News
The Export Department kicks off the year with the ISM (Internationale Suesswaren Messe) 2008, held in the Cologne Exhibition Center in Germany from January 27 to 30. Acclaimed as the world’s largest and most key fair for both the sweets/confectionery and biscuits sectors, this year’s Philippine delegation was organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Monde Nissin Corporation was represented by Mr. Ferdie Chanpongco (Export Manager), and was joined by representatives from Croley Foods Manufacturing Corp., Dealo Koffee Klatch, Grand Alphatech International Corp., Lucky Fortune, Markenburg International Foods Corp., Monde M. Y. San Corp., See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp. and Universal Robina Corp. All together, the Philippine delegation was comprised of 9 companies, headed by its mission leader, Mr. Keng Sun Mar (Monde M.Y. San Corporation) and was assisted and supported by Commercial Attaché and Executive Director (Berlin, Germany) Ms. Rosalie Evangelista.
As reported in www.ism-cologne.com, this year’s ISM was visited by approximately 34,000 specialist buyers from Germany and 143 other countries. It was also reported that 63% of the visitors came from outside Germany and that majority of the buyers came from the 27 EU countries outside Germany. At the same time, 1,675 sellers, coming from 70 countries, participated in the ISM 2008.
With the theme of “Philippines - Filling Inspirations!” the Philippine delegation was able to meet buyers from Asia, Africa, America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. The fair also provided the opportunity for the participants to benchmark their products as well as meet distributors who can help them build their brands and market their products. Other highlights of the trip included a market check to understand the different up and coming food and packaging trends, visits to the other participant booths and country pavilions, as well as the Sweet Paradise Exhibit the students of the University of Köln, which was held very close to the fair.