Philippine Food and Export Online Resource

TONETTE V. SALAZAR | Kosher Certification Resource Person | Trade & Business Connector in the Philippines

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What Comprises the Kosher Food Market

Kosher foods conform to the Jewish dietary regulations of kashrut or dietary law primarily derived from the books of the bible, the Leviticus and Deuteronomy. My quick reaction to this question is the Jewish population of course. It is like Halal for the Muslim people. For these people, the food they eat is an important part of their religious and cultural beliefs. It is like a medical prescription. A must, for one reason or another. So you think right away It kind of limits the market you can sell to. For some producers, it looks like a sizeable financial and plant investment will be required. Indeed, why go through a certification process to make a food or ingredient Kosher. A Kosher inspector will periodically conduct inspections on your ingredients and production plant processes. I have been on a small number of inspections conducted by rabbinical inspectors and each one can exact tremendous patience and knowledge derived from an extensive study of the Jewish religion and its dictates or laws. However, I do not generally accompany inspections conducted by the rabbinical experts. My presence is not required but the experience provides me with general valuable insights on why this or that is required. When clients and inquirers need answers from me, I should be more enlightening than confusing. But to stay on course, what or who comprises the Kosher market? You can be surprised. These form segments of the Kosher market: Those who are lactose intolerant and with celiac disorders, the specialty markets who need vegan and gluten-free food, and those allergic to dairy products. Even the Muslim people can consume Kosher food because they and the Jewsish population both strictly require NO PORK in their diet. Other factors make the Kosher market attractive. A rising affluent Jewish population, health awareness, changing lifestyles, quality and safety of Kosher-certified food products are some factors said to impact positive growth of this market. Take note also the PAREVE segment is said to account for more than 60 percent value in the global Kosher market up to 2025. What are PAREVE foods? It refers to neutral foods that contain neither meat nor dairy ingredients, nor their derivatives. Remember: all fruits, grains, vegetables, water, and minerals in their natural state are Kosher and PAREVE. Eggs from Kosher fowl and fish are also PAREVE. Those interested in having their products certified are always encouraged to ask the rabbinical inspectors, also called mashgiach or a Kosher supervisor. Similar to government health inspectors, they help ensure that an establishment is in compliance with Kosher standards. The plural of this group is Mashgichim. As of 2018, there had been an unofficial count of Jews worldwide as just a little over 20 million. That consists of the basic Jewish market. Yet, go to any supermarket and pick a popular product such as VITA COCO coconut water. It has been certified by the company I do liaison work for. And this product is so popular among millions of health enthusiasts, Jews and non-Jews, worldwide. What other popular products are consumed by Jews and non-Jews In big volumes. Oreos is one. Finding a Kosher symbol on the packaging helps you find more. M&M Mars products, like Dove Chocolate, M&Ms, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Snickers, and Twix are Kosher. Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, Frito-Lay Tostitos likewise. Coca Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, some Gatorade products, Lipton Tea, etc. Even someStarbucks products had been accepted Kosher. This illustrates that Kosher-certified products also become mainstream, consumed by both Jewish and non-Jewish people. Thus, producers can see their products enjoyed by the fiercely loyal Jewish and the mainstream consumers. In the Age of Covid-19 and post, food buying priorities are being observed to shift because of the quarantine health requirements which in turn have boosted food shopping deliveries of more canned and frozen products, with chocolates observed going down in demand. However, if your product is observed to have great health and nutritive value, like VITA COCO and Pili Nuts, you are good to go even more “viral” in the Kosher food market.

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How The PHL Kosher Directory Helps Exporters

In 2012, my Jewish resource person, who is also a Kosher rabbinical inspector, published the first edition of the Philippine Kosher Directory. In this publication, he gathered the names of Philippine food exporters as well as other local companies who have had their products certified Kosher by various global certifiers.

The small leaflet containing probably a hundred names was launched at the KOSHERFEST in the Meadowlands Exhibition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey USA in 2012. This B2B trade fair is acknowledged as the world’s premier and biggest among Kosher food exhibitions. The directory today is on its ninth edition and has since contained more information on the growth of Kosher in the Philippines. It is in a way also a chronicle of how Philippine producers seriously pursued to accomplish even some of the most rigorous requirements of certification. There are some key data that have also started to emerge from this simple publication that strives to draw Philippine exporters to allow their names to be added. What has always been emphasized is that the publication is offered free and does not draw payment or sponsorships. It has been conceived purposely to assist and push Philippine companies towards awareness of the country as a reliable and rich global resource of Kosher products. Unsurprisingly, one important data is that Kosher-certified coconut products lead the most in demand from the Philippines. There are so many, from the dessicated coconut since the 1920s to the new Passover coconut sugar. And there must be more than 50 coconut products from oil to water to cream to chips. Truly a wondrous wealth of products from the coconut, the so-called “tree of life.” This directory is initially distributed in KOSHERFEST and wherever STAR-K which my resource person represents, has a booth or is attending as visitor or speaker. In the Philippines, it is the IFEX, the country’s premier food show. Abroad, notably, the two editions of the Fancy Food Show, Gulfood Dubai, SIAL Paris, ANUGA Germany, and more. It also finds its way into the Philippine embassies and consulates, big and small Kosher buyers, other foreign embassies and consulates, buying and trade offices, and so on. All inquiries are attended to and forwarded to Philippine companies. Sometimes contact people and even contact numbers and company locations can change but buyers are assisted nevertheless. Listing in this directory does not only provide further foothold for Philippine companies in the global Kosher arena. There is the side benefit that when an inquiry is made through my Kosher rabbi resource person, he takes it upon himself to assist the Filipino producer. If the buyer proves a little “demanding” or doubtful, the rabbi assists the buyer into defining his specific requirements and not confusing the Filipino producer. There are Jewish buyers who begin the dialogue in English and finish in the Jewish language. The rabbi is a big help here as unofficial “translator.” The rabbi also acts as a referral person who can help sell who to him is the more appropriate producer. Also, his presence helps draw the trust and assurance particularly required in high-volume trade talks. Because he conducts the inspections himself, he is familiar with not only the production processes in plants but the source of local and even foreign ingredients. Through this blog, I welcome all interested producers to contact me for Kosher inspection and certification. Those who are certified by other global certifiers can also get in touch with me for inclusion in the Philippine Kosher Directory by emailing [email protected]. I will simply ask you for some contact details. Here’s looking at a more vigorous Kosher sector in the Philippine food industry!

