Century Pacific to distribute US coco water brand

MANILA, Philippines - Newly-listed food company Century Pacific Food Inc., has signed an agreement to become the exclusive distributor of a US coconut water brand in the Philippines.

In an exchange filing, the company said it would soon distribute in the country the Vita Coco brand of coconut water in 330- milliliter Tetra Pak sizes.

Vita Coco has been sourcing coconut water from an affiliate company of Century Pacific in Gen. Santos City since 2013, but this would be the first time the brand would be introduced in the Philippines.

 â€œWe believe in the appeal of healthy products for Philippine consumers, so we’re proud to enter into a new stage of our relationship for this distribution agreement and bring the Vita Coco brand to the Philippines,” said Century Pacific president Christopher Po.

Vita Coco co-founder and CEO Michael Kirban said the Philippines is a strategic distribution partner because it is a ready market for fresh coconut water aside from being a strong production partner.

 â€œConsumers in the country have long understood and appreciated the taste and functionality of fresh coconut water. Because the Philippines has been a key partner in helping increase Vita Coco’s production to meet rising demand in many countries, we’re thrilled to be able to deepen our ties to the country and its people by selling Vita Coco here for the first time,” he said.

Originally introduced in New York City in 2004, the Vita Coco brand is now sold in over 80,000 stores throughout the United States. In the past four years, the beverage brand has been marketed in Europe, Japan and South Korea.

“The brand’s popularity is tied to its simple proposition: fresh coconut water, minimally processed and packaged in Tetra Pak to preserve the best flavor and naturally occurring nutrients,” said Po.

“I am hopeful that the market here will understand the brand’s proposition and will embrace Vita Coco because if its quality and reputation, similar to how consumers around the world have come to patronize the Vita Coco brand,” he added.

Century Pacific is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of processed meat, fish and dairy products.

Its brands include 555 Sardines, Century Tuna, and 555 Tuna for seafood, Argentina and Swift for canned meats, and Angela and Birch Tree for canned and powdered milk.

Century Pacific also produces private label tuna products for export to overseas markets including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.