The United States is stepping up efforts to expand its agricultural exports in the Philippines, rolling out a series of promotions tied to restaurants, supermarkets, and trade partners.
The campaign is part of the celebration of 80 years of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of U.S. independence, but it also reflects a broader push to grow the market for American food products in the country.
In partnership with the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ten restaurants are joining “American Restaurant Month” from April 13 to May 13, offering dishes that highlight U.S. ingredients.
These include 25 Seeds, Bizu Patisserie and Café, Café Fleur, Cyma, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, Farmer’s Table, Mamou, One World Deli, Souv, and The Split, with 32 locations serving items such as USDA ribeye steaks, U.S. duck confit, and American cheeses.
Michelle Bekkering, who is leading a U.S. agribusiness trade mission to the Philippines, said the effort highlights both trade and food ties.
“This initiative highlights the strong partnership between our nations and showcases the exceptional quality of U.S. products featured on these menus. U.S. products are celebrated for their unparalleled quality and standards, which is why so many exceptional restaurants choose to incorporate U.S. ingredients into their culinary creations,” she said.
The push extends to supermarkets. The USDA is working with The Marketplace and Metro Supermarket to promote American meat, poultry, cheese, and blueberries.
Sampling events are being held at The Marketplace in Parqal Mall, Parañaque City, and at Metro Supermarket in Market! Market!, Taguig City from April 13 to 26.
“American farmers and ranchers are proud to supply high-quality and delicious products to consumers here in the Philippines,” Bekkering said. “We greatly value our strong partnership with Filipino retailers like The Marketplace and Market! Market!, who help bring the best of American agriculture and flavors to Filipino households.”
An awarding ceremony on April 14 also recognized Filipino groups that have helped expand access to U.S. agricultural products.
Among those cited were Century Pacific Food, Inc., Dane International Commodities, Inc., Jetti Petroleum, Inc., Meat Importers and Traders Association, Philippine Association of Feed Millers, Inc., Philippine Association of Flour Millers, Inc., Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc., and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc..
“The awardees constitute nearly 200 years of combined U.S.-Philippines partnership. We are truly honored by your continued trust in U.S. agriculture, and grateful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our bilateral relationship,” Bekkering said.
Y. Robert Ewing of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said the recognition points to a wider economic relationship.
“This recognition reflects the broader strength of the U.S.-Philippine trade relationship as partners in prosperity. It is an auspicious occasion to recognize this inaugural class of honorees as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic ties this year,” he said.
The Philippines is the tenth largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, with exports averaging $3.4 billion over the past five years.
The “Galing USA” campaign is being led by the USDA through the U.S. Embassy’s Foreign Agricultural Service to promote American food and beverage products in the Philippine market.
