CITEM unveils KATHA Award winners and culinary collaborations for IFEX Philippines 2026 at Likhang Filipino

Sharing the language of food through culture, innovation, and community, this year's KATHA Award for Food winners reflect the growing sophistication of today's Filipino food MSMEs.

Strategic innovation and tropical heritage took center stage at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition

Halls, the new home of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions

(CITEM), as it hosted the Media Preview and KATHA Award for Food ceremony for the 19th

edition of IFEX Philippines happening this May 21-23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro

Manila in Pasay City.

Opening the festivities, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Al

Valenciano highlighted the strategic importance of the country's small and medium

enterprises. He expressed that the Media Preview highlights the valuable contribution of the

country’s MSMEs, not just as producers, but leaders in growing the presence and strength of

Philippine food and tropical ingredients in the global food supply value chain.

IFEX Philippines champions the message, “Tropical Flavors for the World,” which celebrates

the vibrant and diverse natural richness of the country’s premier exports—from world-class

mango and pineapple to versatile showcases featuring coconut and heritage grains. These

flavors and ingredients served as the foundation for the KATHA Award for Food winners,

products recognized for their innovation, craft, and export-readiness. Their efforts to propel

the local industry forward and into the premium global scene are helping transform the

Philippines' natural wealth into high-value offerings that continue to capture growing demand in the global premium sourcing market.

Reflecting on the deeper mission of the trade show, Executive Director Leah emphasized

that the success of these innovations lies in the depth of their origins and the collective effort

of the community. "We hope that you share not just the products, but the stories behind

them—the farmers that produce the crops, the processors that add value to them, the

exporters and entrepreneurs that bring them to wider markets, and the hard work,

industry, and passion that bring these flavors to life."

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo closes the Media Preview, thanking today’s media for their role in amplifying the voice of the food community, helping bridge the gap between local MSMEs and global market access.

Keeping the storytelling alive is the latest iteration of IFEX Kitchen, a collaborative space

featuring local and international chefs who have been championing local food in their

creations as they navigate their own roles in the Filipino diaspora. Some come from culinary

spaces that have been recognized in various industry awards, including the inaugural

MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026.

Part of the Chef pairings for the Kitchen’s Gastronomic Exchange at the food trade show is

Chef Miggy Cabel Moreno, restaurant proprietor of Michelin Bib Gourmand selections Palm

Grill and Cabel. Specializing in Tausug cuisine, Chef Moreno is able to honor his childhood

and heritage while advocating the authentic flavor profiles of Mindanao dishes rich in

seafood, spices, and coconut. He is also helping expand the food horizons of this

Halal-friendly fare to more demographics, proving that traditional flavors have a solid place in modern, innovative food and natural invitation for human connection across cultures.

Changing the narrative: Grateful for the opportunity to be part of IFEX Philippines,

Chef Miggy Moreno now feels seen and heard with Southern Mindanao food heritage being recognized and appreciated by more people, particularly for Tausug cuisine.

By integrating winning KATHA Award ingredients into world-class arrangements, the IFEX

Kitchen demonstrates that Filipino talent and tropical produce are intrinsic to the future of

global gastronomy, where traditional flavors can be elevated into modern, innovative

creations that resonate with international palates.

Wearing a new hat at IFEX Philippines is Abi Marquez, a multi-awarded food content creator.

Apart from being a FOODPhilippines Advocate par Excellence, Marquez is also part of the

distinguished board of judges for the KATHA Award. Her presence encapsulates how new

media can effectively communicate the quality, language, and imagination of food to a global audience.

The following winners, created by a select group of established and emerging foodmakers,

have undergone a meticulous journey toward this celebration of excellence. KATHA Award

for FOOD Winners List 2026:

Bakery Products and Confectioneries category

Beverages category

Functional, Healthy and Alternative Foods category

Processed Fruits and Vegetables, including Sauces and Condiments category

Snacks and Ready-to-Eat category

Specialty and Gourmet category

Special Citation "Best in Packaging Design"

Special Citation "Innovative Breakthrough in Versatile Healthy Snacking"

Other products that made it to the KATHA Award for Food Finalist List include: Barique

Premium Lambanog by Pasciolco Agri Ventures; Coco Crisps by Hueza Bakery; Don Hulyo

Hot Sauce by Mercado Foods and Sauces; Kik's Tamarind Candy (Zero Added Sugar) by

Prime Global Corporation; Leches (Jams) by Golden Flavours Pastries and Gourmet Inc.,

Lubi Coconut Cookies by Golden Flavours Pastries and Gourmet Inc.; Szechjuan Chili-Garlic

Crisps by Mercado Foods and Sauces; Tá Tea Series by Herbanext Laboratories, Inc.,

UnMEAT Soup Line by Century Pacific Food Inc.; and Wangsil Turmeric Pickled

Radish-Pouch by Daebak Korean Food Trading.

By bridging the gap between local producers and global tables, IFEX Philippines 2026

continues to elevate the Philippine food industry, ensuring that every product tells a story

of heritage, resilience, and world-class ingenuity.

Trade buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, chefs, food industry professionals, and

advocates of Philippine food are invited to experience IFEX Philippines 2026 from May 21 to

23, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Register now and discover how

Philippine flavors are shaping new opportunities for the global food market.