SEVEN homegrown businesses from Cagayan de Oro participated in the opening of IFEX Philippines 2025 on Thursday, May 22, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The event is part of the International Food Exhibition organized by CITEM and runs until May 24.

The local businesses include Shiga (Fire Dream Concoctions), Mang Kiko’s Cacao (Seabeth Food Processing), SLERS Industries Inc., Chino’s Deli, Bite Me Up Food Corp., Bestfriend Goodies, and Hinam-is Delights, Inc.

Their participation was facilitated by the City Hall’s Oro Trade and Investment Promotions Center (Oro-TIPC) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental.

FROM BEAN TO BAR. This photo showcases the intricate process of transforming raw cocao beans into delectable chocolate bars, which involves thorough processing and precise hand-tempering. Seabeth Food Processing, located at 105 Hayes Street, Cagayan de Oro City is the manufacturer behind the brand name “Mang Kiko’s Cacao into Tablea.” The process involves drying ripe cacao beans for three to six days without adding any sugar or sweeteners, resulting in bars and other products. Supplied photo

The theme of this year’s IFEX is “Where Global Food Meets Sustainability,” emphasizing innovation, tradition, and environmental responsibility.

The participating brands showcased sustainable practices such as local sourcing, fair trade, and eco-friendly production methods, demonstrating their readiness for international markets.

Oro-TIPC chief John Asuncion led the delegation, together with DTI-Misamis Oriental officials, including Provincial Director Jesusa Abear.

The event aims to promote local food products to a global audience and foster international trade opportunities.