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Five Hundred Years Without Love

The story of a family caught in their country’s worsening social cancer The title invoking 500 years makes you wonder where the well-known author Alex Lacson is coming from. It is derived from an accounting of the years from when Christianity was firmly established in the Philippines. It was brought in to the predominantly Islamic Philippine islands by the Spanish “conquistadores,” the conquerors who vanquished with Sword and Cross in 1521 under Ferdinand Magellan. When the Philippines celebrates the 500th year of Christianity’s arrival in the country in 2021, Anton continues to mull if it had really brought love or had it only been truly a cover for colonization. Spain and Portugal were strong competitors as to which truly deserves to rule the world, and a Papal Bull seconded their aspirations. But the Spanish colonization of the Philippines which covered 333 years only seemed to foment class distinctions, not inclusions. That at the end one would question if Christianity really factored in Love for One Another. Or was it just another word for Conquest. The central character is Anton Hinirang. His story starts simple enough. He is poor boy done good, becoming a lawyer who now lives in Makati, in his own condo unit. Sounds very good, right? But by Chapter 6, page 38, the thread of his life begins to unravel ruthlessly and cruelly that he would begin to flounder helplessly. That even a reader would not seem to know where to act decisively to stop the torrent of events that will overcome, drown, ensnare the seemingly hapless and beginning to be hopeless, Atty. Anton Hinirang. Anton had to go home to the life in the farm he had left 24 years ago. Someone had murdered his father, who never had any enemies, who was but a poor and simple, kindhearted Catholic who tilled his small farm and taught his five children fear of God and love of neighbor. This brought him and his siblings to a heartbreaking reunion. Jose, a priest. Josefina, a minimum wage factory worker. Teodoro, a policeman. And from a distance, Phebe, an OFW. All of them have degrees, from the hard labor of his father and their loving mother. Anton and siblings buried their father, even as various sympathetic souls whispered what they knew of the events. A powerful man wanted the small farm and Anton’s father gently resisted. Also a Philippine history professor, Anton began to feel his life mirroring situations that existed during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. His life’s own version of “Noli Me Tangere,” The Social Cancer of Rizal’s writing, is beginning. His thread of life continues to unspool. More tragedies will follow. Read the book, even choose your chapters, wherever pages not only appeal but you feel resonates with you, and people you know. Each of the lives of Anton and his siblings are sure to parallel with yours. Policeman Teodoro and the drug business. Father Jose and his doubts. Josefina and her measly income. Absent Phebe, OFW, where is she? But not all is lost, there is a Renaissance when Anton reunites with old love Marian, who was caught in her own web of despairing events. There is a resurgence of Faith and Love to overcome the rapacious evil of Greed. Read the novel and experience a strong inspiring surge of Nationalism, Patriotism, Love of Country - whatever you identify with. Because Author Alex Lacson leaves the essay, “A Dream Philippines.” He narrates of 12 modern model countries and recommends his concept of a “Katuturan” Program, all meant to give meaning and substance, a “katuturan” to all Filipino lives. Feel the spirit of Redemption in the set of values Alex Lacson leaves. All is not lost. There is a lot of everyday Greed, of course, but it is nothing the Love and Purpose of young Filipinos cannot defeat. The rapacious rich, business captains, oligarchs and political dynasties are always there in greater numbers but they are not the measure or standard. Love is. Unite, dear youths!

HOW TO ORDER "FIVE HUNDRED YEARS WITHOUT LOVE"

a gripping novel by Alex Lacson.  @P400.00 plus delivery fee of P200.A copy of the easy-to-read 375-page book(15cms X 21 cms) costs P400 with delivery fee of P200. Payment could be sent thru the following channels: BPI a/c# 8060003409 in favor of  Alay Pinoy PH; PayPal under account name Alay Pinoy and Pay Maya under the name of Alay Pinoy. Just take picture of deposit slip with your complete name and address plus mobile number  and email to [email protected]. Delivery will take 1 to 3 days upon receipt of your order.   CALL 0995 7918 190 (MANDY NAVASERO).

