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Dried fruits company eyes Japanese market

Dried fruits are rich in carbohydrates and low in fat. They are good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals (vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, vitamins E and niacin, iron, magnesium). The richness of the carbohydrates contained within their small volume makes dry fruit a favorite food during or after physical exertion.

The Sy family of Negros Oriental ventured into the processing of dehydrated dried fruits in 1980 because of the abundance of produce in the province, the potential for export and the desire to provide employment for those living in the province.

Orient Foods Industries Corp.’s main products are dried papaya, mango, pineapple and jackfruit. The company has penetrated the export market, shipping its products to Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States. It also employs 46 full-time employees and 84 part-time workers.

One of Orient Foods’ products won the most trendy product award out of 378 food items from all over the Philippines at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2008 held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

The award, usually won by more established large companies in the country, was the first in the five-year history of the IFEX to be given to a small company. The product, a fruity bar, was a direct result of the Partner Region Program of the government, which provides assistance in food packaging development to make products competitive in both domestic and international markets.

According to judges from the private sector, Orient Foods’ chewy fruity bar won based on packaging design, product innovation and adaptation to consumers’ lifestyle.

The fruity bar concept is similar to granola bars sold in high-end health food stores. However, it uses all natural local ingredients such as rice crispies and native dried fruits, making the product not only nutritious but also cheap and convenient since it is wrapped in foil. It also has an attractive packaging design that appeals to consumers of all ages.

Orient Foods’ chewy fruity bar is a mix of papaya, pineapple, mango, oatmeal and puffed rice.

According to Mae Magdamo, Orient Foods sales and marketing manager, among the challenges the company faces is coming up with new products as the competition is stiff.

To widen its international reach, Orient Foods, along with Makenburg International Foods Corp. (marshmallows) and See’s International Food Manufacturing Corp. (banana chips), took part in the Asian Food and Beverage Exhibition 2008 in Tokyo, Japan.

“We hope to penetrate the Japanese market and acquire information about the food industry worldwide,” said Magdamo.

Orient Foods’ participation was spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), the export promotions agency of the Trade Department. For more information, contact Citem’s Agricultural Division at 831-1282 and 831-2201. Dinna Chan Vasquez