First Filipino Food Industry Conference Held in Abu Dhabi

Aside from the Gulfood Trade Show, a similar event took place last month, focusing on the Filipino food industry in the UAE. The First Filipino Food Industry Conference or “FilFood 2019” was held at Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel on February 12, 2019.

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The successful conference marks the influx of more Filipino restaurants, along with food and beverage outlets, in the UAE. These include Chowking, Jollibee, Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Papa John’s Pizza, Sizzlin’ Steak, Teatro, Teriyaki Boy, and many more!

First “FilFood” Conference Held in Abu Dhabi, UAE

“FilFood 2019 aims to create awareness among industry players in the UAE and the region on product innovations, sustainability, and inclusive growth of the ‘Filipino Food’ brand,” a press release by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated regarding the event.

During the conference, Filipino restaurants, F&B outlets, and other stakeholders discussed food industry issues. The event also served as a platform for showcasing Filipino products and services, as well as fostering collaboration among food industry players.

“Food is a cultural experience,” shared Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana in her keynote speech. “Our food does not only have to appeal to the palate but first and foremost to the eyes, while being consistent in taste and level of expectation.”

“In the Year of Tolerance celebrated in the whole country, the leaders of the UAE have expressed their encouragement for the Filipino community in the country to actively showcase what make us vibrant – our talent, our food, our culture,” she said. “Our time is now.”

Likewise, the Executive Director of FilFood 2019, Jose Ma. Jerome Tuano, discussed his vision of “wide acceptance of Filipino food, including Philippine produce and ingredients, by locals and multi-cultural consumers in the UAE.”

“We have to accelerate our innovation of food and recipes, as well as competitively promote the consumption of nutritious and value-added, halal-certified Filipino food menus,” he emphasized.

Aside from the restaurants mentioned earlier, other restaurants that joined Filfood 2019 were: Al Pinoy Golden, Baliwag, Cups & Cones, Dabarkads, JR’s Restaurant, Juancho’s, Hooked, Hot Palayok, Kusina, Off-the-Hook, Oriental Korner, Mikee’s, Panaderia Bakery, Resto Pinoy, and Wooden Spoon.

In addition, the following industry partners also participated in the event: Magnolia Ice Cream, Kayumanggi Foods, Nas Accountants & Auditors, Positive Property Management, San Miguel Purefoods, and Truebell Marketing.

Notably, the 2nd Filipino Food Industry Conference will be held on April 15, 2019, at Millennium Airport Hotel in Dubai. For more information about the event, you can send an email to registration@filfoodtrade.com or visit the FILFOOD official website.

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With more Filipino restaurants being established in the UAE, enjoying our favourite Pinoy dishes has become much easier! This means more places to try Filipino food, and greater opportunities to introduce Pinoy delicacies to our foreign friends and colleagues!