CITEM debuts FOODPhilippines at Mega Halal Bangkok 2026
CITEM brings FOODPhilippines to Mega Halal Bangkok 2026 (July 15-17), showcasing five Philippine food exporters as the country targets the $2.94 trillion global halal market and integrates local MSMEs into Islamic supply chains.
NEWS
7/10/20264 min read
(L-R) Gold Chips Banana Chips from See’s International Food Mfg. Inc.; Hiraya Ube Natural Puree Extract Powder from Artisinal Traders, Inc.; Barique Premium Lambanog from Pasciolco Agri Ventures; OK Snapea Crispy Green Pea Snack from YanYan International Philippines, Inc.; and Fresh Q Sweet Monggo Preserve from Seven C Food Corp.
Capitalizing on regional demand for clean-label, certified, and premium food, the Philippines is accelerating its export initiatives to integrate local enterprises into high-value Islamic supply chains in Southeast Asia.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is stepping up Philippine food diplomacy with FOODPhilippines' first institutional presence at Mega Halal Bangkok 2026, running July 15-17 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
As the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), CITEM's participation is meant to strengthen the market presence of local food enterprises and position them as reliable sourcing partners for high-value tropical food and ingredients in the expanding global halal market.
The move marks a pivot toward the global halal industry. The halal food and beverage market is projected to reach $2.94 trillion in 2026, with Asia-Pacific commanding 45% of that market — the largest share of any region.
The Philippines has a natural edge here. Its pesticide-resilient tropical topography supports the kind of clean-label, plant-based ingredients and organic coconut products that already align with strict halal and tayyib (wholesomeness) standards.
Thailand, meanwhile, has built a reputation as the "Kitchen of the World" on the back of its agricultural output and culinary influence, backed by one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant domestic Muslim populations.
"Our inaugural presence at Mega Halal Bangkok marks a deliberate, structural pivot for Philippine export promotions," said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. "By bringing FOODPhilippines into Thailand's highly advanced distribution network, we are providing our local food innovators with a premium B2B testing ground. This goes beyond immediate export sales; it is about embedding Philippine MSMEs into the high-value supply chains of the global Islamic economy."
Demand for halal-certified products has risen in recent years as consumers increasingly tie the certification to hygiene, traceability, and food safety — one reason Bangkok works as a testing ground for Philippine exporters working toward high-standard halal compliance.
The delegation
This year's inaugural delegation includes Artisanal Traders, Inc.; Pasciolco Agri Ventures; See's International Food Mfg. Inc.; Seven C Food Corp.; and YanYan International Philippines, Inc. Their products on display include:
Gold Chips Banana Chips — See's International Food Mfg. Inc.
Hiraya Ube Natural Puree Extract Powder — Artisanal Traders, Inc.
Barique Premium Lambanog — Pasciolco Agri Ventures
OK Snapea Crispy Green Pea Snack — YanYan International Philippines, Inc.
Fresh Q Sweet Monggo Preserve — Seven C Food Corp.
Two of the five — Pasciolco Agri Ventures and See's International Food Mfg. Inc. — also took part in the 19th IFEX Philippines last May at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
With support from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Bangkok (PTIC-Bangkok), the exhibitors are showcasing their products to strategic B2B networks, regional buyers, and cross-industry partners.
Prior to the FOODPhilippines participation in Mega Halal Bangkok 2026, Pasciolco Agri Ventures and See’s International Food Mfg. Inc. took part in the19th edition of IFEX Philippines held last May 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City
Why the region matters
Asia-Pacific holds more than 60% of the global Muslim population — the core drivers of the halal economy — and that population skews young, increasingly affluent, and drawn to premium, clean-label, ethical food options. For Philippine brands, that adds up to room to scale.
The Philippines and Thailand share one of ASEAN's stronger economic relationships. Both are founding members of the bloc with a long history of cross-border investment in agriculture and food processing, and both sit close to the large halal consumer markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Regional frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) support the trade pipeline between them.
FOODPhilippines' presence at Mega Halal Bangkok 2026 isn't only about immediate sales — it's aimed at integrating local MSMEs into high-value supply chains, including the global Islamic economy.
Trade visitors can find Philippine tropical flavors, organic coconut alternatives, premium fruit extracts, and customizable snacks at the Philippine Pavilion, Hall 8, V49-V51 of QSNCC.
Visit ifexconnect.com for more on the Philippine delegation at Mega Halal Bangkok 2026 and other upcoming CITEM trade events. Next on CITEM's Q3 2026 calendar is the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), where the Philippines takes the stage as Country of Honor under the PARTNERPhilippines campaign, with Cebu featured as Province of Charm. CAEXPO runs Sept. 17-21, 2026, at the Nanning International Convention & Exhibition Center in Guangxi, China.
About FOODPhilippines: FOODPhilippines positions the Philippines as a leading sourcing destination for food, beverages, and ingredients, spanning fresh produce, processed food, marine products, and other value-added items. The brand unifies the government's promotional efforts across overseas trade exhibitions and events.
About CITEM: The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM works to position the Philippines as a premier sourcing destination for export products and services, and supports MSMEs, brands, designers, and manufacturers through an integrated approach to export promotion in partnership with government and private entities.