Advisories & News
Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN TORONTO SENDS OFF ONTARIO-BASED VERY IMPORTANT BUYERS TO THE IFEX 2025 IN MANILA
2025-05-16
Consul General Angelica Escalona awards the Certificates of Appreciation to Shiny Star Canada President Jay He (Left photo, center) and APO Products Eastern Canada Division Head Patrick Ang (Right photo, center)
14 May 2025 — On Wednesday, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hosted an intimate send-off for two of the eight Very Important Buyers (VIBs) from Canada attending the IFEX Philippines 2025 in Manila on 22-24 May 2025. The IFEX is the Philippines’ premier food trade show, which serves as a comprehensive platform for business matching and collaboration within the food, ingredients, and beverage industry.
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona presented Certificates of Appreciation to Mr. Jay He, President of Shiny Star Canada Ltd., and Mr. Patrick Ang, Head of the Eastern Canada Division of APO Products Ltd. for their participation as VIBs. Ontario-based Shiny Star Canada and APO Products are two of the largest importers and distributors of Philippine products in Eastern Canada. Another Ontario-based importer and distributor, New Almanic International Ltd., was not able to join the event but will also be participating in the IFEX as a VIB.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Escalona underscored the growing popularity of Filipino cuisine even among non-Filipinos. She urged the 2 VIBs to bring to Canada more food, beverages, and ingredients from the Philippines, to cater to the increasing demand from both the Filipino diaspora and the mainstream market. Trade Commissioner Mario C. Tani also provided an overview of the IFEX and what attendees can look forward to while they are in the Philippines for the three-day expo.
The DTI SME Showroom, which currently has on display some of the Philippines’ innovative, export-ready products, including the winners of the 2023 and 2024 Katha Awards for Food and a number of coconut-based items, was the backdrop for the event, providing a sneak peak into what IFEX goers can expect to see at the expo.
The short program was followed by a networking reception with representatives of some Filipino-owned food businesses and Filipino festival organizers. Apart from facilitating direct linkages between the Filipino business owners and the major importers/distributors, the Consulate General introduced and sampled coconut water (NutriAsia’s Locally Merci Buco and Jax Coco), coco condiments (Quezon’s Best Organic Coconut Aminos and Quezon’s Best Pinasarap Pure & Natural Coconut Sap Vinegar), and assorted popsicles made with distilled coconut nectar (NOM Frozen Poptails), which were all well received.
Through these kinds of events, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto hopes to pave the way for more Philippine products to successfully enter the Canadian market, provide more innovative and healthier choices to both the diaspora and mainstream consumers, and open more doors for Filipino-owned businesses in Canada to engage potential partners and clients.
Consul General Angelica Escalona addressing the VIBs and guests (left photo) and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani providing an overview of IFEX Philippines 2025(right photo)
(L-R) Consul Katrina Isabelle Borja-Martin, APO Products Eastern Canada Division Head Patrick Ang, Consul General Angelica Escalona, Shiny Star Canada President Jay He, and Trade Commissioner Mario Tani
Consul General Angelica Escalona responding to questions from SMNI News and OMNI News (left photo) and the Consulate team, VIBs and guests sampling the coconut products from the Philippines to complement items prepared by Tinuno and Kainan Na Inc. (right photo)
NOM Frozen Poptails with 6% distilled coconut spirit
Below: Coco condiments, coconut water, 2023 & 2024 Katha Awardees
