy Pasta Champion: Jose Rizal University
- Kitchen Masters Champion: Holy Angel University
- PINASarap Breakfast Champion: La Flamme Bleue Center for Culinary Arts-Tuguegarao City
- Creative Filipino Dessert Platter Champion: University of Northern Philippines
- Mystery Ingredient Champion: Our Lady of Fatima University Pampanga
- Philippine Food Expo Knowledge Challenge Champion: La Consolacion College-Manila
- UST Dream Team Champion: University of Santo Tomas Team 5
The success of the expo was made possible through the strong collaboration and continued support from key institutions, partners, organizations and participating exhibitors. More than just an expo, PFE remains committed to strengthening the Philippine food industry by creating opportunities for innovation, trade development, and global market access.
As it continues to grow in scale and influence, the Philippine Food Expo remains a vital platform for showcasing Filipino culinary excellence, empowering MSMEs, and bringing Philippine flavors to a wider global audience.
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