CITEM-registered exhibitors post P5 billion in sales leads in May

EXHIBITORS from the Philippines generated P5.05 billion in sales leads from a trade show in May, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

These sales leads were generated from the 19^th edition of the International Food, Beverage, and Ingredients Trade Show (IFEX) Philippines, which ran from May 21 to 23 in Pasay City.

“The amount reflects a combination of domestic, export, and retail sales from over 520 exhibitors that showcased thousands of tropical food products and ingredients to visitors, with foot traffic reaching nearly 20,000,” CITEM said in a statement on Monday.

Citing preliminary data, the fair generated about $80.16 million in potential export sales; P50.69 million in potential domestic sales; and P27 million in retail sales.

CITEM said the exhibitor performances during IFEX are expected to encourage product development, help scale more micro, small and medium enterprises, and unlock opportunities for Philippine companies on the global market.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo cited the need for Philippine enterprises to pursue strategic partnerships as changes in global trade dynamics affect export growth.

“Through an aggressive buyer campaign with the help of the (Department of Trade and Industry’s) Foreign Trade Service Corps, we effectively countered the negative effects that ongoing geopolitical tensions could have otherwise imposed on our export momentum,” she was quoted as saying. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz