The excitement continues for the upcoming IFEX Philippines 2025 in May as nominations for the KATHA Awards for Food 2025 by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) kicked off this February.
The KATHA Awards for Food has been part of the IFEX Philippines’ food landscape since its inception in 2015. For the food industry, receiving a KATHA Award is a validation, a seal of approval that raises a product’s value and a maker’s market credentials, and ultimately contributes to Philippine food innovation and creativity.
Aside from gaining industry prestige,validation, and brand awareness for the winners, the KATHA Awards instills a sense of value for excellence, innovation, and inspiration for product development, thereby contributing to the reputation of the Philippines as a go-to destination for globally competitive Asian food and ingredients.
Philippine SMEs who are IFEX Philippines Flavor Finds exhibitors for this year’s edition are qualified to join the Awards for their new products or innovations in the following categories: Baked Goods, Cakes, Desserts, and Confectionery; Beverages; Dairy Products; Food Ingredients, Condiments, and Sweeteners; Functional and Nutraceutical Food; Gourmet and Specialty Food; Meat and Poultry; Organic Food; Plant-based Alternatives; Processed Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables; Pulses and Grains; and Seafood Products.
Special citations in booth and packaging design will also be handed out during the IFEX Philippines KATHA Awarding Ceremony when all the winners will receive trophies and certifications in their respective categories.
Behind the scenes at last year’s screening and deliberations
Shortlisted product contenders are then screened by a professional team of experts in food and food-related sectors. These experts will conduct food samplings, panel presentations, and interviews with product owners to assess product quality and taste, branding and packaging, function or food application, marketability, product quality and taste, as well as sustainability in terms of supply and environmental impact.
Winners will be unveiled by CITEM during the IFEX Philippines 2025 Media Preview in April, and will be displayed throughout the three-day IFEX Philippines trade show slated for 22-24 May 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.
KATHA Awards for FOOD 2024 winners
Nominations or applications to the KATHA Awards for FOOD 2025 are being accepted until 28 February 2025. As a prerequisite, enroll NOW your new and innovative products in IFEX Philippines Flavor Finds via this link Flavor Finds Online Registration Form and gain the spotlight at the exhibit’s central setting, including the automatic nomination in Katha Awards for Food.
Register as an IFEX Philippines exhibitor at ifexconnect.com and know more about the KATHA Awards for FOOD and other nomination requirements. You may also visit citem.com.ph to know more about the country’s export promotion efforts, news, and overseas trade fair participation.
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 advances the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It remains steadfast in setting the highest standards of creativity, excellence, and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, electronics, healthcare, sustainability, and IT-based sectors. CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.
