The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announces the highly-anticipated 2024 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, happening from July 3 to 7, 2024.
The five-day fair, billed as the Philippine Cuisine and Ingredients Show, will be held at Megatrade Halls 1-3, 5th Level, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. With its loyal foodie following, the fair presents an opportunity to embark on a delicious adventure and discover the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors.
Now in its 10th year, the National Food Fair is organized by the DTI Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO)—formerly the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP)— in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices. It serves as a premier platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food and beverage industry, a sector that forms nearly half of all MSMEs in the Philippines.
Witnessing a triumphant comeback after a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, last year’s event generated over P28-million in sales for almost 300 participating MSMEs, showcasing the resilience of Filipino food businesses.
Food enthusiasts can expect a diverse selection of products from all regions of the Philippines, highlighting the country’s rich culinary heritage. These include fresh produce, from vibrant fruits to crisp vegetables, the best of Filipino agriculture; processed and frozen delights to stock your pantry; regional specialties to discover the Philippines’ unique cooked and organic dishes; snack time favorites, including an array of native delicacies; culinary building blocks like unique ingredients and condiments to elevate your home cooking; beverages galore to quench your thirst for Philippine coffee, refreshing fruit wines, and other beverages; and health and wellness products that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Beyond the culinary creations that await food enthusiasts at the physical fair, there will be special settings to showcase priority industry clusters or sectors, such as the Coconut Industry Pavilion and Coconut-Based MSME Cluster, the RAPID Growth Project Pavilion; the Fresh Produce Pavilion; KAPEtirya or Philippine Coffee Pavilion; Philippine Island Wine, Beer, and Juice Bar; and Kusinang Filipino (Filipino Kitchen). The event will also feature booths by various government agencies and private sector partners who support the growth of MSMEs.
A daily program of activities has been lined up to provide inspiration and upskilling for food-preneurs and home cooks. Following the opening ceremonies on July 3, a program of exciting activities will be open to the public throughout the fair, such as cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, and business talks and workshops to equip MSMEs with valuable skills and knowledge. Participation is free, both onsite and via livestream on the National Food Fair’s social media channels.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP by sending an email to Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph. Stay updated by following them on Facebook (@BDTP), Twitter (@DTI_BDTP), Instagram (@dti.bdtp), YouTube (@DTI.BDTP), and TikTok (@dti.bdtp).
