If aroma could sign contracts, the Philippine pavilion at Gulfood 2026 would have cleared customs on scent alone.
Instead, it took five days, 25 companies, and a steady parade of buyers to rack up more than USD125 million in export sales, turning bagoong, patis, bananas, and rice into the unlikely headliners of one of the world’s biggest food trade stages.
For the second year running, Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc. led the flavor charge. Its fermented marine staples drew crowds curious about umami with backbone, and buyers wasted little time converting curiosity into contracts.
Close behind was SL Agritech Corp., whose Cavendish bananas and premium rice proved that everyday essentials, when done right, travel well.
Fly Ace Corp. secured third place, as its Tentay condiment line offered practical pricing with pantry ready punch.
Backed by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) under the FOODPhilippines banner, the delegation came prepared not just with samples but with scale. Opening day alone generated USD35 million in booked sales, setting a brisk pace that carried through January 26 to 30 and closed at USD125.43 million in negotiated deals.
What once might have been considered niche is now mainstream. The Middle East and North Africa market is developing a taste for Filipino depth and balance, where sweet meets salty and tradition meets export grade consistency.
At Gulfood, the Philippines did more than participate. It plated its identity, passed it around, and watched the world ask for seconds.
