CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PAMPANGA - Pampanga has long held the crown as the culinary capital of the Philippines, but this weekend, it solidified its reputation as a booming epicenter for food business and innovation. The highly anticipated One Pampanga Food and Beverage Expo 2026 (OPFBEX 2026) kicked off its spectacular two-day run at the state-of-the-art SMX Convention Center Clark. Returning for its second year, the event has grown exponentially in both size and influence—transforming the exhibition floor into a buzzing metropolis of culinary pioneers, global distributors, local suppliers, and passionate food service entrepreneurs.
Empowering the Flavors of Central Luzon
Organized with the robust support of the Department of Tourism - Region III, this year's expo steps beyond simple food sampling. It serves as a vital platform spotlighting the raw creativity, rich flavors, and relentless entrepreneurial drive reshaping Central Luzon's rapidly evolving multi-billion peso hospitality industry. The floor featured over 80 dynamic exhibitors ranging from commercial kitchen tech providers to historic local heritage brands. A massive crowd-puller on day one was the dedicated Coffee and Matcha Pavilion, capturing the trendy, fast-growing beverage market that has taken the region by storm. The expo provides a one-stop shop for food entrepreneurs looking to secure suppliers, discover new products, and connect with industry leaders.
Where Culinary Tradition Meets Business Innovation
A major highlight of the opening salvo was the simultaneous staging of the Food Forward Forum 2026. Industry giants, including Mekeni Food Corporation President Pruds Garcia and DOT Region III Director Dr. Richard Daenos, engaged in powerful panel discussions regarding culinary tourism, scaling local MSMEs, and ensuring robust farm-to-market food security. "This isn't just an expo," shared lead convenor Chef Felix Asuncion during the opening events. "It's a shared mission to put Pampanga exactly where it belongs: right at the heart of the global Philippine food story." The forum underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving the region's food tourism agenda and supporting local food businesses.
Catch the Final Day!
With day one wrapping up to massive critical acclaim, the momentum is only building. Whether you are a restaurateur looking to lock down premium ingredient suppliers, a barista scouting next-gen tools, or a foodie wanting to taste the absolute best of the region, the event continues through September 20. Doors open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the SMX Convention Center Clark, with completely free admission for the public. Don't miss out on the culinary event of the year—come connect, collaborate, and taste the future of food!