Philippine F&B sector targets Qatar, GCC retail markets with ready-to-eat halal exports

The Philippine food industry is broadening its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) retail sector by launching halal-certified, shelf-stable ready-to-eat meals for Qatar and the broader region. Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, Mardomel Celo D Melicor, discussed this expansion during the opening of 'Hospitality Qatar 2026' on Monday.

The ambassador explained that local brand 'Cabalen', originally a restaurant chain, innovated by producing packaged meals to cater to the demand for convenience and long shelf life, a necessity amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Philippine Embassy in Qatar invited 'Cabalen' to exhibit these products at the Hospitality Qatar 2026 event held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) until October 14.

Melicor emphasized that these innovations are part of a larger strategy to enhance commercial ties and supply chain diversity between the Philippines and Qatar. The ambassador also highlighted the potential in halal tourism, noting that the demand is primarily from family groups, necessitating facilities tailored for both adults and children.

To improve travel convenience for Gulf visitors, the embassy is collaborating with airlines like Qatar Airways to create streamlined itineraries that bypass unnecessary travel steps, such as connecting Doha to destinations like Dipolog or Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao. Melicor expressed confidence that such initiatives, involving local agricultural producers, food manufacturers, and tourism hubs, will set a scalable model for other Philippine provinces aiming to attract trade and investment from the GCC.