Chiongbians open popcorn semi-franchise in Banilad

Two of the third generation Chiongbians are bringing the first "healthy" popcorn product to Cebu through the opening of "Holy Kettle Corn" take-out stall at the new Banilad Town Center (BTC).

Taking advantage of the growing healthy conscious market, popcorn, the all-time favorite snacks for all ages, is now being made healthy, avoiding extra ingredients such as butter, fancy flavors, among others.

Asia JDC Development Corporation, led by cousins Derrick and John Paul Chiongbian has pioneered this venture, and hopes to open two more branches in the next few days in the city's major malls.

Bringing back the original cooking procedures of popcorn snack, Holy Kettle Corn brand, is using a large kettle for mixing the corn, and the basic ingredients, like the salt, sugar, and corn oil.

"We made it a point that even popcorn snack can be eaten healthy. Our corn raw material is source out from Nebraska, this is one of the highest quality corns in the world," Derrick Chiongbian said.

Holy Kettle Corn has been in the Metro Manila market for over a year now, Derrick is one of the partners of the Blue Kettle Corporation, which is the main owner of the business.

Now, it has 15 outlets in Metro Manila, Cebu's stall is the first semi-franchise outlet outside of Luzon.

Next year, the Blue Kettle Corporation will open up a franchise offering package, as it received around 500 inquiries already.

He said the Blue Kettle Corporation is currently negotiating a franchise or business partnership venture to open outlets in Cavite, Bacolod and Davao.

Derrick and John Paul said that aside from opening stalls in the major malls in Cebu in a month's time, the company is also planning to introduce satellite carts in schools, IT parks' call center buildings, corporate canteens, and others.

The young Chiongbians spent roughly over P700,000 to set up the BTC stall outlet, and aimed at achieving the return of investments (ROI) in one year.

Although, the product uses expensive corn oil, equipment, and imported corn, Derrick said it is priced competitively with the traditional popcorn brands in the market.

The wealthy Chiongbians clan in Cebu is known for its diversified businesses, but they are more identified as one few pioneering families that started the shipping industry in the country.

Derrick is from the William Chiongbian branch, while John Paul is the grandson of George Chiongbian, the side of the Chiongbian clan that operates the George and Peter Lines.

Derrick and John Paul have partnered in several businesses both in Cebu and Manila, which include the Cebu's famous restobar Vudu, and the newly opened Formo, Cebu 28 TV, among others.