#CulturePH - Celebrating Filipino Flavor and Innovation: A First Look at the 2025 KATHA Awards Winners
There’s something magical about seeing passion, creativity, and culture come together on a plate—or in this case, across an entire room. That’s exactly what happened at the 2025 IFEX Philippines Media Preview, where the spotlight was on the country’s most exciting food innovations and the people behind them.
Held at Casa Ibarra in Pasay City, the event wasn’t just a sneak peek into the upcoming 18th edition of IFEX Philippines—it was a celebration of Filipino excellence in food, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. From bold new flavors to sustainable packaging, the KATHA Awards for Food honored the best of the best, and the energy in the room was nothing short of inspiring.
A Night of Tastemakers and Trailblazers
The KATHA Awards have always been about more than just food. They’re about recognizing the heart and soul that Filipino producers pour into their craft. This year’s winners and nominees showcased everything from vegan bagoong and crispy tuna nuggets to purple yam desserts and water spinach chips—each product telling a story of innovation, heritage, and global potential.
Among the standout winners were:
- Kalamancello by Sol’s Italian Food (Beverages)
- Royal Blue Instant Ube Dessert by Oh So Healthy Corp. (Bakery & Confectionery)
- One Vizcaya Pork Siomai with Mushroom (Meat & Poultry)
- Buenas Vegan Bagoong by Gem Foods (Functional Foods)
- Barrio Fiesta Bagoong Hipon by Prime Global Corp. (Seafood)
- Coconut Flower Aminos Teriyaki by Lionheart Farms (Sauces & Condiments)
- Kangkong King Salted Egg Chips by KKK Food Corp. (Snacks)
A special nod also went to Century Pacific Food, Inc. for their unMeat line, which took home the award for Best in Packaging Design.
More Than Just Awards
The evening also honored this year’s FOODPhilippines Advocates Par Excellence—individuals who are helping elevate Filipino cuisine on the global stage. Among them were Erwan Heussaff, Anne Kristel Cabral Laysico, and returning advocate Abi Marquez. Each shared their personal journeys and why they believe Filipino food deserves a place at the world’s table.
As Erwan put it, “I really love it when I see people thinking about indigenous products, Filipino products, and how these can exist in the modern world.” It’s a sentiment that echoed throughout the night.
What’s Next?
Mark your calendars: IFEX Philippines 2025 is happening from May 22 to 24, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. With over 700 exhibitors expected and a significant rise in international buyers, this year’s edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
The event will also debut the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) and bring back the Grocer’s Exchange Mart (G-Mart)—a space for global retailers to connect with local producers for private labeling and custom product development.
The 2025 KATHA Awards preview wasn’t just a media event—it was a reminder of what makes Filipino food so special. It’s bold. It’s diverse. And it’s ready for the world.
So whether you’re a foodie, a business owner, or just someone who loves a good story told through flavor, keep an eye on what’s coming next at IFEX Philippines 2025. Because the future of Filipino food? It’s looking delicious.
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