Pinoy firms hope to cut food deals in Taiwan

Ten Philippine food companies hope to book $10 million in export sales from their participation in the 24th Taipei International Food Show (Food Taipei) in Taiwan, where the country wants to position itself as a top sourcing destination for food exports.

“Taiwan is a major trading partner of the Philippines and is one of the richest economies in Asia. We would like to increase the market share of Philippine food exports to Taiwan, by actively promoting ‘Food Philippines’ at Food Taipei, particularly healthy and natural food products,” said Rosvi C. Gaetos, executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem).

Citem, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, said “Food Philippines” is the country’s brand for the food sector.

According to Citem, the Taiwanese consumer expenditure on food is valued at $40.4 million. Also, consumers spend about a third of household expenditure in eating out.

The Taiwanese are reported to have more purchasing power compared with the Japanese and British, and their buyers prefer higher priced quality products over lower-priced items.

“Taiwan is therefore an attractive destination for the Philippines’ raw materials, semi-processed ingredients, and ready-to-eat food products,” Citem further said.

The Philippine delegation to Food Taipei this year is composed of Andy Albao Enterprise, DLA Naturals, Fruits of Life Inc., M. Lhuillier Food Products Inc., Miesto International Foods Corp., See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp., Team Asia Corp., Tiongson Marketing and Export Services, and Tropicana Food Products Inc.

These companies will feature top-of-the-line natural and healthy products such as fresh coconut water in different packages, organic virgin coconut oil, tropical dried fruits and other healthy snacks, tropical beverages, muscovado sugar in various forms, food supplement like Spirulina, and natural herbal teas.

Apart from generating sales, Food Taipei will also be a good venue for Philippine firms to be exposed to new technology and innovations.

Food Taipei is one of Asia’s most important trade fairs. Last year, the show gathered 1,557 exhibitors of ready-to-eat food items and distinctively Taiwanese produce, raw materials, processed and semi-processed food products.

The event, which was attended by 6,588 international trade visitors and 58,535 domestic trade visitors, was organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council.