For many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines, growth begins with a single point of access—and the right platform can change everything. Consider the story of Alvin Causing from Project Beans Coffee, whose journey was transformed after a chance meeting at an SM trade fair.
“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,” Alvin shared. “From a small start-up, we’ve grown into a brand enjoyed nationwide and globally because of the right marketplace SM provided. SM didn’t just give us space; they gave us a chance.”
This sentiment lies at the heart of the collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Supermalls: turning visibility into viability and opportunity into long-term transformation.
A Powerful Engine for Nation-Building
The 2026 DTI National Food Fair, held from April 8–12 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall, proved to be much more than a showcase of Filipino flavors. It functioned as a high-octane engine for entrepreneurship and innovation. The event was officially opened by DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, alongside DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista and DA Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr., signaling a unified government and private sector commitment to empowering local enterprises.
Supported by the SM for MSMEs advocacy program, the fair transformed premium retail space into a launchpad where local businesses don’t just sell—they scale.
Connecting Regions to National Markets
For regional entrepreneurs, breaking into the urban market is often the most significant barrier to success. The National Food Fair helps bridge this gap.
Larry Lee Ong of Orange Country Enterprises noted that through DTI fairs at SM, his brand moved from Bicol to a national stage. “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 connecting provincial producers with Metro Manila’s massive consumer base, SM enables MSMEs to move from local relevance to national competitiveness.
A Dynamic Hub of Innovation and Demand
The success of the fair is measured in real-world business outcomes. At SM Megamall, the mix of high foot traffic and a target-ready market creates an environment where demand often outpaces supply.
“Every time we’re in SM, we sell out,” said Alvin Samson of Easter Joy Rabbit Ventures. Similarly, King Del Rosario of Coffee and Mead Corporation shared how the fair accelerated his company’s transition from a small coffee shop into a full-scale manufacturing business. The accessibility of the Megatrade Hall provides the perfect environment for MSMEs to test new products and sustain rapid growth.
Culture, Community, and Inclusive Growth
Beyond the balance sheets, the National Food Fair highlights the vital role MSMEs play in preserving Filipino cultural identity. For Sherly Biase of Basilio’s Kini-ing Food Processing, the fair is a platform to share Cordilleran cuisine and correct misconceptions about her culture.
“With SM, it’s not just foot traffic—it’s the right market that helps us scale and connect to bigger opportunities,” she explained. In this ecosystem, MSMEs become more than just businesses; they become drivers of cultural preservation and community livelihood.
A Shared Commitment to the Filipino Economy
The 2026 DTI National Food Fair underscores a successful three-way model:
DTI: Providing capability-building, training, and enterprise support.
SM Supermalls: Offering scale, premium access, and market integration.
MSMEs: Driving innovation, resilience, and economic growth.
As Secretary Cristina Roque stated, this partnership brings MSMEs closer to the market not just in Manila, but across the entire country. With over 17,000 MSMEs currently supported within the SM ecosystem, SM Supermalls continues to redefine its role as a platform for inclusive growth and economic empowerment.
Support Local, Shop MSME
The 2026 DTI National Food Fair proves that when the public and private sectors work together, MSMEs don’t just participate in the economy—they help build it. Every booth at SM Megamall represents a story of hard work, a source of livelihood, and a step toward a stronger Filipino economy.
Experience the future of the local food industry and champion Filipino entrepreneurship. Visit the fair at SM Megamall and see how local brands are going global.
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