IFEX Philippines featured 267 food and beverage companies from all over the Philippines. They were selected based on their proven capability to deliver products and services that meet strict standards and hygienic codes of practice. They and their products represented the country’s wealth of natural resources and bountiful fishing grounds that yield a diverse variety of food items that have broad appeal, according to Madulid.
The three-day expo was visited by 2,504 trade buyers from different countries and 13,497 general public. Out of the 2,504 buyers, 111 were foreign and 64 wre encouraged to visit the show through the Very Important Buyer (VIB) program. This program provides assistance to select buyers through subsidized hotel accommodation, prearranged business meetings, airport transfer, among others. The VIBs came from Asia, Canada, United States, Middle East, Europe and the Pacific region.
Special settings during the show were the Best of Partner Region, Rootcrop and Nata de Coco, the Trendy Product Showcase, Halal/Kosher Product Showcase, Organic and Natural Food Showcase, and Kape Isla (Philippine Coffee) Pavilion.
Special events were held simultaneously with the show. These included the Creative Flairtending Competition, Coffee-Liquor Challenge, Quezo de Bola Carving Competition, Trendy Salad Competition, The Trendy Award, Food as Ice Exhibition, Best Booth Competition and Cooking Demonstrations by select exhibitors.
The Trendy Product Contest was open to all exhibitors to give recognition to the product with outstanding innovation and packaging The judging criteria included packaging design, product innovation, and the product’s overall acceptability and taste.
The first prize went to the Mijiah Tropical Fruit Wine Collection of Oriental Synergies Export Corporation. The fruit wines included duhat, bignay, mango and guyabano. The second prize went to Cravings for its malunggay pate while the third prize went to The Merry Cooks for its tomato garlic dip.
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CHALLENGER TRACTORS UNVEILED. Monark Equipment, the sole authorized dealer of Caterpillar products in the Philippines, recently unveiled the new Challenger MT400 Series tractor at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Valencia in Bukidnon.
Some 44 select guests from individual and corporate sugar plantations, pineapple corporate farms, government agences and custom plowers graced the event.
The guests were apprised of the MT454 Tractor’s features and advantages by Mike Francis of AGCO through a walk-around inspection and a demonstration on wet, muddy soil brought baout by the rains.
Available in two- or four-wheel drive versions, the Challenger series features powerful, high torque engines, reliable and proven transmissions, strong and maneuverable axles, a 3- point linkage control, and comfortable operator platforms.
Special recognition was given to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Woo for being the first Challenger owners in the Philippines after acquiring MT454 and MT476 tractors. For more info, call (632)-635-0901.
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AGRI-KAPIHAN NEXT SUNDAY. There will be an Agri-Kapihan next Sunday, June 27, from 8 to 11 a.m., at the parking lot of radio station DWWW, 23 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. This is held every last Sunday of the month under the auspices of the radio program "Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura," aired every Sunday morning from 4:30 to 7 o’clock.
