Strategic innovation and tropical heritage took center stage at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, the new home of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as it hosted the Media Preview and KATHA Award for Food ceremony for the 19th edition of IFEX Philippines happening this May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
Opening the festivities, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Al Valenciano highlighted the strategic importance of the country’s small and medium enterprises. He expressed that the Media Preview highlights the valuable contribution of the country’s MSMEs, not just as producers, but leaders in growing the presence and strength of Philippine food and tropical ingredients in the global food supply value chain.
IFEX Philippines champions the message, “Tropical Flavors for the World,” which celebrates the vibrant and diverse natural richness of the country’s premier exports—from world-class mango and pineapple to versatile showcases featuring coconut and heritage grains. These flavors and ingredients served as the foundation for the KATHA Award for Food winners, products recognized for their innovation, craft, and export-readiness. Their efforts to propel the local industry forward and into the premium global scene are helping transform the Philippines’ natural wealth into high-value offerings that continue to capture growing demand in the global premium sourcing market.
Reflecting on the deeper mission of the trade show, Executive Director Leah emphasized that the success of these innovations lies in the depth of their origins and the collective effort of the community. “We hope that you share not just the products, but the stories behind them—the farmers that produce the crops, the processors that add value to them, the exporters and entrepreneurs that bring them to wider markets, and the hard work, industry, and passion that bring these flavors to life.”
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo closes the Media Preview, thanking today’s media for their role in amplifying the voice of the food community, helping bridge the gap between local MSMEs and global market access.
Keeping the storytelling alive is the latest iteration of IFEX Kitchen, a collaborative space featuring local and international chefs who have been championing local food in their creations as they navigate their own roles in the Filipino diaspora. Some come from culinary spaces that have been recognized in various industry awards, including the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026.
Part of the chef pairings for the Kitchen’s Gastronomic Exchange at the food trade show is Chef Miggy Cabel Moreno, restaurant proprietor of Michelin Bib Gourmand selections Palm Grill and Cabel. Specializing in Tausug cuisine, Chef Moreno is able to honor his childhood and heritage while advocating the authentic flavor profiles of Mindanao dishes rich in seafood, spices, and coconut. He is also helping expand the food horizons of this Halal-friendly fare to more demographics, proving that traditional flavors have a solid place in modern, innovative food and natural invitation for human connection across cultures.
Changing the narrative: Grateful for the opportunity to be part of IFEX Philippines, Chef Miggy Moreno now feels seen and heard with Southern Mindanao food heritage being recognized and appreciated by more people, particularly for Tausug cuisine.)
By integrating winning KATHA Award ingredients into world-class arrangements, the IFEX Kitchen demonstrates that Filipino talent and tropical produce are intrinsic to the future of global gastronomy, where traditional flavors can be elevated into modern, innovative creations that resonate with international palates.
Wearing a new hat at IFEX Philippines is Abi Marquez, a multi-awarded food content creator. Apart from being a FOODPhilippines Advocate par Excellence, Marquez is also part of the distinguished board of judges for the KATHA Award. Her presence encapsulates how new media can effectively communicate the quality, language, and imagination of food to a global audience.
The following winners, created by a select group of established and emerging foodmakers, have undergone a meticulous journey toward this celebration of excellence.
KATHA Award for FOOD Winners List 2026:
Bakery Products and Confectioneries category
Beverages category
Functional, Healthy and Alternative Foods category
Processed Fruits and Vegetables, including Sauces and Condiments category
Seafood category
Snacks and Ready-to-Eat category
Specialty and Gourmet category
Special Citation : Best in Packaging Design
Special Citation : Innovative Breakthrough in Versatile Healthy Snacking
Other products that made it to the KATHA Award for Food Finalist List include: Barique Premium Lambanog by Pasciolco Agri Ventures; Coco Crisps by Hueza Bakery; Don Hulyo Hot Sauce by Mercado Foods and Sauces; Kik’s Tamaring Candy (Zero Added Sugar) by Prime Global Corporation; Leches (Jams) by Golden Flavours Pastries and Gourmet Inc., Lubi Coconut Cookies by Golden Flavours Pastries and Gourmet Inc.; Szechjuan Chili-Garlic Crisps by Mercado Foods and Sauces; Tá Tea Series by Herbanext Laboratories, Inc., UnMEAT Soup Line by Century Pacific Food Inc.; and Wangsil Turmeric Pickled Radish-Pouch by Daebak Korean Food Trading.
By bridging the gap between local producers and global tables, IFEX Philippines 2026 continues to elevate the Philippine food industry, ensuring that every product tells a story of heritage, resilience, and world-class ingenuity.
Trade buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, chefs, food industry professionals, and advocates of Philippine food are invited to experience IFEX Philippines 2026 from May 21 to 23, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Register now and discover how Philippine flavors are shaping new opportunities for the global food market.