View more Philippine literature at HavenShelf.com.

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Going Loco over Coco

Riding the New York subway to and from our Queens hotel during the 2019 Fancy Food trade show in June in the Manhattan Jacob Javits Center, I tiredly and idly leaned on my husband’s shoulder and looked up at the transit advertising above the seats in front.

Hey, my eyes pleasantly encountered view of a coconut water product. VITA COCO Organic Coconut water. It is so popular globally that it is even called “ubiquitous.” It is also Kosher-certified, and proudly, it was done by the global certifier I do liaison work for. I personally like the taste. Of course, there are other global brands that compete to be called popular or best.

A report of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology in 2019 continued to list the coconut as one of the most important crops in the Philippines. Considered a major export, it contributes 3.6 of the country’s gross value-added (GVA) in agriculture, next to banana, corn, and rice. The Philippines remains a top producer and exporter of coconut worldwide.

Looking much farther back, the Philippine Coconut authority narrates that coconut is considered a “colonial crop” imposed on the Filipino natives by gubernatorial edict in 1642. Since 1840, coconut products were traded in small quantities with Chinese and Malay traders. Coconut fiber and oil were also used by t he Spaniards in rigging the galleon and as food for sailors on the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. By 1898, copra and coconut oil were exported to Europe as raw material ingredients for soap and newly invented margarine.

After the Spanish-US War, the US market was opened and by 1926, more than 90% of US demand for desiccated coconut was supplied by the Philippines. Earlier in 1921, successful flour then coconut businessmen Franklin Baker Sr. and Jr. visited the Philippines and they set up a desiccated coconut plant that remains one of the biggest in the country. The company changed hands many times, but the famous and familiar name Franklin Baker has been retained up to the present.

Another US company, Peter Paul Inc., makers of the famous Almond Joy and Mounds chocolate bars, built their Philippine plant in 1946 for the purpose of manufacturing desiccated coconut to supply the parent company. Other production facilities also followed to create an integrated coconut processing plant.

While these two companies continue to remain prominent, the rise of demand for coconut water, one of the fastest growing beverage categories in the global market has catapulted another Philippine brand and companies, forward. VITA COCO, the global leaders in coconut water, has been supplied by several manufacturers. Among them, two Philippine companies.

Aside from coconut water, other non-traditional products are ramping up in demand and acknowledgment as promising exports. Coconut milk is now considered an alternative to coffee creamer in the United States, Gluten and dairy-free coconut milk find acceptance as substitute to cow’s milk for the lactose-intolerant.

Coconut milk powder exports have been increasing in volume per year to the Netherlands, Japan, the US, France, and Australia as main markets. Virgin coconut oil has long established its acceptability as a health and wellness product.

Why is the world going loco over coco? For coconut water, it has been consumed for centuries in tropical regions around the world. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has seen its use to aid hydration, digestion and urination.

Its natural electrolytes make it a sports drink with less sodium. It rarely causes stomach upsets. It has less sugar and carbohydrates but has more potassium, calcium, and magnesium than fruit juices and sports drinks. It is credited to contain antioxidants, amino acids and cytokinins.

Coconut water is further being studied for benefits against diabetes, to prevent kidney stones, to support heart health and reduce blood pressure. After prolonged exercise, coconut water is considered a perfect beverage to restore hydration and replenish lost electrolytes. What a load of science-based benefits!

There are also some 60 or so Philippine companies whose products are already certified Kosher by the company I represent.

By the way, have you checked coconut sugar products? More and more people are demanding for them because of their low fructose content and lower glycemic index than regular refined white or brown sugar and even honey and because of the superior quality of those obtained from the Philippines.

Just a little bit more information on coconut sugar. It is the dehydrated and boiled sap of the coconut palm collected in a container. It is not refined or chemically altered, has no artificial ingredients or synthetic substances. It is pure and natural.

A few caveats are that it is still sugar and diabetics are warned to consume less. Beware of brands mixing coconut sugar with cane sugar. Coconut sugar is also likely to be a little bit more expensive than regular cane sugar.

Just remember to give me a tap if you need a little extra information on which Philippine products are already Kosher-certified or if they have other global certifications already.

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Philippine Economic Recovery on SharePHL SUMMIT II

I chanced in on this very illuminating webinar which is still on in Youtube. Check it out immediately ECONOMIC RECOVERY: Is There Light at the end of the Tunnel?  Take a look into my major takeaways from the webinar.

Assistant Secretary of the Department of Finance Antonio Lambino presented the various recovery programs of the Philippines under “Charting a Path Toward Recovery and Resilience.

The panelists were led Dr. Cielito F. Habito and in his presentation “THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY: Finding our Way Out of the Recession.” He takes note of Agriculture as defying Lockdown with sugarcane as posting 76.0 growth. Manufacturing and construction figures nosedived. On the demand side, spending is shrinking. Only Gainers in Manufacturing are Pharma Products and Coke & Ref’d Petrol. Services fall except banks and financial services and ICT. Financial services are in a win-win situation. However, the steep decline in FDI or Foreign Direct Investments continues registering -36.2% in 2019, while Singapore led with 94.8 USD billions in Q1-Q3 2019. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia followed. Philippines was last at 5.1 USD billion.

