DTI mounts food trade fair to promote Filipino products

By Precie Catherine C. Cuarto

Monday 16th of July 2012

MANILA, July 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) mounted a national food trade fair dubbed, “Eats More Fun in the Philippines,” at the Megatrade Halls 2 and 3 of SM Megamall to showcase assorted Filipino food products from all over the country.

The fair ran from July 12 to 16 to highlight the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) development week, which revolves on this year’s theme, “Pinoy SME: Business Tayo!”

Republic Act 9501 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs has set every second week of July as MSME Week.

Around 190 food producers and manufacturers from across the country offered a variety of the finest fresh and processed food products.

DTI said, in a press statement, among the foodstuff that could be availed in the food trade fair were vegetables and coffee from the province of Kalinga, honey and vinegar from Benguet, and bagnet and longanisa from the Ilocos provinces.

MSMEs brought organic and unpolished rice from Nueva Ecija, dessert and other delicacies from Pampanga and Laguna, and malunggay food products from Batangas. Pinangat and pili products from Bicol, sukang pinakurat from Cebu and fruit-flavored wines from Agusan del Sur were also among the gastronomic delights on sale.

With the growing popularity of weekend markets in Metro Manila, the food business offers many opportunities for business-minded individuals to start up their own enterprise. At the same time, enterprising individuals from the regions can take advantage of the agricultural produce such as fruits and vegetables within their geographical areas to produce delicacies and other specialty foods that are much sought after by food loving Filipinos here and abroad. (DTI/PCCC-PIA Central)