The industry being strictly regulated by some concerned government agencies took leaps and bounds for it to be recognized as what it is now. The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2005 in the World Trade Center, Manila gave the industry a break, when 17 CARAGA Producers braved the export arena as they showcased the best food products the region can offer. Prior to the exhibition, these producers
went through intensive product packaging development which developed and enhanced their product’s packaging labels becoming more competitive. Individual capabilities were also enhanced through various trainings and seminars which made them more equipped in interacting with local and foreign buyers. IFEX was a turning point which united the food processors and producers of CARAGA region to form into one cluster, the Caraga Regional Association of Traders and Entrepreneurs in Food or simply “CReATE Food”. Composed of dynamic and enthusiastic members, the CReATE Food brought along with them the banner of the region as they showcased their products in major and minor food fairs alike. Internally, the organization has become itself, a solution to some of its members the productivity problems of their members. It has also become a consolidator of products to assist producers who are not yet capable, financial or logistically, to market their products on their own. In fact, the organization through one its members have made marketing tie-ups with a Japanese buyer. CReATE Food has become an organization that addresses the training needs of their members. Through some government agencies, it conducted seminars and workshops to enhance the capabilities of their members. With the cooperation of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and Department of Science and Technology, focused on the food sector, more intensive packaging development programs will be conducted to deal with common problems faced by most of the food producers. The Caraga Product Packaging Development Assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry generated another batch of potential food producers who will soon be joining the rest in promoting the region to be the leading food producers in the country. Soon, it is expected that more food producers in the region will surface and form part of the growing processed food industry.