Habito suggests a focus on countryside where agriculture is the primary industry, given that the NCR, etc. are COVID centers. He also emphasizes Testing, tracing, and treatment to restore confidence to go out and spend. He also pointed out where to spend the government Stimulus Money.

Lastly, Habito sees the New Normal to have or be the following: More and better equipped hospitals; Geographically dispersed economic activities; Diversified and modernized agriculture sector; Livable cities with well-organized public transport and logistics, less-congested Megacities; Expanded and upgraded internet; Effective social protection system as ICT-enabled and data-driven;  Social bonding not social distancing.

To shape the New Normal, are suggestions for a truly inclusive economy to include Zero Hunger and implementation of a National ID system to build national database for targeting the most socially vulnerable; Incentivize investments in hospital modernization, healthcare broadening and modernization; and fully  fund a Universal Healthcare System.   

Diwa C. Guinigundo spoke on “Running Smart Through the End of the Tunnel, Some Commentary of Philippine Economic Future. He sees light at the end of the tunnel even ass we are still navigating it, with roadblocks and speed bumps. 

The country has a Roadmap even if general powered by Four Pillars for Socio Economic Recovery:

Pillar 1: Emergency support for vulnerable groups and individuals; Pillar 2: Marshalling resources to fight COVID-19; Pillar 3 Fiscal and monetary actions to finance emergency initiatives and keep the economy stable; and Pillar 4: Economic recovery plan to create jobs and sustain growth.

But he sees a weak public health system as a deterrent as well as problems in governance and lots of uncertainty. “Confidence is important and it is important we regain it.”

Romulo Neri former head of the SSS had trouble with his presentation but spoke of a TRIPLE SHOCK to the Philippines involving supply, demand collapsing, and financial concerns. “We cannot do things as usual,” he stated.

Neri suggests to “Redesign government to better respond,” and give LGUs a key role. To me, a former government worker, indeed the times, COVID or not, demand quicker and better agility. 

Another suggestion is to mobilize the military for reforestation and reduce dependence on rice imports. Like the previous others speakers, he suggests infusing money to rural areas, pay fisherfolks, plant mangroves. 

A paradigm shift can well describe his thoughts.

But to better appreciate the bright and sound ideas of these remarkable individuals who give us a positive glimpse into a strong Philippine recovery is to catch them on Youtube and learn from them.

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Israel As An Export Market

The webinar was hosted by the Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCP) which incidentally welcomes paid membership to just about everyone into trade and industry and business and commerce. Featured was FICC, the Federation of Israel Chambers of Commerce which was founded in 1919 as an umbrella organization with over 5,000 businesses and organizations now.

Israel at a glance gives you 9 million plus population, 75 percent of whom are Jewish and the rest Muslims, Christians and Druize. GDP is USD350 billion with per capita GDP of USD43,000. Leading industries are ICT, Pharma, Life Sciences, Defense and Aerospace, Smart Cities and Water Technologies.

As a whole, the EU is Israel’s trading partner, though the US is the largest single country. Israel pursues FTAs and international economic cooperation, and joined the OECD in 2010. Israel is diversifying its trading relationships by emphasizing trade with China, Brazil, and India.

Import of goods to Israel in 2019 was valued at USD76.6 billion, including machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and aircraft, minerals, chemicals diamonds, metals, food, textile, plastic and rubber, optical and medical instruments, and others. Food was valued at only at 4 percent.

Major country sources are Europe 48%, Asia 22%, USA 16%, and Others 14%.

Top 5 reasons to export to Israel

Strong economy/high population growth (2050 – 17 million people)

Developed economy, crowded and sophisticated market – all international companies are here

Strong purchasing power/strong currency

Good business culture – English speakers, early adaptors

Easy logistics – 70% of population is between (“Hadera and Gadera”) only need to find one strong local partner

It is a mature market in many sectors and Philippine companies will face significant local and international competition. It is also a very complex and competitive market with as many threats as opportunities. A very dynamic market, its market structures change constantly and buying motives today are very different from those of 5 years ago.

The distribution methods vary by type of products. Roughly 40% of Israel’s 7.8 million people are concentrated in the greater Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Israel’s commercial and financial center.

Consumer malls and shopping centers are popular in Israel. Over 200 malls and shopping center exist and others are planned.

Channels of distribution

Commissioned agents: used mainly for industrial equipment, raw materials and commodities

Non-stocking agents: used mainly by manufacturers

Stocking agents: used mainly for high volume items

Importers/distributors: used often for consumer goods

Franchising/Licensing: since its introduction to Israel in the mid-1980s, franchises have increased in popularity. ACE Hardware, Office Depot, Re/MAX, McDonalds, Toys-R-Us, UPS, FedEx, American Eagle all operate in Israel.

Joint ventures are the most popular method of cooperation for Israeli firms especially in technology-related industries.

Israeli businesses prefer licensing agreements in which the licensor takes equity with the licensee.

