Dumaguete: A week-long food exposition organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is showcasing locally made food products and helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand their market reach, a DTI official said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson and Consumer Protection Division officer-in-charge Krystle Jade Bato stated that the Negros Oriental Food Expo 2026: Flavors of Negros Oriental features established and emerging food entrepreneurs from across the province. The exposition hosts 27 market-ready exhibitors and nine others under the emerging flavors and products category.

"The regular exhibitors are market-ready enterprises, and one of the requirements is that they must have a license to operate (LTO) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so they can penetrate broader domestic and international markets," Bato said in an interview. The nine emerging exhibitors are being introduced to consumers to promote their products and assess their market potential. Although these businesses have yet to secure FDA licenses, Bato noted that they already possess Certificates of Product Registration, making them ready for future market expansion.

Among the products on display are coffee, virgin coconut oil, chocolate bars, vinegar, chili sauce, tea, organic sugar, and tablea (pure roasted cacao tablets used in preparing the traditional Filipino chocolate drink tsokolate). New additions include plant-based dressings, dips, and sauces, as well as low-carbohydrate and keto breads.

Bato added that DTI previously organized the annual food exposition but has turned over its management to the Negros Oriental Food Producers Association, which is now capable of staging the event independently. The exposition is also supported by the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism Council as part of efforts to promote Negros Oriental as an emerging food and tourism destination. The event is being held at the Atrium of Robinsons Place Dumaguete, with DTI providing the venue, and will run until July 17.