Weāre absolutely thrilled to share this exciting milestone: LemonCito by Zigmund Enterprises was one of the featured Philippine products at the renowned Winter Fancy Food Show 2025 in Las Vegas!
From January 19ā21, 2025, the Philippine Pavilion made its grand debut at the Las Vegas Convention Centerāthe first-ever official pavilion at this prestigious eventāorganized by DTIāCITEM and PTICāLA to showcase our vibrant food scene to the world.
Among 16 standout MSMEs under the FOODPhilippines banner, LemonCito proudly represented the sweetāand sourāspirit of the Philippines alongside iconic brands like Barrio Fiesta, Eng Bee Tin, and Mekeni, spotlighting our natural calamansi concentrate to international buyers.
Our booth was buzzing non-stop! With visitors eager to sample LemonCitoās refreshing tang, we had countless meaningful conversations and promising business leads. The energy was incredibleāpeople loved how our calamansi concentrate brought a vibrant, authentic burst of flavor to beverages, cooking, and mixology .
PTICāLA facilitated key buyer meetings, introducing food and beverage experts to Philippine-made specialties. Several Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce members expressed strong interest in distributing our products in the U.S. marketāan exciting step toward greater North America presence.
Winter Fancy Food Show 2025 brought together nearly 1,100 exhibitors from around the globe, drawing 12,000 industry professionals. Itās where trends are born, innovations are spotlighted, and connections are forged. Being part of that community, under the Philippine Pavilion, was an electrifying experience.
Weāre so proud to have been there, to represent Filipino food excellence, and to stand alongside other homegrown MSMEs gaining global attention .
This achievement wouldnāt have been possible without the extraordinary support of DTIāCITEM and PTICāLA, and the hard work of the Zigmund team. To everyone who visited our booth, engaged with us, and sampled LemonCitoāthank you for your time, interest, and feedback!
LemonCitoāborn in a humble kitchen, nurtured with passion, elevated by purposeāis now zesty-ing the world stage one sip at a time. š
Thank you for being part of our journey. Hereās to many more flavorful milestones!
#LemonCitoGoesGlobal
#WinterFancyFoodShow
#FoodPhilippines
#ZigmundEnterprises
#DTICITEMPTICLA
In August 2022, our esteemed Chief Marketing Officer, Madonna Elizaga, took the global stage as a panelist at the APEC SelfāFunded Project: āFostering Greater SME Participation in Global Value Chainsā, held during APEC SME Week in Phuket, Thailand. This was more than an invitationāit was a celebration of her leadership and insight on empowering small and medium enterprises to join global supply networks.
The project was designed to explore how SMEs can better tap into global value chains, especially through embracing digital technologies, improving logistics, and adopting ESG best practices. Madonna joined a stellar panel of international experts, regulators, and trade specialists, offering a uniquely grassroots perspective rooted in decades of real-world business building.
Hereās what made her contribution so special:
Weāre incredibly proud to have our coāfounder shine under the APEC spotlight. Madonnaās presence at the panel underscores how local innovation, when supported by programs like DITās OTOP and DOSTāSETUP, can blossom into international opportunity.
Her participation echoes a larger truth: when APEC economies invest in digital capability, fair trade facilitation, and mentoring for SMEsāand especially women-led onesāreal, tangible progress follows .
As Zigmund Enterprises continues to grow, we draw inspiration from moments like this. From kitchen creations in Metro Manila and Dumaguete to international forums and export campaigns, Madonnaās journey reminds us that one passionate person can ignite transformationānot just in her business, but in entire communities.
Thank you, Madonna, for leading with courage, for lifting up our brand, and for showing that Philippine SMEs canāand willāmake waves in global value chains.
#ZigmundEnterprises
#WomenInTrade
#APEC2022
#SMEGrowth
#GlobalValueChains
Every great business has a storyāand ours began in a humble kitchen in Metro Manila, stirred with love, purpose, and a motherās desire to give her children something better.
In 1999, our founder, Madonna Elizaga, wasnāt thinking about exports, trade fairs, or FDA licenses. She was thinking about her children. She wanted them to have healthier drinksāsomething real, natural, and full of the goodness of Philippine fruits. That spark of love and intention gave birth to what we now proudly call Zigmund Enterprises.
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves celebrating a full-circle moment. Madonnaās inspiring story was recently featured by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 7 in a special feature titled āFrom Kitchen Dreams to Global Triumph: The Journey of a Woman Entrepreneur.ā And itās a story we are deeply proud to share.