Companies should seek advice from a competent law firm and accounting  firm when figuring tax liabilities.

Transportation and Logistics

Shipping to Israel takes about 14 to 30 days, affecting supply time and costs.

Cost of shipping by sea compared to shipping to Europe is about 30% higher.

No direct lines by air and sea.

IMPORT & JOINT VENTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Automotive aftermarket parts & equipment

Electricity & Energy

Food & beverages

Clothing & Footwear

Transportation

Intelligent systems

Infrastructure

Electronic components

Medical equipment & instruments

Telecommunications

Travel & Tourism

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Pili, The Chosen Unique Nut of the Philippines

From my very early youth, there had been a nut our nanny brought from her home province that struck my interest. It was soft but crunchy, then kind of melts in your mouth. She called it Pili Nut. She brought some still encased in a hard, thick shell on which in the absence of a nutcracker I used a small hammer to crack open. Pretty rough and difficult but somehow did the trick. Or she brought them already de-shelled and cooked in white sugar which added to their palatability.

She came from the Bicol province and she called the nut, Pili. By its very name, there had been something outstandingly interesting about this nut from the start. Pili, in Tagalog meant, “Chosen.”

Decades later, working with government, I became researcher-writer for a small book we titled “Pili of the Philippines The Chosen Nut” in 2018. It was in collaboration with Region V or Bicol. As I had written then, “No one knows exactly when Pili cultivation began or how the tree and its fruits acquired the name Pili. It must have been in ancient times, when hunters and gatherers started to harvest wild Pili fruits. Today, the major global source of considerable quantities of this variety of Pili Nut remains the Bicol region.”

Pili trees, of the Canarium Ovatum Engl, variety began to thrive centuries ago in the lush and virgin rainforests around the still active Mt. Bulusan volcano in the province of Sorsogon in Bicol. Sorsogon is considered as the nut’s centre of genetic diversity. Pili’s historical background establishes its variety as uniquely indigenous to the Philippines.

The Philippine Department of Trade and industry has since been prompted to launch the Bikol Pili Geographical Indication (GI) to act as a guarantee that said product possesses certain qualities, reputation or other characteristics indigenous only to its geographical origin. The Bicol peninsula dominates the southeastern tip of Luzon, the country’s biggest island, a strategic location accessible by land, air, and sea.

But what makes the Pili Nut truly unique, chosen and much in-demand?

In the July 13, 2017 US edition of Vogue Magazine, it proclaimed the Pili Nut as “beyond being delicious…just edging out cashews and almonds for the highest magnesium content of any nut.” A study found it high in oleic and linoleic acid, has high levels of vitamin E, eight essential amino acids, and is chock-full of manganese and copper. Pili nuts are a complete protein and has the lowest carbohydrate count of any nut.

In more recent times, the Pili Nut has become a staple ingredient for a yogurt line in the US. An international high-end skincare line had also been launched using the pili oil as a naturally sourced alternative to the vitamin Retinol. Much earlier, the Philippines had been listed as the sole source of the elemi resin.

Manila elemi is the trade name for the soft, fragrant exudates obtained from the trunk of the Canarium tree species, used by the fragrance industry after distillation of its essential oils. And guess which global brands have since used this resin: CHANEL, GUCCI, DIOR, DONNA KARAN, RALPH LAUREN, and MARC JACOBS. Sound familiar?

The saga of the Pili Nut continued as the regional leadership in Bicol brought Filipino exporters to a string of global trade expositions in the USA, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, France, the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, and Germany.

Since then, the Pili Nut also began winning global attention and awards from the world’s gourmets.

Today, the Pili Nut had also pursued and attained Kosher certification from the US-based company I do liaison work for in the Philippines. We did a soft launch of the product line a few years back in KOSHERFEST, the world’s largest B2B international trade show based at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey USA. The reaction has always been warmly encouraging and positive, drawing high interest. We now continue to showcase Kosher-certified Pili Nut products in the designated Kosher booths every year.

Based on my experience, the Pili Nut is truly going to go the distance because of its outstanding characteristics and qualities. It has gone a long way from being a Philippine favorite snack and takeaway gift whenever available. I have now seen it sold in the Legaspi airport in Bicol as well as in the international departure airport in Metro Manila.

I am also very pleased that the Kosher certifier I assist is the first to certify it in the Philippines. For those who need a Kosher-certified Pili Nut supplier, do check with me. It is the only prestigious manufacturer that is certified as far as I know.

Should you need other outstanding Filipino Pili Nut producers, even if not Kosher-certified but may have the quality assurance of Halal, USFDA and other important local and global certifications, please get in touch with me too.

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Hurdling Global Food Safety Compliance with Ease

About two decades ago, the Philippines began to seriously grapple with growing global concerns for food safety as a strongly emerging exporter of highly in-demand products and ingredients such as fresh and processed coconuts and coconut-based products, bananas, mangoes and other tropical fruits. It has since sought interaction with many foreign experts and continues to develop appropriate information programs that are conducted nationwide.

The Philippines adheres to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to develop appropriate food safety policies. Primarily through the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Science and Technology, as well as private sector organizations such as the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT), the Philippines has held numerous fora, seminars, dialogues and similar activities over the years to further position the Philippines as a reliable global food resource.

