Role of food exporters in economy cited

Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr., president of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (Philfoodex), underscored over the weekend the role of food manufacturers and exporters in the development of the country’s economy.

In brief talk with representatives of new member-companies of Philfoodex during its general membership meeting held at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP, Diliman, Quezon City, Tanchanco said the growth of the Philippine economy depends on the country’s capability to expand its domestic and foreign markets.

"With the liberalization of the entry of assorted fresh and processed food products into the country, our local products are increasingly losing their market even in the domestic outlets. There is no way we cannot tackle the problem if we remain united," he said, as he urged food producers to make the Philippines as the source of high-quality products "to excel both in the international and local markets."

He said food manufacturers must produce the best quality products to survive competitions both in the international and local markets.

Our attempts at hitting it big in the export market always depend on our capability to come up with products that can face competition not only in our country but from other countries as well," the former food minister said.

Tanchanco noted that local food producers have failed to compete with imported products due to prohibitive cost of raw materials and the proliferation of cheap imported finished products in the local market.

"We are losing the battle right in our country. We need all the support of the government much as access to low interest financing credit, a competitive exchange rate and generally more supportive policy environment," he said.

He said with the support of the government, the country’s food industry will move towards its objective of promoting global competitiveness.

The new Philfoodex member-companies were Bon Wat Chay Int’l Food Industry Corp., Bucarez Food Processing Corp., Cormel Foods, Don Roberto’s Winery, Sunblest Food & Beverages Mfg. Corp., V8 Commercial Co., Inc., and Marjorie’s Best Delights.

Philfoodex has now more than 300 members nationwide.