#MarketLinkaging | Mr. Victor Antonio Nola, Jr., also known as Tony, the founder and CEO of Sangkutsa Food Products, Inc. (SFPI), recently visited the region on July 18-19, 2024, to explore potential marketing opportunities. SFPI, based in Quezon City, specializes in processing and distributing agri-based value-added products. Their market extends beyond major supermarkets and groceries in the Philippines to include destinations in the Middle East, USA, Canada, and Singapore.
During his visit, Mr. Nola, accompanied by Dr. Esmael M. Intao and his team from the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), engaged in discussions aimed at expanding SFPI’s product offerings. One key meeting involved Mr. Jay Galiste, a notable producer of high-quality Pummelo in M’lang, Cotabato. They deliberated on integrating pickled Pummelo into SFPI’s existing “Pik-a Pikel” line, which currently features pickled mango, guava, and papaya. The discussions encompassed product standards, pricing strategies, delivery schedules, and other pertinent details.
Additionally, Mr. Camar Paidumama, a well- known in the mango industry in the region, was included in Mr. Nola’s itinerary. The focus of their meeting was to revive and resume mango supply arrangements disrupted previously. This initiative stems from a marketing contract facilitated by AMAD in October 2019, which forged a partnership between the Regional Mango Industry Development Council, represented by Mr. Paidumama, and SFPI under Mr. Nola’s leadership.
Looking forward, SFPI, through Mr. Nola, hopes to finalize marketing agreements with Mr. Galiste and Mr. Paidumama by September of this year. The commercial distribution of pickled Pummelo is anticipated to commence by October, pending finalization of label designs, completion of laboratory tests for food safety, and adherence to regulatory requirements.