For the past 25 years, the Philippines has effectively partnered with a leading USA Kosher certifier for third party certification of its food products which have been found acceptable for the global Kosher market. It has been observed there is a continuing developing trend of acceptance and growing demand even for novel Philippine products such as coconut water, flavored pili nuts, even cake accessories.

Today, Philippine capability is powered by compliance to basic requirements such as GAP, GMP, ISO and HACCP. A strong emerging partner is Registrar Corp, a leading provider of US Food and Drug Administration compliance assistance for US and non-US companies since 2003. Registrar services cover FDA registration, labeling compliance, or detention assistance for Food & Beverage, Medical Devices, Drugs, Cosmetics, Supplements, and others. Interesting to note, their gamut of clients ranges from Dior to Walmart.

In collaboration with the leading global Kosher certifying agency, Registrar Corp conducted a whirlwind four-day information campaign caravan nationwide in September 2019. It partnered with the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ACCP) to educate food and beverage industry professionals on regulatory requirements for exporting to the United States. The places visited included Makati, New Clark City, Cebu and Davao.

What attracted Philippine producers, among others, is the Fixed Fee Services of Registrar Corp. Their fixed fee pricing is explained up front and billed at a low, flat rate. Another advantage offered is compliance without barriers in international markets with multi-lingual Regulatory Experts with the knowledge and experience available 24 hours a day. By quick action, exporters reduce risk effectively. Exporters are encouraged to automate their supply-chain risk management and monitor their compliance situation in one convenient dashboard.

These well-attended events led by Registrar generated inquiries from Philippine exporters who are expecting an inspection visit from USFDA inspectors. It was emphasized during the Philippine roadshow that Registrar actually conducts mock FDA inspections and helps create Food Safety Plans (HARPC), HACCP Plans (Juice and Seafood), Food Defense Plans and assists toward full compliance with the complex layers of USFDA regulations.

The unique perspective into client needs is guaranteed by Registrar’s professional staff which includes specialists with advanced food science degrees, extensive food safety auditing experiences, and U.S. regulatory and food industry backgrounds. These specialists travel extensively throughout the United States and 25 other countries conducting audits and assessments.

The presence of David Lennarz, president of Business Development and Operations of Registrar Corp, contributed much to the credibility of the information campaign. Lennarz is credited with more than two decades in FDA-regulated industries in the US and Europe. He has conducted seminars on US FDA regulations for trade associations, trade shows, and governments in more than 30 countries around the world. He also served as a Technical Exprt for the US FDA Foreign Facility Registration Verification Program operated by FDA’s Division of field Investigations.

The complementation of Registrar Corp strengthens Kosher certification services in the Philippines particularly for the US Kosher market. The combined roster of services made available truly ensure hurdling global food safety compliance with ease.

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The Registrar and Kosher Partnership Advantage: Opening New Doors for Kosher-Certified Exporters to the U.S. Marketplace.

Written by Tonette Salazar 

First published in Kosher India Journal Fall 2019 Edited by Adina Michelsohn of STAR-K

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Global Trade Fairs in Covid Times

As of July 2020, invitations for participation are still out for SIAL **Paris **and Kosherfest in Secaucus, New Jersey, USA. I am sure there are other global trade fairs gearing to get back on competitive footing to showcase the best in the world.

I can understand the trepidation. It used to be cost of participation, travel and accommodation as well as food budget that factor hugely when deciding. Even shopping can be a side attraction. But most importantly, scanning and matching products to the market are critical. However the Covid-19 changed all these standard perspectives.

All considerations are swept away by the most major decision to make: Is it Covid safe? We trust all countries standing up to the challenge, even as one of the most well-attended in the USA, the Fancy Food Summer Show usually hosted in New York sometime June or July cancelled this 2020. But the Winter version, also very popular and usually held in January may run in 2021. The world is watching.

SIAL and Kosherfest are two food fairs with unique attractions and are longtime crowd-drawers. The Philippines has consistently strived to be represented in SIAL Paris, ANUGA Germany, GULFOOD Dubai, as well as Fancy Food Summer and Winter Fairs USA.

I attended Fancy Food New York in 2019 to observe and confirmed what old friend Cherif Moujabber informed me way back 2009 or so. The fair, being in the center of the Jewish hubs of New York, New Jersey and Chicago, even Florida, has drawn a good number of Jewish buyers. Over the years, this information has been shared with the Filipino exporters. And if there were 10 or more exporters - there must have only been one without Kosher certification, but working on it!

Kosherfest USA is undoubtedly the world's most outstanding Kosher market. The biggest Jewish or Kosher buyers are certain to be there. But remember they do not merely buy for the Jewish communities in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and other strong Jewish hubs. Research revealed Kosher products are consumed by 20 percent by Jewish consumers and the rest by practically the mainstream market. Kosher certification by third party certifiers is considered an additional edge of food safety, given that source of ingredients and production processes must be inspected and strictly approved as natural and Kosher-certified.

