2024 National Food Fair Generates Php 57.83 Million for MSMEs

A Success Story in Filipino Cuisine and Entrepreneurship

A mainstay in the National Food Fair is the KAPEtirya, showcasing the best of Philippine coffees.

The 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, a lively tribute to Filipino culinary heritage and business, ended successfully, achieving Php 57.83 million in sales across cash transactions, booked orders, and pending negotiations for 233 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Hosted at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls from July 3 to 7, the event drew 50,000 visitors, highlighting increasing national enthusiasm for local foods and the thriving MSME industry.

Under the leadership of the Department of Trade and Industry — MSME Development Group (DTI-MDG), the event showcased a tantalizing array of hundreds of food products from all regions of the Philippines, including fresh agricultural produce, processed and bottled food, healthy snacks, traditional regional delicacies, wines and beverages, and so much more.

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2024 National Trade Fair Showcases Regional Products in Metro Manila

“When opportunities like this arise, seize them with confidence. You never know — you could be the next big success story,” said DTI MSME Development Group Undersecretary Maria Cristian Roque in her inspirational talk.

Roque encouraged the MSMEs to take full advantage of the opportunities offered.

Cutting the ribbon to formally open the 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair are (L-R): Celebrity host Issa Litton, DTI MSME Development Group Undersecretary Maria Cristina Roque, Special Guest Mrs. Winnie Chua-Go, and DTI Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP Director Marievic Bonoan.

In addition to the bustling marketplace, the fair also featured a series of engaging activities aimed at empowering both consumers and food entrepreneurs. Renowned chefs shared their culinary expertise in live cooking demonstrations, while industry experts led informative business talks. Adding a festive touch to the daily program were musical performances and even a magic show.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair held last July 3 was well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps, regional and provincial directors of DTI, public and private agency partners, as well as journalists and influencers. In the front row are (L-R): DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP Marievic Bonoan, Guest of Honor Mrs. Winnie Chua-Go, DTI MSME Development Group Undersecretary Maria Cristina Roque, and celebrity host Issa Litton.

This year’s event is significant as it marks a decade of the National Food Fair, organized by the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices.

”Over the past ten years, this fair has become a premier platform for our MSMEs in the food and beverage industry,” said BMDPO Director Marievic Bonoan.

The centerpiece of the 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair was the Department of Agriculture showcase of freshly-harvested fruits and vegetables, which earned almost Php 1.3-million in cash sales at the event.

Join the DTI-BMDPO Events

More national trade fairs are in the pipeline for the rest of the year. Aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to participate in DTI-BMDPO events should call or visit their local DTI Office. They may also email Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

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