AgriNurture Inc. started as a company focused on the importation, trading and fabrication of post-harvest agricultural equipment. Since then, ANI has blossomed into a world-class agro-industrial company.

One of ANI’s goals is to help improve the productivity of Filipino farmers and to aid in this objective, the company has implemented a “farm-to-plate” business model that it is in sync with the vision of becoming a globally competitive supplier of high quality agricultural products. The concept calls for the harmonization of the company’s business activities, from farming, packing, trading, distribution, processing, canning and sales. ANI is now in an ideal position to elevate and encourage more private sector investments in the agriculture sector, presenting it as both a viable business endeavor and the most practical way toward self-sufficiency.

The company is developing a franchising model called “Pangkabuhayan Project,” which encourages entrepreneurs in terms of substantial return of investment opportunities despite minimal financial exposure.

Among ANI’s affiliates under its Fresh Foods group are First Class Agriculture or FCA, which is engaged in the commercial distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to supermarkets; Fresh and Green Harvest Co; and Lucky Fruit and Vegetable Products Inc., a company involved in the wholesale trading and distribution of commercial crops through hotels, restaurants, wet markets and other commercial establishments.

On the processed foods side, ANI has M2000, a subsidiary that manufactures and processes branded canned fruit drinks like mango nectar, coco juice and many others. It also serves as the company’s facility for vinegar fermentation and bottling and its veggie-balls production business. Fruitilicous provides the processed fruit requirements of big food manufacturing and processing companies and being located in Cagayan de Oro, also serves as ANI’s logistics and sourcing hub for its Visayas and Mindanao operations. Nutrilicious Marketing carries the popular beverage brand Nutri-licious.

ANI also manages Best Choice Harvest, which is engaged in the management of farming activities to serve the supply needs of its distribution subsidiaries. It is also involved in livestock integration, plus revolutionary “bio-fuel” feedstock development. Best Choice Harvest is also engaged in the introduction, field testing and commercialization of new, imported and higher-yield crop varieties.

ANI also has a partnership with Silliman University in Dumaguete City wherein it provides full scholarship opportunities to deserving students pursuing Agriculture degrees. The program has 15 scholars enrolled in Agronomy and eight in other disciplines.

The company is also the first agriculture-based company in the Philippines to be listed in the National Stock Exchange of Australia.

“We believe this is the right strategic move for ANI and will greatly enhance our expansion plans,” says Antonio Tiu, ANI’s president and chief executive.

For information, go to www.agrinurture.com or www.ani.com.ph. Dinna Chan Vasquez