The Philippines, with all its 7,107 islands, is a fusion of unique flavors, ingenuity and creativity. As a hot pot of culture, it’s not surprising that this is seen in the many products that Filipino entrepreneurs have to offer.
What started out as a small hub against its neighboring Asian giants, the country has shifted into the “Franchise Hub of Asia,” with external trade and export sales seeing positive growth. Championing efforts to make Filipino brands and products known to the rest of the world is Market Reach International, the trusted distribution partner in the world of global FMCG logistics and supply.
“The Philippines is a net importer—a lot of our products are imported. And due to current external factors such as supply chain disruptions, us being an archipelago, and also currency which is now close to PHP 60, importing anything has become very expensive,” says Jiten Lalwani, CEO of Market Reach International.
With this challenge in sight, MRI has put the focus on boosting Filipino exports in the country and on the international stage. This drive and excellence have earned the trust and business of some of the largest brands in the industry while bringing various local products to consumers in over 28 countries.
Starting with the goal to make Filipino products accessible to OFWs, MRI is now enabling and carrying the dreams of local entrepreneurs by being the ship with which they are carried globally. “We’ve been in the industry for 15 years. This may be short compared to other giants in the industry, and yet we’ve quickly risen to one of the top consolidators in the country. That’s because we’re not here for the business; we’re here because we’re passionate about sharing Filipino brands with the rest of the world,” says Lalwani.
The Philippines is home to many innovative products and homegrown raw materials from big, small, and medium businesses. With that, Market Reach International sees this potential to grow the market and has been pivotal in this mission since 2008. The pioneer business exports the nation’s best of the best products worldwide while supporting many local entrepreneurs in the process.
Their support for the local goes from being engaged in causes to staying true to the products of these entrepreneurs. “What the suppliers deliver to us, we export. We just provide translations and comply with the municipality’s regulations and conditions. And of course, we offer fair prices,” says Jazzie Dayao, sales development manager of Market Reach International.
CMO Nas Arcayan adds, “We apply an extra layer of meticulousness when we export. We study each of the markets that we enter and ensure that we find the best brands and products that will fit it the best. It’s a win-win-win situation: for us, our partner brands, and our partner buyers around the world.”
Recently, MRI was part of the International Food Exhibition, a biennial global trade show and the premier international sourcing hub where local F&B companies can promote their products globally and establish and strengthen links with international buyers, importers, and retailers. Their booth featured a variety of Pinoy food favorites from beloved brands in the country in the hopes of making the local F&B industry known and sharing the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine.
As Market Reach International continues to grow, so do the local brands, partners, and their communities—all this to show success is achieved across the board from all sides of the equation. From a simple goal to reach Filipinos abroad to now exporting to over 28 countries and counting, MRI is leading the charge in bringing the best of Filipino brands within arm’s reach, anywhere in the world.
Lalwani shares a hope to expand MRI’s reach internationally. But his bigger goal is for the Philippines’ export industry to flourish, the global market to diversify, and most importantly, for Filipino products to be recognized and distributed worldwide.
“Filipinos have such unique flavors and products that’s unlike any other in the world, and therefore, deserves to be enjoyed by as many people as possible,” says Lalwani.
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