Belgian Fries to Exhibit in WOFEX Manila 2018
Who doesn’t love a good fry? The crisp, golden potato sticks are the definition of heaven for a lot of people. A lot of people have probably seen photos and videos of people lining up for fries with an accompanying caption that claims Belgium has the best ones. That’s not a bandwagon and it’s not the product of successful marketing either. That’s science. Belgium happens to be in the middle of the best place to grow potatoes in Europe.
Belgium takes its fries so seriously that the frietkot or fries shop is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage and there are about 5,000 of those shops in that small country. Belgium also has a museum dedicated to fries.
To understand Belgium’s relationship with the starchy root crop, here’s a quick history. Potatoes were native to South America and were not seen in Europe until Spanish conquistadors swooped in and brought back gold, silver, and a number of odd crops, including the humble potato, back to Europe. Fast forward a few centuries later and the potato is now a staple of the European diet.
James Bint, the Belgian fries ambassador
There are a few stories as to how the French fry got its name which includes geographically challenged soldiers and culinary techniques. No matter the story, Belgians are proud to say that the fry did, in fact, come from Belgium and not from France.
H.E. Mr. Michel Goffin, Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines
After a successful stint at the Expo Milano 2015 where they were named as the Most Favorite Snack, Belgian fries are taking the world by storm and are making their way to Asia. They’ve already held exhibits in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. They’ve also made an impression in Japan. Now, they’re headed to Philippine shores.
From August 1 to 4, 2018, the Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM) will bring together five major Belgian fries exporters to exhibit as a group at WOFEX Manila 2018. They will be under the banner “Belgian Fries” with the purpose of widening their networks, increasing their share in the Philippines’ growing market for processed potato products, and heighten awareness of Belgian fries in the Philippines and the region.
Secretary-General of Belgapom, Mr. Romain Cools
The five companies, namely Agristo, Bart’s Potato Company, Clarebout Potatoes, Ecofrost, and Mydibel, represent the five biggest family-owned businesses in the industry that offer a wide range of potato products and specialties that are exported to over 100 countries worldwide. Furthermore, all companies are also halal-certified, allowing them to cater to a larger market.
H.E. Mr. Michel Goffin and Mr. Romain Cools with James Bint
WOFEX or the World Food Expo is the biggest and most effective food show in the Philippines. From August 1 to 4, 2018, it will be held simultaneously at the SMX Convention Center and the World Trade Center Philippines. For more information, please visit their website.
Also read: WOFEX: World Food Expo Manila 2018
