NutriAsia plans to penetrate Indonesia's banana catsup market

The company is preparing for the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) integration by 2015.

NutriAsia products (via NutriAsia)

In preparation for the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community integration which will start the creation of a single market for the 10-member nation of ASEAN, NutriAsia is finding a way to penetrate the Indonesian market particularly Jakarta.

NutriAsia President and CEO Angie Go Flaminiano stated that the company is looking for a partner in Indonesia "who's very interested with the banana catsup," according to a report by GMA News.

The company is a condiment manufacturer with popular products such as UFC, Jufran, and Papa banana catsup brands, Datu Puti and Mang Tomas condiments, and Golden Fiesta and Hapi Fiesta cooking oil brands.

Flaminiano, in a briefing at the Marilao, Bulacan factory of NutriAsia said that "the distributor we're talking to thinks that the banana catsup will appeal to the Indonesians."

She added that if NutriAsia do test the market using banana catsup, they will limit it to Jakarta.

NutriAsia currently exports its products worldwide targeting mostly Filipinos living overseas.

Filipino Food in Kuala Lumpur's ASEAN Food Festival

Participants including Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyddin got curious and asked how adobo is made.

On August 8, 2014, to showcase unity in diversity, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia joined the ASEAN Food and Cultural Festival held at the Taman Pudu Ulu park in Kuala Lumpur.

The event which was officiated by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin and organized by the Malaysian Youth Council, and served as its Hari Raya open house, brought together the ASEAN Embassies and Malaysia's state representatives the region's culture through cultural performances and foods.

Philippine Embassy delegation head, Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said, "Food and cultural diplomacy is a wonderful way of showcasing Philippine culture, especially in a country like Malaysia.  We have found in several occasions that apart from filling the tummies, Filipino food also provides comfort to the spirit."

The DFA.gov.ph's portal states that, "the Philippine Embassy booth was a hit with the guests, as it served chicken adobo with rice and mini-turon.  People flocked the booth to get second servings, finding both dishes unique and filling. Embassy officers and staff also interacted with the guests who asked how the dishes were prepared."

No other than Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyddin became curious with adobo and even asked how it is made.

He was then provided a copy of Mama Sita's cookbook containing halal Filipino dishes.

image source: DFA.gov.ph

Jollibee set to expand in Indonesia and Malaysia

The plan is to expand in this new ASEAN locations within two years.

Jollibee (via Rappler)

Fast food giant Jollibee Foods Corporation is planning to put up stores in Malaysia and Indonesia over the next two years to further expand its presence in ASEAN region...  Rappler