Food and beverage firm undertakes expansion

MANILA, Philippines—The Big Chill Inc. (TBC) is set to expand to about nine times its present size over the next five years.

“We have an ambitious goal,” said company COO Daniel R. Francisco.

TBC is in the business of selling beverages and food products.

The company aims to have a total of 400 stores, Francisco said in an interview. That includes company-owned and franchise stores for the brands Big Chill, Fresh Bar, Cafeteria Verde (C’Verde), Canecoctions, Superfresh and Tully’s Coffee.

TBC currently has about 43 stores, mostly in Metro Manila.

Francisco said TBC would expand its presence not only in Metro Manila but also in other cities across the country and even abroad.

He said Southeast Asia, China and the United States are potential markets for expansion.

In the United States, TBC is considering setting up a foothold in San Francisco.

“But we can open in other places, too. Many nationalities love our mangoes,” Francisco said.

TBC is also bringing Tully’s Coffee to the Philippines and plans to open about 10 stores a year over the next five years.

Asked whether the Philippine market for coffee and other beverages still has room for new players, Francisco said that Tully’s Coffee would be offering “handcrafted” products catering to consumers who are seeking out alternatives to the usual coffee houses.

He also noted that room for growth is especially larger in hubs outside Metro Manila.