Twelve Philippine companies bagged USD 4.34 million (around PHP 219 million) in their participation in the recently held SIAL Middle East at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE, last December 9-11, 2019. Part of the SIAL Network, SIAL Middle East is backed by 50+ years of experience, industry know-how and a broad international network of 8 leading business-to-business events.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), the country’s delegation showcased food products across various segments that are certified as Halal in the Philippines, including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, ethnic and gourmet products, non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, biscuits, and pastries, among others.
“It is through events like SIAL Middle East where we can look to strengthen our trade relations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by looking for new business opportunities and collaborations through the exchange of culture and flavors,” said DTI Undersecretary for Trade and Promotions Group Abdulgani Macatoman.
“We were able to attract interest through business matching and food tasting activities in the pavilion which enabled us to exceed our initial target of 1.5 million US dollar worth—generating sales which almost triple that amount,” Macatoman noted. “These figures were only based on our initial inquiry and we expect more sales to come as the companies report the progress of their deals with their newly found business partners in the Middle East.”
The companies that represented the Philippines were Edna and Rebecca’s Banana Chips & Coated Peanut, Filipinos Oro de Cacao, Inc. (Auro Chocolate), Fruits of Life, Inc., JNRM Corporation, Mapagmahal Foods, Marigold Manufacturing Corporation (Mama Sita’s), Miguelitos International Corporation, Mira’s Turmeric Products, MS3 Agri-venture Corp., Prosource International Inc., RPO Fine Foods Corporation and See’s International Food Mfg, Corp.
Among the top sellers in the pavilion were turmeric-based food options from Mira’s Turmeric Products, chocolate varieties from MS3 Agri-Ventures Corporation, Nuco organic coconut wraps from Prosource International Corp., banana chips from See’s International Food Mfg, Corp. and homegrown Filipino favorites meals and condiments from Mama Sita (Marigold Manufacturing Corporation).
Mushroom Sisig from JNRM Corporation. Supplied Photo. 
The 70% Dark Chohco with Coco Sugar from MS3 Agri-Ventures. Supplied Photo.
Two PH food innovations lauded in SIAL ME
The 75% Dark Chocolate with Coco Sugar from MS3 Agri-Ventures won for its innovation on its “original recipe composition.” The product is wrapped in a packaging inspired by patterns from the Tausug people and don the color of dark purple, which signifies the royal color of excellence.
“We had a very good experience in SIAL. It allowed us to meet new buyers, traders and friends. It allows us to discover the different types of cultures that represent the creative food innovations in the Middle East,” said Neil Santillan, Managing Director of MS3 Agri-venture.
The Mushroom Sisig from JNRM Corporation was also selected in the SIAL ME Innovation Awards. The product put a twist on the Filipino favorite using farm-fresh whole oyster mushrooms as meat substitutes.
JNRM Corporation won the SIAL Middle East Innovation Bronze Award last year for their Instayum Mushroom Chips from JNRM Corporation, which reinvented mushrooms into tasty and nutritious snacks.
This participation under FoodPhilippines is led by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai and the Foreign Trade Service Corps (FTSC), Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT) and the Philippine Embassy in UAE as part of the government’s unified effort to promote the Philippines as a source of quality food products in the global market.
