Fortune 100 firm to expand PH operations

One of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States is keen on expanding its operations in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday said.

In a statement, the DTI said top executives of Safeway Inc. hoped to take advantage of the opportunities in the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

It said the US company is looking at BPO activities that can add significant value to their global operations.

This February, top executives of Safeway visited the country to conduct due diligence on its plan to expand its business operations in the country.

“A Fortune 100 company, Safeway Inc.’s operating strategy is to provide outstanding value to customers by offering a unique shopping experience with a wide selection of high-quality products at low prices in the US,” the DTI said.

To support its stores, Safeway maintains an extensive network of distribution, manufacturing, and food processing facilities.

It also has business interests in the online Internet grocer, prepaid gift cards and financial services.

The company entered the Philippine market in 2003 through an affiliate, the Safeway Philtech Inc., which serves as its captive technology center.

The affiliate provides services such as application support and maintenance, application development and enhancements, technology and infrastructure support.

According to the DTI, the local affiliate has partnered with the Board of Investments and leaders of the BPO sector in organizing the visit of the top company executives to the Philippines.—Nina P. Calleja