We have many products that have reached world-class status. Among them the Malagos Dark Chocolate from Davao, Lakan, the premium lambanog sold in most Philippine Duty-Free shops. Ube, our purple yam, is taking the centerstage in patisserie and high-end restaurants in the United States. By sheer coincidence, it is now a culinary superstar in New York’s Manila Social Club. Recently, it sold ube doughnuts, garnished with gold flakes for $1,000 a dozen.
Our country is also a distinct coffee-drinking nation. Our very own Barako coffee variant is a world-class product. The pride of Batangas, popularly known as a strong coffee, belongs to the Liberica variety, one of premium coffee beans in the world.
The Philippines is a big rum producer in Asia. Don Papa and Tanduay are not only famous in Asia but have become the world’s second most popular rum brand in the world after Bacardi.
Operating for 20 years now, and with around 25 outlets scattered around America, 28 in Jakarta, Indonesia and one in Panama, Potato Corner is certainly one of the most inspiring franchise success stories.
Crystal Clear Water, dubbed “the business that never runs dry”, has invaded Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa. Locally, the company has at least 500 branches nationwide.
Fiorgelato, a famous ice-cream franchise, is now in Japan and the US, while Sweet Corner’s Corn cart business now operates in Australia and is soon to open in the Middle East.
And who doesn’t know about the world-renowned, succulent Philippine mango?
This year alone, China has committed to buy $1 billion worth of Philippine agricultural products and intends to stretch it for over a long time, assuring our farmer of more income.
We also export agricultural products around the world, including the US, Japan, Europe, and to our Asean neighbors—coconut oil and other coconut products, bananas, other fruits and vegetables. We boast of having one of the most diverse selections of agricultural products harvested from different regions of the country.
To promote the richness of our agricultural bounty, the Department of Agriculture, together with Central Square and the SSI Group, Inc., will once again celebrate the Philippine Harvest, an organic, artisanal, natural and indigenous Agri-Food Fair to be held in Central Square, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on September 22 to 24.
On these dates, exhibitors will showcase the richness of Philippine products, and they will be made available to consumers. Hundreds of uniquely made food items, heirloom vegetables, grain varieties, spirits, wines and all-natural cosmetics that utilize the abundance of Philippine natural resources will be on spotlight.
The event is an opportune time to meet farmers, processors and retailers of premium products that reflect our agri-culinary culture, which is on a par with international standards.
Malagos Cheese and Camembert. Lambanog and Bordeaux Wine. Pancit and paté. Longganisa and saucisson. French and Filipino flavors will come together this weekend at the Philippine Harvest meets Bon Appétit food market. From September 22 to 24 at Central Square, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, over 40 French and Filipino exhibitors will offer a selection of agricultural products that showcases the flavors and traditions of France and the Philippines. Come by for a weekend of free tasting, cooking demos, wine pairing and other activities.
As part also of the continuing celebration of the 70th anniversary of French-Philippine diplomatic relations this year, the flavors of France and the Philippines will come together with the “Philippine Harvest meets Bon Appétit” event. The Embassy of France is honored to join this seventh edition, which marks the first occasion for the Philippine Harvest to welcome products from foreign countries.
Agriculture is an increasingly important sector of cooperation between France and the Philippines, marked particularly by bilateral institutional engagements and exchanges between French and Filipino researchers, as well as the growing interest of French groups to invest in agri-business in the Philippines.
“There is a common misconception that French cuisine is all about high cuisine. Through Philippine Harvest meets Bon Appétit, we want to show that, with the right ingredients, anyone can prepare classic French dishes,” French Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Laurent Legodec said.
“We are very pleased to find a strong partner in the Department of Agriculture, which welcomed this idea to not only support Filipino products but French products, as well. This shows the diversity of friendship between our two countries and, of course, the common love for food and cooking that both French and Filipinos share,” he added.
Alongside 24 local producers, eight French exhibitors will offer a selection of French produce: Le Cellier (wines), Paris Délice (pastries, salads and pastas), Gerald.ph (cheeses and charcuterie), The Fruit Garden (fruit jams), Future Trade (wine), Chef Selection Inc. (cheeses and charcuterie), Pamora Farms (free-range chicken) and Wine in Tube by Chef Patrice (wines).
French chefs will also be invited to share their knowledge in food preparation to provide ideas for home-cooked French meals.
The Office of the Undersecretary for Agribusiness and Marketing and Regional Engagement, in partnership with SSI Group Inc., Central Square and the Embassy of France spearhead Philippines Harvest Meets Bon Appétit. As the Philippine food retail sector continues to modernize and expand, France’s cooperation and support for Philippine made products will continue.
For more information, follow the Embassy of France to the Philippines on social media (www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyManila and www.twitter.com/French/FrenchEmbassyManila and www.twitter.com/FrenchEmbassyPH and the Department of Agriculture on Facebook.