Building Strong Connections with the Right Partners
By Cris C. Abiva
WOFEX will not be WOFEX without our loyal and supportive exhibitors, who year in and year out, join us in bringing buyers and sellers together and in providing not just products and services but also learning opportunities and professional advice.
In the latest issue of World Food magazine (February 2026), we shared invaluable advice and insights, from top executives of companies that have been loyal partners of WOFEX, about taking part in food trade shows Here’s one of the stories.
GLOBAL PACIFIC DISTRIBUTION NETWORK CORP. has been a proud WOFEX partner since 2010. President and CEO, Mr. Peter Limquiaco, says, “We chose to be part of this premier event because it was the largest and most influential gathering of the food and beverage industry, bringing together renowned brands and highly engaged industry professionals and clientele in one venue.” The show, he says, provided them with the ideal platform to showcase their portfolio alongside the most trusted names in the industry and to connect directly with key decision makers in the foodservice sector.
A trusted food solutions partner in the F&B industry, Global Pacific offers a diverse line-up of high-quality cooking and baking essentials, dairy products, frozen food, fats and oil, chocolates, beverage essentials, and so much more. Established in 2008 by a group of businessmen with over a decade of business experience, it started with branches in Manila and Cebu. Not long after, satellite branches were set up in Bohol, Cebu, Bacolod, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro and Davao, to meet the needs of their clients.
Committed to excellence and to bringing the world to their clients, Global Pacific works hard to bring only the best products from across the globe through their efficient and fast-growing food distribution and importation business.
Global Pacific participates not just WOFEX Manila but also the regional shows in Visayas and Mindanao. “As a nationwide brand serving clients across the Philippines, it is important for us to bring our product experience closer to our customers wherever they are. Being in the regional shows allow us to connect more personally with our clients and serves as our way of thanking them for their continued trust and patronage. Beyond reaching new and potential customers, it gives us the opportunity to reconnect with long-time partners and further strengthen the relationships we’ve built over the years,” Limquiaco explains.
They make good use of their time at the WOFEX shows by providing a hands-on experience of their brand offerings through the live demos by chefs. Here, clients can see, taste and understand how the products perform in real kitchen applications. Limquiaco say, “WOFEX provides a valuable face-to-face platform for meaningful conversations, allowing our clients to engage with our team directly, experience our products firsthand, and make more informed decisions before committing to purchases.”
To ensure a successful participation, he says, “Prepare your team to engage visitors, anticipate questions, and showcase your brand’s unique value. Avoid last-minute scrambling, underestimating logistics, or overlooking simple touches that can make a lasting impression.”
For Global Pacific, joining WOFEX is valuable not just for brand exposure, but also for team development. “It’s a unique opportunity to learn alongside other industry players, gain insights into trends, and engage directly with a highly-targeted audience,” Limquiaco expounds. He says more than just a marketing activity, it is a worthwhile investment that will strengthen your brand presence, while also allowing your team to grow professionally through real-world industry experience.
In the 15 years that Global Pacific has been part of WOFEX, Limquiaco says there have been a lot of standout moments. In particular, he cites their participation at the Drinks Experience Hub in during last year’s first WOFEX Drinks + Bakes, where the Global Pacific’s barista ambassador was able to share industry knowledge and practical insights to F&B professionals and entrepreneurs. He says, “Seeing customers and peers actively listening and engaging reaffirmed that our value goes beyond carrying renowned brands, it also lies in the competence, credibility, and expertise of our team.”
*This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of World Food, the trade magazine of World Food Expo (WOFEX).
