Philippines to host Fi Asia exhibit next year

The Philippine food and ingredients sector for the first time will become the focus of a three-day business-to-business exhibition with the holding of Fi-Asia Philippines in May 2011, an event that is expected to draw into the country international and regional buyers, as well as exhibitors.

Michiel Kruse, managing director,United Business Media (UBM) for Asia (Thailand)says, "Growth in ingredients consumption in the Philippines has risen remarkably from 2.8m tonnes in 2005 to 3.8m in 2008, representing 30% growth in volume." Kruse continues, "...growing affluence, changes in taste plus awareness of nutritional issues means that consumption of high value additives has increased massively.

"The Fi Asia series(Food Ingredients Asia) started in 1995, has moved around Southeast Asia over the years. Philippine food and ingredients companies can promote their products to international visitors and buyers while exhibitors and visitors can have direct access to what the Philippines has to offer."

Marty Panganiban, president, Philippine Association of Food Technologists says, "The essence of the convention centers on better nutrition, health and wellness, and advances in functional ingredients as well as food safety and food technology. These are the key areas the Philippine market needs to improve to attain goals of global participation."