17 November 2004 – The taste and presence of Philippine made foods were made prominent  at the recently concluded Asia Pacific Food Expo held from 4 to 8 November at the Suntec City Exhibition Hall in Singapore.

Philippine Ambassador Belen Anota reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Singapore Food Manufacturers Association, which organized the fair, gave the Philippines a free booth, which gave a wonderful opportunity to put the Philippines on the Singapore radar as a country capable of supplying high quality food products to the Singaporean market. PTIC contacted the importers of Philippine products for samples to be displayed.  Additional samples were drawn from those already in the PTIC office, which as yet did not have Singapore importers.

The Philippine booth carried a large sign that announced “Philippine Products Sold in Singapore” (products already carried by major supermarket chains). Singaporeans who visited the PTIC booth were surprised that Ovaltine is made in the Philippines. 7D dried mangoes from Cebu are already popular in Singapore having attained brand awareness. Also being sold locally are Mello Marshmallows, Ice Pops (ice candy) from Shemburg of Cebu, San Miguel Beer, and Beer na Beer, Sky Flakes, Blue Skies, Dole Fresh pineapple and bananas from Dole, Del Monte and Mabuhay.

Despite the Expo being a selling fair, mingling with the crowd were importers who expressed keen interest in bringing Philippine made products in Singapore. PTIC received 40 serious inquiries during the event. Most importers were open to suggestions on any processed or snack foods from the Philippines that has potential in the Singapore market.

Ambassador Anota said the Expo provided a unique opportunity to showcase Philippine capabilities as an exporter of food products and a vehicle to boost the image of the Philippines as a whole. - END