For many MSMEs, growth begins with access—and the right platform can change everything. “It all started at a DTI Trade Fair in SM, where we had the opportunity to present our product to Ms. Teresita Sy-Coson—opening doors for us to become part of SM’s Kultura and changing our journey.” shared by Alvin Causing of Project Beans Coffee. “From a small start-up, we’ve grown into a brand enjoyed nationwide and globally because of the right marketplace SM provided. Today, we’re here not just to showcase our products, but to say thank you—because SM didn’t just give us space, they gave us a chance, and that made all the difference.” This reflects the core of the DTI-SM collaboration: turning opportunity into transformation, and visibility into viability.
More than a showcase of Filipino flavors, the 2026 DTI National Food Fair proved to be a powerful engine for entrepreneurship, innovation, and nation-building, as thousands of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) connected with wider markets at Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall from April 8–12.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque lead the official ribbon-cutting ceremony together with DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista and DOA Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr., marking the start of the five-day fair—signaling a unified commitment to empower Filipino enterprises
Backed by the strong partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Supermalls, the five-day event transformed retail space into a high-impact platform where local businesses don’t just sell—they scale.
A dynamic hub of Filipino entrepreneurship, innovation, and community comes to life at the National Food Fair—hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry and supported by SM for MSMEs, an advocacy program of SM Supermalls—held annually at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall.
A Platform Built for Growth
Beyond exposure, the National Food Fair serves as a launchpad for scaling businesses—combining DTI’s development programs with SM Supermalls’ nationwide retail reach. “From a small coffee shop, we’ve grown into a manufacturing business, and platforms like the DTI National Food Fair at SM Megamall have helped accelerate that journey,” said King Del Rosario of Coffee and Mead Corporation. “The support, accessibility, and stronger sales show how SM provides MSMEs like us the right environment to grow.”
Connecting Regions to the Nation
For regional entrepreneurs, access to national markets is often the biggest barrier—one that the National Food Fair helps break. “Through DTI trade fairs at SM Supermalls, we were able to bring our products from Bicol to a national market,” shared Larry Lee Ong of Orange Country Enterprises. “It opened doors to major buyers and long-term partnerships, helping us scale and grow—proving how SM can transform regional businesses into national brands.” By bridging regional producers to urban consumers, SM enables MSMEs to move from local relevance to national competitiveness.
From Demand to Expansion
At the heart of the fair is a simple but powerful outcome: real demand. “Demand for our product is already higher than supply, and having a booth at the DTI National Food Fair in SM Megamall gives us the right mix of customers and exposure to sustain that growth,” said Alvin Samson of Easter Joy Rabbit Ventures. “Every time we’re in SM, we sell out—proving the strength of the platform in helping us grow faster and reach new markets.” This demonstrates how strategic marketplaces drive not just awareness—but measurable business outcomes.
Culture, Community, and Inclusive Growth
Beyond commerce, the fair highlights the role of MSMEs in preserving identity and creating livelihoods. “We’re not just selling products—we’re sharing our culture,” said Sherly Biase of Basilio’s Kini-ing Food Processing. “Through the DTI National Food Fair, we introduce Cordilleran cuisine, correct misconceptions, and create livelihood for our farmers. With SM, it’s not just foot traffic—it’s the right market that helps us scale and connect to bigger opportunities.” Here, MSMEs become more than businesses—they become drivers of cultural preservation and community development.
A Shared Commitment to Nation-Building
The success of the 2026 DTI National Food Fair underscores the strength of a model built on collaboration:
DTI providing capability-building and enterprise support
SM Supermalls offering scale, access, and market integration
MSMEs driving innovation, resilience, and growth
“This partnership allows us to bring MSMEs closer to the market—hindi lang sa Maynila kundi sa buong bansa,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque. With over 17,000 MSMEs nationwide, SM Supermalls continues to redefine its role—not just as a retail destination, but as a platform for inclusive growth and economic empowerment.
The 2026 DTI National Food Fair 2026 proves that when public and private sectors work together, MSMEs don’t just participate in the economy, they help build it. At SM Supermalls, your most loved mall, every booth is more than a business, it is a story of growth, a source of livelihood, and a step toward a stronger, more inclusive Filipino economy. Be part of the movement that champions Filipino entrepreneurship. Visit the fair at SM Megamall until April 12 and experience how MSMEs are shaping the future of the local economy.
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