Negros Oriental Product Bags Top Award in International Fair

A product from Central Visayas won the most trendy product award out of 378 food products from all over the Philippines at the recently concluded International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2008 held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

This award, usually won by more established large companies in the country, was the first in the five-year history of the IFEX to be given to a small enterprise --- Orient Foods Inc. of Negros Oriental.

What is even more remarkable was that the product, a fruity bar, was a direct result of the Partner Region Program (PRP) of the government which provides assistance in food packaging development to make products competitive in both domestic and international markets.

According to judges from the private sector, Orient Foods’ chewy fruity bar won based on packaging design, product innovation and adaptation to consumers’ lifestyle.

The fruity bar concept is similar to granola bars sold in high-end health food stores. However, it uses all natural local ingredients such as rice crispies and native dried fruits, making the product not only nutritious but also cheap and convenient since it is wrapped in foil. It also has an attractive packaging design that appeals to consumers of all ages.

Meanwhile, Chantilly’s budbod kabog, still from Negros Oriental, came in a close second.

The budbod kabog of Chantilly is unique because aside from its ingredients which are bird seeds or millet, the product also uses banana leaf to wrap the delicacy and is vacuum packed and retorted in foil to increase shelf life without using preservatives. Its packaging not only retains the fresh food flavor but also gives the product an ethnic look.

The other contestants representing Central Visayas were Eco Nuestra (bottled sardines, amahon), Andre Choco (chocolate products), Lola Pureza (broas), Bohol Bee Farm (honey spread, honey products), Jojies's Bakeshop (bakery products), Tienda Boholana (oatmeal cookies), BQ Bread Basket (kalamay, star peanuts, breads, cakes), Bohol Quality Pastries (tajada cookies, broas, kinatloan), Candabong Ric Multipurpose Cooperative (ginger tea, salabat candies), Jose’s Budbod Delights (budbod sa Tanjay), Ivon's baye-baye, Tessies's Sweets and Pastries (bakery products), Sans Rival (jam squares, sylvannas), Orient Food Industries (dried tropical fruits), Ever (peanut broas), Duran's (banana fries) and Jainin's Pastries (tortalita).

The Trendy Awards was first introduced during the Asian Ethnic Food Festival, the original name of what is now called the international Food Exhibition (IFEX)

IFEX 2008 board of judges are: Margarita Fores – chef and restaurateur, Linda Floro – food stylist and restaurant owner, Engr. Abner Villahermosa – technical consultant for food packaging and branding.

Because of its participation in the PRP, Central Visayas food producers were given priority in terms of promotion, and location of product display during the IFEX 2008 (at the forefront of the main exhibition hall).

IFEX 2008 gathered several industry authorities and key stakeholders from various food sectors to the show to meet and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the global food market and how to approach local and export markets in today’s fast, highly competitive environment.

The show introduced new food trends that help boost the marketability of food products and related commodities through innovative trends and concepts -- sustainable packaging, healthful eating practices, green production and marketing techniques, and new technology and allied services for catering and retail industries.

The IFEX was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Center for International exposition & Missions (CITEM) Partner Region Program (PRP).

The PRP is made possible with the cooperation of the Philippine Trade Training Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology.

Under the program, food companies have been getting assistance in food packaging development/ enhancement to make their products competitive in both domestic and international markets.

The DTI has provided appropriate assistance to SMEs under the PRP in the form of trainings, seminars and updates on food quality and safety, food packaging, marketing and branding.

After application of the relevant technical and marketing related interventions, these products are showcased in a special setting at the IFEX Philippines for market testing.

The PRP gives focus on regional food products that have potentials in both domestic and international markets.