Flour Power: URC’s New Milling Marvel in Sariaya, Quezon

COURTESY: https://www.jgsummit.com.ph

Hey there, flour enthusiasts and curious minds alike! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of flour milling with a splash of innovation and a dash of economic optimism. Universal Robina Corporation (URC), one of the Philippines' biggest food and beverage companies, has just pulled back the curtain on its latest venture—a PHP 5.4 billion flour milling plant in Sariaya, Quezon Province. Let's roll up our sleeves and explore what this means for the industry, the economy, and you!

Let’s kick things off with some numbers. The spanking new URC Flour Sariaya plant boosts the company’s milling capacity to a whopping 3,500 metric tons per day. That’s a significant leap from their previous 2,180 MT. If you’re wondering why this expansion is such a big deal, let me break it down for you.

Simply put, more flour means more bread, pastries, noodles, and all the carb-loaded goodness that we Filipinos love. As URC’s President and CEO, Irwin C. Lee, put it, “We are seeing an ever-growing demand for our products.” This new facility ensures that demand is met without sacrificing quality or hiking up prices. And in today’s economy, that’s as golden as a perfectly baked pandesal.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—how exciting can a flour mill really be? Well, hold onto your hats, because this isn’t just any flour mill. It’s the first in the Philippines to employ cutting-edge, fully automated milling technology. This high-tech system optimizes the production process, reduces wastage, and enhances overall efficiency. It even has fully automated packing operations. Talk about a game-changer!

Lance Y. Gokongwei, URC's Chairman and President and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, emphasized the strategic significance of this facility. With increased milling capacity and advanced technology, URC is making flour production more efficient and cost-effective. This translates to more affordable essential goods for Filipino families, contributing to food security and price stability. Who knew a bag of flour could do all that?

But wait, there’s more! This PHP 5.4 billion investment is not just about flour—it’s a testament to URC’s unwavering confidence in the country’s economic future. Gokongwei highlighted this point, stating that the investment is aligned with the priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to bolster agricultural productivity and strengthen the grain sector.

Moreover, the 10-hectare facility is set to generate at least 150 additional jobs for the local community. That’s a significant boost for Sariaya, aligning with URC’s commitment to fostering local development. The plant’s strategic location supports the company’s broader goals of contributing to the Philippine economy and ensuring a steady supply of flour for the region. It’s a win-win!

The grand inauguration on November 29, 2024, was quite the event, attended by none other than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself. He commended URC’s role in strengthening the country’s food security, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that every Filipino has access to the resources they need for nourishment.

Key government figures like Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta were also present, highlighting the plant’s significance to both local and national stakeholders. URC’s Lee shared insights into the plant’s Earth-friendly design features and its potential to become a cornerstone of progress in the area.

In wrapping up, the inauguration of the URC Flour Sariaya plant is not just a milestone for URC but a beacon of hope for the Philippine food industry. With its enhanced technology, substantial capacity, and focus on community development, this plant is poised to be a catalyst for positive change.

So, whether you’re munching on your favorite snack or pondering the complexities of food security, remember that there’s a lot of innovation and dedication behind every bite. Here’s to a future where flour not only feeds us but also fuels economic growth and community resilience. Cheers to URC and its flour-ishing future!

Snack Attack: Why URC Brands Are the Filipino Household Favorites

COURTESY: https://www.jgsummit.com.ph

When it comes to snacking and sipping, Filipinos know what's up. Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has been a staple in many homes across the Philippines, and for good reason. According to the latest Brand Footprint report by Kantar Group, six of URC's brands are among the top choices for millions of Filipino households. Let's dive into the juicy details and discover why these brands are winning hearts and taste buds.

First off, let's talk about the heavyweights in the snack arena. Piattos and Nissin have been making waves in the Filipino snack scene, with their irresistible flavors and convenience. Piattos, with its unique chip design and mouthwatering flavors, remains a crowd favorite, holding its seventh-place ranking in the food sector. Meanwhile, Nissin instant noodles have climbed to the 16th spot. It's perfect for those quick, satisfying meals that don't skimp on taste.

But wait, there's more! Payless, another instant noodle brand from URC, has entered the Top 20 in the food sector, marking its territory at the 19th position. This is thanks to its Xtra Big variant that's been a hit among noodle lovers. The newly launched Payless Sakto is also gaining momentum, proving that URC knows how to play the noodle game right.