Starting as a cottage industry, Zigmund was built from scratch, fueled by long hours, borrowed equipment, and big dreams. When we relocated to Dumaguete City in 2007, the challenges multipliedābut so did Madonnaās drive.
With limited capital and almost no formal business background, she knocked on the doors of DTI and bravely took part in programs like OTOP, Kapatid Mentor Me, and eventually, DOSTās SETUP Program. These doors didnāt just open opportunitiesāthey opened a world of possibilities.
With the support of these government programs, Zigmund transitioned from manual to mechanized production, multiplied our workforce, and elevated our product standards. We went from three people in a small kitchen to a dedicated team in a fully equipped facility. From local fairs to international expos. From six-digit sales to seven-digit growth.
And through it all, weāve stayed rooted in purposeāuplifting local farmers, promoting health through natural juice concentrates, and keeping that original intention of nourishing families with real, honest products.
Madonnaās leadership pushed the boundaries even further. Today, Zigmund Enterprises proudly exports to countries like Singapore, the United States, and Canada. Weāve shared the stage at ASEAN Trade Fairs, SEOUL FOOD Korea, and were even invited to the APEC SME Week in Thailand, where Madonna was recognized as a leader in fostering small business growth.
This is more than Madonnaās story. Itās a story of Filipino ingenuity, of a mother's heart, and of a small-town dream turned international success. It's the story of every small business owner who dared to start, dared to struggle, and dared to dream big.
At Zigmund Enterprises, weāre not just bottling calamansi juiceāweāre bottling passion, perseverance, and the best of what the Philippines has to offer.
And none of this would be possible without the inspiring woman behind it all: Madonna Elizaga.
We thank the DTI Region 7 ā Negros Oriental for recognizing Madonnaās journey and for being a constant ally to MSMEs like us. To read the full DTI feature, you can visit their official website here.
This is just the beginning. We continue to dream, grow, and bring Philippine flavors to the worldāone bottle at a time.
#ZigmundEnterprises
#ProudlyPhilippineMade
#WomenInBusiness
#DTISuccessStories
#FromKitchenToGlobal
Zigmund Enterprises: A Featured Exhibitor at IFEX Philippines 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Zigmund Enterprises has been selected as a Featured Exhibitor at IFEX Philippines 2025, the country's premier international food trade show. This prestigious event will take place from May 22 to 24, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
Being recognized as a featured exhibitor is a significant milestone for our company. From our humble beginnings in 1999, crafting our signature LemonCito Calamansi Juice Concentrate in small batches, to now showcasing our products on an international stage, this journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
What to Expect at IFEX Philippines 2025
IFEX Philippines 2025 promises to be an exciting convergence of global food industry players. With over 700 exhibitors and 10,000 trade buyers and visitors expected, the event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, product discovery, and business growth.
The exhibition will feature diverse product categories, including:
Additionally, the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) will be co-located with IFEX Philippines 2025, highlighting sustainable technologies and practices in the food sector.
Join Us at Our Booth
We invite you to visit our booth at IFEX Philippines 2025 to experience the authentic taste of our LemonCito Calamansi Juice Concentrate and explore our range of natural fruit juice products. Engage with our team, learn about our commitment to quality and sustainability, and discover how our products can complement your offerings.
For more information about our company and products, please visit our website: https://www.zigmundenterprises.com/about.
We look forward to connecting with you at IFEX Philippines 2025!
A Taste of Success: Our Journey as an Exhibitor at IFEX Philippines 2023
Participating in the 16th International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, held from May 26 to 28, 2023, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, was an exhilarating experience for us at Zigmund Enterprises. As a company dedicated to bringing high-quality Filipino food products to the global market, IFEX 2023 provided an unparalleled platform to showcase our offerings and connect with industry stakeholders.
The event, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), attracted nearly 9,500 local and international trade visitors and buyers. With over 500 exhibitors from the Philippines and abroad, the exhibition floor was a vibrant hub of culinary innovation and business opportunities.
One of the highlights for us was participating in the Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry ā Export Marketing Bureau. These interactions were instrumental in forging new partnerships and exploring export opportunities. The event's success was evident, with total export sales reaching $162 million, marking a 52% increase from the previous year.
We were also inspired by the thematic exhibitions such as Flavor Finds and the IFEX Kitchen, which showcased emerging food trends and allowed for live cooking demonstrations. These features not only highlighted the rich diversity of Filipino cuisine but also emphasized the industry's move towards innovation and sustainability.
Being part of IFEX Philippines 2023 reinforced our commitment to excellence and innovation in the food sector. The exposure and connections gained from the event have opened new avenues for growth and collaboration. We look forward to leveraging these opportunities to bring the flavors of the Philippines to a broader audience.
