The country’s premier food export trade show, IFEX Philippines, returns for its 19th edition on May 21 to 23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the event serves as the Philippines’ flagship platform for connecting local food producers with international buyers.
The timing carries added significance: the Philippines currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026, positioning IFEX as a showcase of Philippine food innovation at a moment of heightened regional visibility. “We are not just navigating global challenges; we are defining the flavor profile of the future,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo.
Last year’s edition drew over 10,000 buyers and visitors from more than 50 countries, with 580 exhibitors generating US$80 million in export sales. CITEM’s broader 2025 initiatives hit over US$740 million in potential export sales.
The 2026 edition introduces several new features. IFEX FIESTA is an exclusive VIP cocktail dinner showcasing a four-course menu built around ingredients from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. IFEX LIVE: Deals on Demand transforms product showcasing into a real-time digital marketplace and live commerce experience. The Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) returns with a focus on eco-friendly packaging, green technology, and a new Start-up Pitching Competition connecting sustainable MSMEs with investors.
Returning components include IFEX Kitchen — now repositioned as a strategic ideation hub — alongside G-Mart for retail and private-label matching, IFEX Talks for industry knowledge sessions, and the KATHA Award for Food recognizing excellence across 10 categories including functional foods and plant-based alternatives.
The show spans dedicated halls for Philippine brands, an International Hall for foreign exhibitors, and a Marketplace for direct retail purchases. Year-round B2B networking continues through IFEXConnect, the event’s digital platform.
For more information or to register, visit ifexconnect.com.
