CITEM brings 16 Philippine food exporters to SIAL Paris 2026
CITEM brings 16 Philippine food exporters to SIAL Paris 2026 (Oct. 17-21) after a PH-EU FTA breakthrough. Visit Hall 4, Stands J252 and J241.
NEWS
10/5/20263 min read
The Philippines is strengthening its position as a sourcing destination for tropical foods in demand across the European food and beverage (F&B) market
With abundant harvests and deep culinary roots, the Philippines is positioning itself as a leading source of in-demand tropical foods for Europe's food and beverage (F&B) market. The government is now taking that pitch to Paris.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has organized a delegation of 16 Philippine food exporters and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for SIAL Paris 2026. The show runs Oct. 17-21 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte in Paris, France. The goal is to connect local producers directly with European buyers.
What does the PH-EU free trade deal mean for Philippine food exporters?
Free trade talks between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) reached a breakthrough, announced Sept. 22. The development is a significant step toward deeper trade and investment ties with the EU's 27-member bloc.
Once the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA) is formally concluded and implemented, it is expected to create new market opportunities and set fairer, more stable, and predictable rules for cross-border trade. Philippine agricultural and food processing companies stand to gain expanded access to the European market, lower landing costs, and a competitive advantage over rival exporters.
How Guimaras mangoes tested the European market
The first shipment of Guimaras mangoes with Geographical Indication (GI) certification reached a European test market that included France in June 2026. The fruit arrived in Brussels, Belgium. The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Belgium then distributed it as promotional items to other embassies, including the Philippine Embassy in France.
The shipment showed the country can meet Europe's phytosanitary, traceability, and premium quality standards for high-value agricultural produce. The GI mark certifies a product's specific origin and traceability, and it helps protect intellectual property rights and the value of Philippine food. The DTI and the Department of Agriculture (DA) partnered with local grower cooperatives on the milestone shipment.
What CITEM wants from SIAL Paris 2026
For CITEM, the timing matters.
"SIAL Paris offers an exceptional platform to capitalize on the momentum of expanding PH-EU trade ties and strategically positions Philippine exporters in the European market," said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo.
Ocampo said the participation reflects the country's strategic priority to bring more local producers and manufacturers into global food and value supply chains. "Opening direct access to top European buyers allows us to convert global market demand into long-term growth for local SMEs and agricultural communities," she said.
The delegation exhibits under the collective FOODPhilippines banner. It is pitching more than specialty niche products, offering scalable and reliable manufacturing, heritage brands, and versatile applications for mainstream European retail and foodservice networks.
Visitors will find sustainable coconut formulations, value-added fruit preparations, premium seafood, natural beverages, artisanal sauces, and snacks. Ube, the purple yam, drives much of the product innovation, turning sweet and savory culinary lines into bold new experiences.
To meet global standards, exporters combine strict international compliance with advanced shelf-stability practices. The approach preserves the authentic taste of island traditions while satisfying the quality and clean-label requirements of global supply chains.
Philippine exporters at SIAL Paris 2026
These companies make up the FOODPhilippines delegation:
Amley Food Corporation
Astoria Culinary Expert Services
Cardinal Agri Products, Inc.
Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures Inc.
Century Pacific Food, Inc.
GSL Premium Food Export Corp.
Ilocos Food Products
JJ Grand Premium Fruits, Inc.
KLT Fruits, Inc.
Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation
Marigold Manufacturing Corporation
Ngosiok Marketing
One Vizcaya Export Corporation
Pixcel Transglobal Foods Incorporated
See's International Food Mfg. Corp.
Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp.
The FOODPhilippines Pavilion at SIAL Paris 2024. CITEM's delegation that year generated $28.69 million in export sales.
CITEM has partnered with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Paris and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT). PTIC Paris supplies on-the-ground intelligence, market insights, and trade facilitation. PHILEXPORT mobilizes export-oriented enterprises and supports business matching.
Their combined expertise gives exporters targeted business-to-business (B2B) networking opportunities. It also helps them build long-term partnerships with European distributors and retail category managers.
The FOODPhilippines Pavilion is at Hall 4, Stands J252 and J241. Visitors can learn more about the exhibitors through IFEXConnect.