Nutri-Asia exports seen doubling in 5 years

Food company Nutri-Asia Inc. expects to double its exports in the next five years and maintain its position as one of the leading condiments exporters in the country.

The growth in exports will come from the Middle East and North America, which both host large numbers of Filipinos.  In 2013, NAI exports rose by 20 percent over 2012 levels.

“We are well on track to hitting our targets to double the business,” said Richard Rebollido, the company’s international business manager.

Nutri-Asia produces popular brands Datu Puti, UFC, Mang Tomas, Jufran and Papa, Golden Fiesta and Hapi Fiesta for products like vinegar, soy sauce, spaghetti and lechon sauces, cooking oil and banana catsup.

The company’s lineup now includes sweet preserves and Asian noodles.

The company’s exports have grown steadily since its first shipment in 1991. In the past four years, sales became more brisk as mainstream stores in the United States, Canada and in the Middle East started to carry its products, Rebollido added.

Nutri-Asia products can now be found on the shelves of Safeway, Wal-Mart and Albertsons in the US; and Sobey’s and Loblaws in Canada; Tesco in the UK; and Carrefour and Hyper Panda and Lulu’s in the Middle East.

Its other export markets are Asia-Pacific countries with big overseas Filipino population.

In Europe, it exports to Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden, among others.