Tuna canner gets license for iconic bagoong

Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) has acquired the license to produce leading shrimp paste “Kamayan” for the US and Canada markets, a move seen to boost its international food portfolio.

Through wholly owned subsidiary Century Pacific Seacrest Inc., the group acquired the Kamayan trademark for North America and Canada. Kamayan is one of the top brands in the US market for shrimp paste, a popular condiment in Philippine cuisine locally known as bagoong. The brand has grown its presence in the US since first entering the market in the 1980s. It is currently being sold in leading Asian food stores across the West and East coasts, catering primarily to large Filipino communities there.

“The recent purchase is expected to support the growth of CNPF’s international branded business as it continues to expand in countries where there is a strong overseas Filipino presence,” the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday. CNPF, the Philippines’ largest canned food company, has established market leadership locally for its brands Century Tuna, Argentina Corned Beef, 555 Sardines, and Birch Tree. These same brands have also been gaining traction abroad as the group builds its international presence.

CNPF’s branded products are available in more than 55 countries. Flagship Century Tuna is now among the leading brands in China, Vietnam, and the Middle East. —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla