Product Showcase Highlights Market, Trade Opportunities in the Philippines
Market intelligence and relationship-building were in focus at a trade event designed to strengthen business ties between U.S. exporters and Philippine importers.
The 4th annual U.S. Meat Product Showcase and Conference was held in the Philippines, drawing 38 importer companies and 16 USMEF member companies. The conference portion of the event highlighted the Philippines’ economic growth and the rapid expansion of modern retail and foodservice outlets. The event’s business session focused on introductions and meetings between U.S. red meat exporters and buyers.
“Our primary goal with this event was to strengthen business ties between U.S. exporters and Philippine importers,” says USMEF Philippines Representative Corky Villalobos. “We also wanted to highlight what we see as opportunities in the market and brief the group on U.S. supply and production trends.
Michael Ward, the USDA Agricultural Counselor in Manila, provided opening remarks while USMEF ASEAN Director Sabrina Yin welcomed the group. Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer provided an overview of global supply and demand while Paige Parker, manager of technical programs, discussed the practices and processes that contribute to the quality attributes of U.S. red meat. Villalobos concluded the event’s first day with descriptions of how USMEF marketing programs can help importers and their end-user customers boost visibility and demand for U.S. red meat.
Day two was devoted to engagement and building relationships between exporters and importers. To foster interaction during the session, USMEF implemented a reward system developed to encourage each importer to meet with all the suppliers. Following the full-day meeting session, participants were treated with U.S. beef brisket and pork ribs.
“The feedback we received about this two-day event was very positive and affirms the importance of face-to-face meetings. We intend to expand this approach beyond the Manila area,” says Villalobos.
Funding support was provided by Nebraska Beef Council, the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program and USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program.