‘Bambi’ oil maker boosts real estate investments

CEBU, Philippines — After its successful venture in cooking oil manufacturing, the A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corporation (ADGMC) is set to strengthen its investments in real estate diversification in Cebu by developing more residential units in Mandaue City.

The company, known for the household brand “Bambi” cooking oil, aims to capitalize on Cebu’s robust real estate market through its property arm, Alpa Land Inc., according to Barbara “Bambi” Gothong-Tan in an interview.

Gothong-Tan shared that the company plans to develop a five-hectare property in Mandaue City into a residential community featuring 400 to 500 house-and-lot units, which are scheduled to launch in 2025.

This project, she noted, will cater to the middle-income market segment and serve as the company’s contribution to reducing the housing backlog in Metro Cebu.

Named the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Gothong-Tan expressed confidence in Cebu’s real estate market, particularly in the residential sector.

Alpa Land currently holds stakes in various property sectors, including office spaces through the ADG IT Center, hotel accommodations via Alpa City Suites, and residential developments such as Fontana Heights—all located in Mandaue City.

“We believe real estate is a strong sector to focus on because of its promising market potential,” she said.

Cooking Oil Manufacturing

While the company is optimistic about the real estate market, Gothong-Tan emphasized that it will continue to invest in expanding its cooking oil manufacturing operations, striving to achieve global standards in food production.

ADGMC is actively working to secure certifications such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), a food safety management system designed to identify and prevent hazards in production.

“These certifications are essential, as even large local manufacturers now prioritize suppliers with stringent quality standards. We aim to raise our quality benchmarks and maintain them,” explained Gothong-Tan, who is also a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2024.

As an integrated factory, ADGMC operates its copra crushing plant, oil mill, and refinery. Its diverse product line includes vegetable oils, premium shortening, margarine, butter oil substitute, bread improver, CFAD, and copra cake—all sourced from local produce.

All ADGMC products are Halal-certified by the Islamic Dawah Council of the Philippines, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety. The company is also the only Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified fats and oils manufacturer in Cebu.

The “Bambi” cooking oil brand has captured a significant share of the Visayas and Mindanao markets among both institutional and household consumers despite competition from imported brands.

While coconut oil remains a primary raw material for the company, ADGMC also imports palm oil for its retail cooking oil products, which are distributed in wet markets.

Gothong-Tan noted that despite the potential of promoting coconut oil as the healthiest option, the availability of raw coconut materials has been steadily declining.

“The demand for coconut oil has decreased nationwide as more people switch to palm oil due to its lower cost. Only those who truly understand the benefits of coconut oil continue to purchase it,” she said.

Today, palm oil constitutes 90 to 95 percent of their cooking oil business.

Expanding Portfolio

In addition to manufacturing and real estate, ADGMC has diversified its portfolio to include healthcare, hospitality, and a nursing home located in Liloan, a municipality in the northern part of Cebu.