In a bid to increase market presence in Japan, three Filipino food brands will showcase their quality food products alongside other ASEAN countries in the 2010 ASEAN Food and Beverage Trade Mission with Business Meetings, reported the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Prime food manufacturers from the Philippines will showcase their uniquely interesting food products in a special two-week exhibition this September 27 to October 8 at the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

HDR Foods Corporation, a trusted manufacturer of flavorful seasonings and condiments; Raw Brown Sugar Milling Company, developer of muscovado healthy sugar; and Aiza's Sweets, makers of traditionally Filipino sugary pleasures, will represent the Philippines in this gathering of palatable food ideas from ASEAN member countries. The presence of the Philippine food manufacturers in the event strategically establish a foothold in the discriminating Japanese market.

"Among participating countries, Filipinos are the best English speakers, an advantage in making business," shared by Go Matsuura, Assistant Director, Trade Division of the ASEAN Japan Center.
Tadashi Ebihara, an expert from S&B foods Inc., a leading manufacturer and exporter of food products from Japan, expressed that the quality of the SME production management here in the Philippines is better than what he had expected, a testament that Filipino manufacturers really give importance to quality and is at par with the world's best.

Based on the product focus that covers seafood snacks, biscuits and pastries, herbal and ginger tea, and corn snacks, ASEAN Japan experts and representatives selected the participating companies through a stringent selection process that considers international standards and the company’s potential to capture the interest of the Japanese mainstream market.

HDR Foods, known as Mother's Best in the Philippines, is popular for their hot sauces and condiments. In the industry already for 31 years, HDR Foods exports its products to various countries such as the USA, Middle East, Guam, Australia and Canada.

Aiza's Sweets has three sites in Pampanga, maintained and equipped to bake delightful desserts such as pastillas (milk candy) in various flavors, and cashew marzipan (sweet cashew). They export their products to Canada and the US.

Raw Brown Sugar produces pure and healthy muscovado through the highest standards of food safety such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points). The muscovado sugar is processed the natural way providing a healthy sweetener alternative not just for the health conscious but for consumers of all ages.

The Philippine participation is led by CITEM and is also part of the international promotions for the annual International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines to be held on 12 -14 May 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.