So for those participating in future Fancy Food shows, keep that in mind. As for Kosherfest it is focused on Kosher food. BUT think about it, all sodas are Kosher approved. Coke, Pepsi so on and on. What about chips? Frito Lay chips are certified. And chocolates and candies? What about HERSHEY! Godiva. Callebaut. Valrhona. And so many more very familiar food brands. Your product might just be what the Jewish market needs. One thing, I know calamansi and moringa products have been Kosher-certified of late.

If you need more information on joining SIAL Paris and **Kosherfest **USA 2020, please get in touch with me and let us see how we can work together.

Meanwhile here are some pictures of the Philippine booth in Summer Fancy Food 2019 at the Jacob Javits Center amid bustling and busy New York in pre-Covid time and possibly some newer Kosherfest pictures. I had been attending this latter fair for work since 2012.

[tonettesalazar]

Navigating the Post-Covid Market Maze

As a very “patriotic” marketer of Philippine export products, primarily food, I am now in the midst of information gathering on how Philippine exporters and marketers like I am will survive to compete post-COVID19.

Everyone is talking “The New Normal.” Of course with hygiene practices involving frequent hand washing, temperature checks, safety masks, social and physical distancing, quarantines, COVID tests, filling up health forms, checking of health insurance coverages, etc. now expected to become part of business conduct and standards.

All these further complicate and hold up regular business practices when you think about it. Just heard one conduct being considered is roving inspection in production companies to make sure social distancing is observed. Physical traffic getting to and from work is already a major deterrent not to add more rituals to ensure employee and client food safety. But COVID-19 has infiltrated everyday life so ingeniously and threateningly that it must be given extreme consideration.

I have started to tune in to several local and foreign webinars to listen to buyers, economists, digital and technology leaders, trendsetter marketers and others experts. There is a swarm of local and global experts sharing ideas as well as surveys being conducted. Like many others, I tend to ignore online webinars because I am one of those who are used to physical attendance in meetings, seminars, trade fairs, briefings and similar events.

Most of the food exporters are micro and small companies which make up 99 percent of all the registered businesses in the Philippines. By regional distribution, a little over 20 percent are in the National Capital Region (NCR) in Luzon island. While these companies are highly accessible to air and land, sea transport, they are also most vulnerable to big city disruptions such as traffic, rallies, etc.

Sadly, a government trade survey of these companies all over the Philippines revealed only 40 percent of these exporters have websites. The lack becomes more glaring in the light of the COVID-19 social distancing urgency which also highlights greater alternative need for online contact.

By my personal experience, as an annual attendee of local and international trade shows, it is valuable to be globally reachable via a credible, well-designed, professional, even if simple website. When I present products we help push even if company representatives are absent, some buyers are content with calling cards with contact details including websites. They can appreciate even more seeing mobile and landline numbers, Messenger, Skype, Whatsapp, and other communication apps.

There seems no clear option or alternative to the standards specified by “The New Normal” today. If Filipinos, both producer and exporter, want to maintain a strong business presence and image in today’s COVID-19 environment, whether current or post, the digital transformation must be pursed, and quickly.

Nonetheless, print and other media advertisements and announcements, promotional writeups and other strategies remain relevant. It is just that the steady rise and growing glut of webinars, today further propelled by COVID-19, can be accepted as indicative of the trend towards contactless meetings and seminars.

We are all advised to watch keenly what goes on in more technologically advanced countries to see what is locally applicable as of now. Another webinar I joined did a minor survey of how the online attendees measure the Philippines versus other countries generally especially ASEAN. The predominant observation was “fairly competitive” likely in the area of technology usage for webinars, meetings, etc.

Growth may not be explosive at the onset, limited by government directions and available resources, but hugely possible. What I can see is that as Filipinos navigate the marketing maze post COVID-19 , they may be excited to explore the great possibilities the digital world offers to them personally and professionally, and more, with a view to profitability.

Exploration and expansion can remain in the marketing maze but no reasons why they cannot be profitably navigated.

[tonettesalazar]

The Power of Purpose in Marketing

Many years ago, after graduating with a degree in Advertising and Graphic Design, I did not actually know what I would do in an advertising agency. I did not think I was a brilliant artist and I wanted to write more than anything. I should have taken up Journalism indeed, but my brilliant lawyer father bluntly told me I would go hungry with a writing degree. I figured why not a lawyer. But no. Oldest brother already studying to be a lawyer. Oldest sister was a pianist, another was going to be an economist, the middle brother to be a doctor. Fine arts major in advertising and graphic design was the closest I could get to writing, I thought. After all, the job included copywriters. But of course, pit me against my siblings and it would earn a dismissive “Meh.” Is that a noteworthy career?

I did manage to insert myself into the world of words via advertising. Learning enough of the lexicon - ad campaigns, logos, captions, slogans, etc. Always marvelled at concept people and creative designers who were also great idea presenters together with the account managers and media experts who spoke of “reach” and early, considerably tribal efforts at analytics, compared to what Google can do today.

But even then, to my young and impressionable mind which tries to break down all messages to the simplest terms, any advertising idea must excel in terms of a Unique Selling Proposition or USP and must be transmitted to the audience using the principle of  K.I.S.S. short for Keep it Simple Stupid. But certainly, USP has also evolved, even been transposed to mean something deeper. Uniqueness has now come to mean more than adding or reducing product or packaging color, design, number, scent, ingredients and other marked changes. USP has now come to include country origins, company history and even personal founder and family history, heritage, health values, sense of commitment, inclusivity, and other profile details.

