By Kenneth Marcos 
The sweet scent of freshly churned ice cream filled the air at the World Trade Center in Pasay City as local and international exhibitors gathered for the 1st International Ice Cream and Gelato Expo 2025 (ICEGEX). Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of Ms. Judith A. Platero, Technical Consultant of the National Dairy Authority’s (NDA) Milk Quality Assurance and Product Development Division, who delivered an inspiring talk titled “From Farm to Freezer: The Role of Fresh Milk in Premium Ice Cream and Gelato.”
Speaking before industry professionals, dairy producers, and entrepreneurs, Platero underscored the vital role of fresh, locally produced milk in ensuring quality and innovation in the country’s frozen dessert industry. She explained that using fresh milk directly sourced from Filipino dairy farmers not only enhances product taste and texture but also strengthens the livelihood of local producers who are part of the growing national dairy chain.
“Every scoop of ice cream made with fresh local milk tells a story—from the farmer who milks the cow each morning to the consumer who enjoys the final product,” Platero said. She emphasized that supporting local dairy production is key to sustaining the country’s food security and promoting Filipino-made ingredients in global markets.
The ICEGEX 2025 gathered hundreds of exhibitors, manufacturers, and small business owners from the food and beverage sector. The expo served as a platform for sharing trends, technologies, and market opportunities in the rapidly expanding ice cream and gelato industry, which continues to attract strong consumer demand across the Philippines.
The NDA’s participation in the event also reflects the agency’s broader mission to develop the local dairy industry under the Department of Agriculture’s “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” framework. By promoting fresh milk utilization, the NDA aims to encourage processors and entrepreneurs to buy directly from local dairy cooperatives, ensuring farmers get fair compensation while consumers receive safer and better-quality products.
Platero’s presentation also introduced innovations in milk handling, cold chain logistics, and product formulation—all designed to help local ice cream producers meet global standards without losing their Filipino identity.
As the frozen dessert sector continues to grow, the NDA hopes that more businesses will recognize the value of local sourcing and quality assurance. With strong collaboration between farmers, processors, and government agencies, the dream of a truly sustainable “farm-to-freezer” industry for Filipino-made ice cream is well within reach.
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