The 39th Negros Trade Fair recorded unprecedented success, generating ₱54.5 million in spot sales and ₱97 million in booked business-to-business (B2B) transactions for a total of ₱151.5 million, Mary Ann Colmenares, Negros Trade Fair (NTF) vice chairperson, said Wednesday, Oct. 1.
The NTF, held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier, Taguig City, Sept. 23 to 28, drew 41,000 visitors.
Last year’s NTF sales totaled ₱60 million, Colmenares said.
She said the food sector was the biggest earner at this year’s fair.
Colmenares cited the “invaluable support” of the Negros Occidental provincial government, led by Governor Eugenio Lacson.
Carrying the theme “Himbon,” the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair delivered far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impact for the Negros Island Region, Colmenares said.
On the economic front, exhibitors secured breakthrough opportunities, Colmenares said.
A local food processor secured their first export order, pending Food and Drug Administration clearance, she said.
Other exhibitors forged supply deals with national distributors.
Soft goods manufacturers began product collaborations with Filipino lifestyle giant Kultura, Colmenares also said.
These achievements reflect how the fair strengthens supply chains and opens new markets for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), she added.
The fair was also joined by 113 small and medium enterprises who are members of the Association of Negros Producers and Negrense-owned companies whose advocacies align with ANP’s vision, Colmenares said.
Colmenares said 375 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government unit-assisted microenterprises were also given the opportunity to market test their products at the NTF.
Beyond trade, the fair united Negrenses and Metro Manila audiences in celebrating Negros’ rich culture and creativity. The event reinforced community pride, created livelihoods, and inspired future entrepreneurs, she said.
“Sustainability also took center stage, with many exhibitors highlighting eco-friendly practices and products rooted in Negros’ agricultural abundance—underscoring the region’s commitment to responsible growth,” Colmenares added.
The NTF’s milestone 40th edition in 2026 will be held at its new home, SMX Aura.*