For over two decades, WOFEX (World Food Expo) has been among the most anticipated annual shows featuring the Philippine food and beverage industry. What began in 2001 as a side business among friends has since grown into the country’s largest and most influential F&B trade show.
With years of experience in events through active participation in various organizations, there came a point when founders Joel Pascual, Boydee Dizon, and Randy Manaloto thought of turning that experience into a venture. “The creation of the World Food Expo or WOFEX was deliberate—the essential nature of food, add to that the country’s growing population, and we were sure that there will always be room for a trade expo on food and beverage,” says Pascual.
It has grown so big that it now spans both the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the SMX Convention Center, with regional editions held across the Philippines. Its success, Pascual believes, has never been merely about the size. “People always ask how WOFEX grew to where it is today,” he says. “The answer has always been the same—we have a team that’s passionate about what we do, and every year we challenge ourselves to give visitors something new.”
He adds, “In fact, we strongly believe that the survival of WOFEX for years to come is anchored on that very premise—that we must always provide new discoveries, new learnings and new experiences to our visitors so that the hunger to come back year in and year out never dissipates.”
How WOFEX Grew Beyond a Trade Show
That commitment to constant reinvention has shaped WOFEX into far more than an exhibition. Over the years, it introduced the Philippine Culinary Cup, the country’s only World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS)-accredited competition, as well as launched WOFEX University to institutionalize industry education and discuss relevant issues such as sustainability, halal, biodiversity, farm-to-table dining, and slow food through notable conferences. Its growing international presence has also attracted exhibitors and brands from around the world, a reach that has only strengthened since becoming part of Informa Markets, the global events company behind major food exhibitions such as FHA, NRA, and Gulfood.
Why WOFEX Is Already Looking Ahead to an Even Bigger 2027
Ironically, WOFEX’s biggest challenge today is its own success. “Our biggest question every year is, ‘What’s new?'” Pascual says. “But for 2026, we’ve run out of space to do side events.” With both Manila venues already at full capacity, this year’s edition turned to welcoming a fresh lineup of local and international exhibitors, introducing new products, technologies, and services to the market.
Not to worry though as, with the opening of SMX Cite in 2027, WOFEX will finally have room to grow once again. “Imagine WOFEX across three major venues,” Pascual says. “That’s something the industry can truly look forward to.”
What’s New at WOFEX 2026: Exhibits, Seminars, and Culinary Competitions
As with the past years, WOFEX is again packed with activities and excitement. The Exhibition Zones will be divided into fine foods (specialty imports and regional delicacies), FoodServe (coffee and bar essentials and HORECA equipment), and Frozen Food.
This year’s university seminars will touch on subjects like strategic menu planning and building restaurants from concept to opening, to marketing communications, especially in a world engaged in digital.
Apart from the cooking competitions to be participated by professionals from different fields, from schools to hotels, there will be kitchen theatre demonstrations on topics ranging from poultry fabrication to making everyday meals using premium beef. The food stalls will host mini sessions in their booths too.
If the past 25 years are any indication, WOFEX isn’t simply keeping pace with the industry—it’s helping shape where it goes next.
The World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2026 takes place from July 29 to August 1, 2026, simultaneously at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the SMX Convention Center Manila. For more details, you can visit their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
WOFEX is the country’s largest and most influential F&B trade show, annually featuring the Philippine food and beverage industry
WOFEX was founded by friends and business partners Joel Pascual, Boydee Dizon, and Randy Manaloto.
Visitors can explore food and beverage exhibits, equipment showcases, educational seminars, culinary competitions, product launches, and networking opportunities.
The Philippine Culinary Cup is the country’s only World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS)-accredited culinary competition and is held during WOFEX.
WOFEX is designed for professionals in the food and beverage industry, including chefs, restaurateurs, hotel operators, suppliers, distributors, entrepreneurs, and culinary students.
