ARC looks to expand reach

MANILA, Philippines - Asiawide Refreshments Corp., the Philippine licensee of RC Cola, is looking at new markets to further expand its reach, a ranking official said.

 As part of the expansion, the company will introduce non-carbonated drinks such as juices amid growing popularity of healthy food and drinks, ARC executive vice president and chief operating officer Gerry Garcia told The Star.

 The company will also be putting up new bottling plants driven by a growing economy.

“We have nine bottling plants and we will continue to look for

opportunities to expand. We are a new player so we have to look for new markets. We also have to put up plants because our products are low priced but bulky and heavy. We cannot expand from one production facility,” Garcia said.

“The business is good but the market is constantly changing,” Garcia said.

“We are optimistic about the prospects for this year. There will always be opportunities to grow,” he added.

ARC has strong presence in Metro Manila but has also expanded in provinces and cities nationwide.

Owned by Ambassador Alfredo Yao, the company has the exclusive license awarded by RC Cola, USA to manufacture and distribute RC Cola in the Philippines.

ARC’s vision is to be the lowest cost producer of ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages and to be able to market products with the best quality and value.

 The company constantly studies the beverage market in the Philippines to offer a variety of innovative products.

Among its newest products in the market is the 240 ml Seetrus, a lemon-lime soft drink.