CHINA is importing $500 million worth of various food snacks from the Philippines for the requirements of one commercial complex alone, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Citem executive director Rosvi C. Gaetos said the order was made by China’s largest global importers association for the requirements of the Emporium City, a 71-hectare, high-end entertainment, residential and commercial complex in Pinghu, Zhejiang.
“Headed by Chinese mogul Chen Jian, the association imports products from Europe, America, Australia and Asia,” Gaetos said.
“The Filipino food products are very competitive and Filipino exporters are very good and friendly,” Chen told Gaetos after viewing the products at HallONE, the Philippines’ year-round sourcing facility for the global export market.
Managed and operated by Citem, HallONE drew the Chinese association’s interest during a recent business-to-business matching session participated in by 14 Filipino food manufacturers and exporters—Aisha-Fil Food, Inc., Mapagmahal Foods, Green Leaves Co., Gustazo-Alimentos Corp., Andy Albao Corp., Kwality Philfood, Inc., Grand Alphatech International Corp., Fenor Foods, RPM Pili Nuts, Philippine Moringa and More Corp., Magic Melt Foods, Inc., Monde Nissin, Nyogi Pure Coconut Water Philippines and Big “E” Food Corp.
HallONE is at the International Trade Center (ITC) Complex, Pasay City. It is a sourcing venue for high-quality export products from the home, fashion and food industry sectors.