TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) -- The halal-certified food products that were showcased in Gulfood 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates have generated US$ 3.7 million in market deals from international buyers. 

In an update from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, the three food processing companies that participated in the largest annual food and beverage trade show in the Arab region are already in negotiations for bulk orders from India, France, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Africa, and Kuwait. 

The foreign buyers were interested in the Calamansi herbal juice drink and okra chips from JBM Food Products of Cabatuan, Isabela; the fresh frozen shrimp from Dataj Aquafarm, Inc. of Santa Teresita, Cagayan; and the rice-cassava crackers from the Lighthouse Cooperative of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The US$3.7 million or over P200 million potential sales are expected to increase as the companies receive more inquiries from 13 potential buyers from other countries. 

The Cagayan Valley food halal-certified food products that captured the tasted of foreigners in the Gulfood 2024 exhibit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo courtesy of DTI Region 2)

Regional Director Romleah P. Ocampo said the Gulfood 2024 is already the third international product fair that the region has participated in since the second semester of last year.

“DTI Region 2 is taking businesses to new heights, and its participation in the global events hopes to catapult the region’s micro small, and medium enterprises to become significant players in the export arena,” she said.

In August of last year, Tuguegarao City’s food and tourism potentials were also showcased at the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China, and in January of this year, the handicrafts and home decor products of Quirino province were also showcased at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. (OTB/PIA Region 2)