Budding entrepreneurs make fondue on the go

MANILA, Philippines - There was a time when fondue can only be eaten and enjoyed in hotels and customers must pay a steep price to enjoy this dessert. Realizing a market for fondue lovers, classmates Cybele Garrucho and Ramel Ng decided to create fondue not just for posh dining but also for those on the go. Thus, Fundue Homemade Desserts was born.

Both graduates of Ateneo de Manila, it was Cybele who approached Ramel about the idea of establishing the business.

“I happened to call him and told the idea about desserts-chocolate sauces because personally, I haven’t seen that much on the market. And so I called him on the idea. He suggested fondue. It’s a fun way of eating but on the go,” Cybele said.

Since their product is new, they made their families and close friends taste their product to determine its potential. They initially concocted their fondue business with three flavors like milk and dark chocolate using the old fashion way of melting chocolate on the fondue pot. They soon expanded by adding more varieties such as choco-strawberry, choco-hazelnut and extra dark choco. “We’ve been continuously experimenting with new sauces,” says Ramel.

The sauces are packaged in a box together with finger foods that can be dipped such as marshmallows, breadsticks and wafers. Packages include the snack pack good for 1-2 persons and the party pack good for 3-5 persons. The sauces can also be bought separately all at affordable prices.

As new comers, both Cybele and Ramel also experienced problems typical with most startup businesses. “Our main concern was capital. And we projected that if we are going to expand this business, how are we going to get fund?” Ramel said.

Another problem they had to hurdle was that it was only the two of them who handles the whole business. They have yet to hire regular employees so they currently hire part-timers.

“We notice that Filipinos think dessert as a luxury. It’s not like in other countries like Singapore where they have shops that people regularly go. Here, it seasonal,” adds Cybele.

Nevertheless, the partners are optimistic about their idea. They have been joining bazaars where customers have been giving them feedback such as new flavors and their packaging.

Both also credit the use of social sites such as Multiply and Facebook in promoting their product.

“The Multiply site is a big help because of the free advertising. It also beneficial in educating the consumers,” says Ram.

As for future plans, “We want to consign our products to stores and eventually when we come up with capital, we want to have our own stall especially at malls,” Ram said.

“We also plan to expand on other types of desserts and cold drinks,” adds Cybele.

And as for starting entrepreneurs, here’s what the partners have to say; “They shouldn’t be intimidated. A lot of people have appreciated our concept and it’s a challenge,” Ram shares. “Do your research and testing. Be patient, work hard on things and believe,” adds Cybele.

(For more information, you may log on to fundue.multiply.com or email at [email protected]).