A Heartfelt Journey: Zigmund Enterprises at IFEX Philippines 2024
Last May 10ā12, 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to be part of the 17th edition of IFEX Philippines, held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Themed āItās a Salu-Salo,ā the event celebrated the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors and the spirit of community that food brings.
As one of over 500 exhibitors, we were thrilled to showcase our products to nearly 10,000 visitors, including international trade buyers, government agencies, and fellow food enthusiasts. The atmosphere was electric, filled with live cooking demos, engaging learning sessions, and a shared passion for Filipino cuisine.
One of the highlights for us was participating in the FAST (Functional, Authentic, Sustainable, and Twist) Catch initiative, which spotlighted innovative food products that cater to the evolving tastes of global consumers. It was inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of fellow exhibitors striving to bring Filipino flavors to the world stage.
The event also featured the prestigious Katha Awards for Food, recognizing excellence in product innovation and packaging. Witnessing the ingenuity of our peers was both humbling and motivating, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
We are deeply grateful to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) for organizing such a successful event and for their unwavering support of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) like ours. The connections we made and the insights we gained are invaluable as we continue our mission to share the best of Filipino food with the world.
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and supported us during IFEX Philippines 2024. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
For more about our journey and products, visit https://zigmundenterprises.com/about-us/.
Celebrating Local Flavors: Our Heartwarming Experience at NOFEX 2024
This past year, we had the delightful opportunity to participate in the Negros Oriental Food Expo (NOFEX) 2024, held in Dumaguete City. Organized in partnership with the Negros Oriental Food Producers Association, Inc. (NOFPAI), the event brought together over 26 exhibitors from the province, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of our region.
From the moment we set up our booth, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and camaraderie. The expo was more than just a trade fair; it was a celebration of our shared passion for food and community. Visitors from all walks of life came to explore, taste, and appreciate the unique flavors that Negros Oriental has to offer.
One of the highlights for us was engaging with fellow local producers and entrepreneurs. The exchange of ideas, stories, and experiences was both inspiring and educational. We learned about innovative approaches to traditional recipes, sustainable sourcing practices, and the importance of preserving our culinary traditions for future generations.
The support and enthusiasm from attendees were truly heartening. Their genuine interest in our products and the positive feedback we received reaffirmed our commitment to quality and authenticity. It was a joy to see our offerings resonate with so many people, sparking conversations and connections that we will cherish.
Participating in NOFEX 2024 was not just a business endeavor; it was a meaningful journey that deepened our ties to the community and reinforced our dedication to promoting local flavors. We are immensely grateful to the organizers, fellow exhibitors, and all the visitors who made this event a memorable success.
As we look forward to future opportunities, we carry with us the warmth, insights, and inspiration gained from NOFEX 2024. Here's to celebrating and sharing the rich culinary tapestry of Negros Oriental with the world.
For more about our journey and products, visit https://zigmundenterprises.com/about-us/.
Bringing Filipino Flavors to Korea: Our Heartfelt Experience at SEOUL FOOD 2023
From May 30 to June 2, 2023, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in SEOUL FOOD 2023, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. As one of Asia's largest and most prestigious food industry exhibitions, the event brought together over 1,300 companies from 39 countries, offering a vibrant platform for culinary exchange and innovation.
For us at Zigmund Enterprises, this was more than just an exhibitionāit was a journey of cultural connection and shared passion for food. Presenting our Filipino products to an international audience was both exhilarating and humbling. The warm reception and genuine interest from attendees reaffirmed our commitment to showcasing the rich flavors of the Philippines on the global stage.
One of the most memorable aspects was engaging with fellow exhibitors and visitors. The exchange of ideas, stories, and culinary traditions created an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. We were inspired by the innovative approaches and dedication to quality displayed by participants from around the world.
Participating in SEOUL FOOD 2023 also provided valuable insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences. The experience has motivated us to continue innovating and adapting, ensuring that our products resonate with diverse markets while staying true to our roots.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, fellow exhibitors, and all the visitors who made this event unforgettable. Being part of SEOUL FOOD 2023 has been a significant milestone in our journey, and we look forward to future opportunities to share the unique tastes of the Philippines with the world.
For more about our journey and products, visit https://zigmundenterprises.com/about-us/.
demo post
CIIE is a brainchild of President Xi Jinping as an initiative to open the Chinese market to the world. CIIE is the first import-themed, national-level exhibition expo in China that only features foreign exhibitors; no local Chinese businesses to exhibit at the event.