Good for me, I also excelled in precis writing, which is writing a summary of an abstract of a text or speech. It just makes me feel I may be “trivializing” what others surely labored on to write. Or that I minimize my words as well, which I often do because of the K.I.S.S. advertising principle, so I end up with dismissible output. But as someone told me before, write for 10-year old’s who need to understand you so they can report what they read in newspapers, of course before the iPad and smartphones. Or write for transit advertising for those who can only let words flash before them meaninglessly if not in traffic standstill.

Enough of where I am coming from. What has become uppermost in my mind over the years as a marketer, the simplest I can describe myself and using my advertising background, is that everything I write and mouth should have a higher purpose, a deeper meaning. The product must transcend its basic value, for example, as food. More than to feed hunger, it must supplement a needed resource by the body. Bread producers have long added to their product lines healthy flavors, vitamins, and other ingredients. Juices and juice drinks, snacks, and more have begun to supplement health ingredients to their products. Have you recently checked out the tea lines on the shelves? I will also relate to you my experience with alternative health products or do we now refer to them as “Superfoods?”

As a government marketer once who promoted Philippine products, and as a “civilian” now, I stand behind tables in local and international trade fairs always armed with the intention to assist company owners and their staff in “pushing products” but with deeper or higher purpose. Referring to Kosher products, while only rabbinical inspectors conduct plant inspections, I am always apprised of possible problems and solutions, advantages and disadvantages, difficulties and sources of unique pride. What I learn, I try to impart to Kosher buyers in search of better sources not only price-wise or applicants who want to know how to better their products. 

In future blogs, I will share some of my experiences in trade shows and Kosher certification, and those relating to how I and the company I represent are able to help or assist our clients. Who knows if I will be able to help you too, in Kosher certification or checking out reliable Philippine suppliers and producers?

My longstanding relationship with both government and industry allows me to navigate even sensitive issues and get real, honest answers. This surely helps add Power to my Purpose to help the Philippines sell to the world and be a reliable global resource for food products.

[tonettesalazar]

Making Philippine Products Kosher Compliant

Working for more than a decade with a Philippine government agency tasked with the promotion of Philippine natural health products only to move on to fresh and processed food for exports can leave one feeling adequately informed on the local food industry. No. Not enough. Scratching the surface is more like it. What the years of experience can give is working knowledge to build on. And the succeeding eight years working as liaison person for a leading global US Kosher certifier has imbued me with enough information to effectively market the certification services of the company I represent. Being Catholic does not hinder at all in discussing certain facets of the Kosher food requirements of the Jewish, primarily the Orthodox, market. I schooled myself to learn the basics on Kosher food mostly on generalities as Kosher certification has both religious and cultural concerns. One good start is using parallelisms with the requirements for Muslim Halal food. Most importantly, absolutely no pork in the menu. Then there are the specifics of production processes involving machinery and equipment until it gets to the dining preparation involving cooking and cutlery. However, I do not get to this level, as rabbinical representatives, rabbi experts on production inspection, take over after I have adequately presented what the company I represent can do or does. The company needing Kosher certification is briefed on the requirements, and when deemed compliant, is provided a cost quotation which if paid without further ado gets the certification and lets me hop on to other interested inquiries or client concerns. I can safely say I have successfully assisted my rabbi supervisor in certifying over fifty Philippine companies and hundreds of products.  A handful have discontinued, saying they have lost their Kosher buyers. But those who persisted, have success stories to tell. There was an instance a client I strongly encouraged to stay on course deliberately attended a forum I spoke on, just to hug me and express her gratitude. Her company had grown impressively with a loyal and large US Kosher buyer among them, and she now employs at least 70 people. It is also very gratifying when would-be clients call and say they had been referred to me because they find me most helpful and patient with their string of questions. But I have to seriously sit down and plot the products certified as this can reflect Philippine strengths, if not weaknesses, but more of opportunities and the threats that exist or which can arise. A basic SWOT analysis of sorts I became very acquainted with, in my Masters and PhD classes on Government Management. It was under the American colonial period when the Philippines initially pursued production of Kosher products. To the best of my knowledge, it began with coconuts, primarily desiccated. These are the topics that I will dig deeper into with my blog as I take very personal pride in Philippine coconut products. The leading clients of my Kosher certifier are processed coconut products also. There are emerging products we have handled, surprisingly new and innovative, and I would like to think the world of food is the better for them! You can know more about them on this page as I write about them in the future. Most importantly, I take great pride in the Philippines, our food industry and our efforts to achieve global compliance in certification requirements such as that of Kosher, Halal, Organic, Fair Trade, HACCP, GMP and GAP, as well as others that heed World Health Organization guidelines considered necessary to creating and implementing the appropriate food safety policies. My next write ups will also touch on the local and international trade fairs I have attended and the inquiries I have entertained for Philippine food products. My page welcomes inquiries related to Kosher certification, companies, and Philippine products. Thank you and happy reading!