Moving over to beverages, URC's C2 and Great Taste coffee are making significant strides. C2, the ready-to-drink tea brand, saw a whopping 25% increase in consumer reach points (CRP), making it the 14th most chosen brand in the beverage sector. This surge is attributed to its expanded availability in groceries, sari-sari stores, and market stalls. It's refreshing, it's tasty, and it's easy to grab on the go.

Then there's Great Taste coffee, a brand that needs no introduction. With 440 million CRP, it's the eighth most favored brand in the FMCG category and ranks fourth among beverages. Filipinos love their coffee, and Great Taste delivers with its rich, aromatic brews that rival even the fanciest cafes. It’s a coffee experience that’s both accessible and delightful.

Don’t forget the sweet and creamy side of URC’s offerings. Cream All, URC's dairy delight, has also climbed the ranks, now sitting pretty at 19th place in the dairy category. With its creamy texture and versatile uses, it’s no wonder this brand is finding its way into more Filipino kitchens. Whether it’s for a baking session or a simple snack, Cream All adds that touch of indulgence everyone craves.

And let's not overlook the sweet success of URC's other offerings. From biscuits to candies, each product is crafted with quality and taste in mind, ensuring that every bite is satisfying. The variety and innovation in these products keep consumers coming back for more, solidifying URC's place in the hearts of snack lovers.

So, what does Kantar’s Brand Footprint study say about URC? It’s all about those consumer reach points (CRP), which measure a brand's strength based on how many shoppers are buying it and how often. Essentially, it's a snapshot of who’s winning at the point of purchase.

URC's success in this report highlights the brand's commitment to offering superior quality and value. As Mian David, URC’s chief marketing officer, puts it, these results inspire the company to continue providing delightful food choices for Filipinos. It's not just about snacks and drinks; it's about creating experiences that resonate with consumers across generations.

In conclusion, URC's brands are more than just popular; they’re beloved. From the crunch of Piattos to the warmth of Great Taste coffee, these products offer comfort and joy, proving that when it comes to food and beverage, URC knows how to hit the sweet spot. As the market evolves, we can only expect more exciting innovations from this Filipino favorite, ready to delight even more households both locally and internationally.

URC Revolutionizes Production with Groundbreaking New Plant in Malvar, Batangas

SOURCE: JG SUMMIT

Universal Robina Corporation (URC), one of the nation's leading food and beverage enterprises, is setting new standards in manufacturing with the groundbreaking for its ultra-modern production plant in Malvar, Batangas. This cutting-edge facility is set to become the birthplace of many high-quality products from URC, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering excellence and value to consumers.

With a clear vision of becoming a sustainable global enterprise, URC is equipping the Malvar facility with the latest technology for highly efficient manufacturing. This initiative aligns with URC's drive to optimize resource use and minimize waste, propelling the company towards a greener future.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, URC President and CEO Irwin Lee emphasized the transformative power of the new plant. "This mega plant will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing technology – from the way it will be constructed all the way to how it will be operated," he said, underlining URC's focus on reducing resource inputs, production waste, and energy consumption.

The groundbreaking ceremony, marked by the burying of a time capsule, signified a monumental moment for URC. Alongside Irwin Lee were notable figures including Malvar Municipal Mayor Cristeta Reyes and URC Vice President for Corporate Engineering, Raul Nicdao. This event underlined the company's commitment to its vision and the local community.

In an era where renewable energy is paramount, URC's strategy of building a people- and planet-friendly culture is more relevant than ever. The company's commitment to this cause is evident in the solar panels installed at several URC facilities in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Malvar facility will continue this legacy, harnessing solar power and utilizing natural lighting and ventilation to conserve energy.

Beyond energy efficiency, URC is committed to water conservation. The Malvar plant will aim to maximize the recovery of rainwater and the reuse of wastewater, further cementing the company's dedication to sustainability.

The construction of this ambitious project is set to begin this year, with expansion plans spanning approximately 10 to 15 years. Once complete, the facility will cover an area of 30.7 hectares and employ approximately 3,000 workers, creating a significant source of livelihood for the municipality's 65,000 citizens.

“We look forward to building a healthy relationship with the people of Malvar," stated Lee. This sentiment reflects URC's commitment to community engagement and its integral role in economic development.

URC's new plant promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, providing jobs to the residents of Malvar and beyond. By investing in this manufacturing facility, URC is making a significant contribution to nation-building.

As URC breaks ground on this innovative manufacturing plant in Malvar, it's clear that the company is not just building a facility, but a future. A future where technology, sustainability, and community engagement come together to create a brighter tomorrow.