Tikim, Benta, Kita: DTI’s Big Food Fair Brings 320 MSMEs to MegaMall

The Department of Trade and Industry is staging the 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair from April 8 to 12 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall. More than 320 micro, small, and medium enterprises from around the country are set to join, putting regional food products and food-related businesses in the spotlight.

According to the report, the fair remains one of the DTI’s main platforms for giving Filipino food makers wider market exposure. Products and concepts from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be featured, with the agency highlighting both traditional flavors and newer culinary ideas.

One of the notable angles this year is the inclusion of food businesses built by former overseas Filipino workers who shifted into entrepreneurship. The event is also putting special attention on the coconut industry, one of the country’s priority agricultural sectors, plus a dedicated Halal segment for certified and Halal-ready products.

The DTI said its Business Connect Lounge will help match MSMEs with institutional buyers such as retailers and distributors. For visitors, the fair will have free admission along with product sampling, demos, and interactive activities, while business buyers get access to a curated lineup of market-ready enterprises.

The bigger pitch here is not just food tourism vibes. It is really about helping small Filipino businesses land more sales channels and stronger partnerships. Kung tatama ang turnout and buyer interest, this could mean real market expansion for local producers trying to scale up beyond weekend bazaars and one-off fairs.

Source: The Manila Times