Asia Brewery venture with Spanish dairy firm to sell yogurt in the PHL

Asia Brewery Inc. has joined with Spanish dairy products manufacturer Grupo Leche Pascual to form  AB Pascual Foods, a firm that will sel pasteurized yogurts in the Philippines. In a press briefing in Makati, GLP president Tomas Pascual said the newly-formed company, on a 50-50 equity, will operate mainly in the Philippines. "We see a very good potential for Creamy Delight yogurt in the Philippines because of the big gap in daily yogurt consumption here," Pascual said. He added that after AB Pascual Foods establishes itself in the market here, there would be a possibility that it would manufacture yogurt locally in the long run. "Right now, we will import from Spain approximately 2.6 million kilograms per year, or equivalent to one million cases. Each case weighs three kilos," Pascual said.

Grupo Leche Pascual president Tomas Pascual (left) and Asia Brewery Inc. chief operating officer Michael Tan officially announce their partnership to form AB Pascual Foods. Photo by JGR

Michael Tan, AB chief operating officer, said once Creamy Delight has established its foothold in the market, followed by the setting up of a manufacturing facility, AB will then "eye other ASEAN markets." Tan said AB would chose Laguna, possibly in Cabuyao, for a manufacturing site if the plan pushes through. Creamy Delight is considered Spain's top quality yogurt. With a price range of P15 to P20, 40 to 50 percent cheaper than other brands, Creamy Delight claims to have a distinct taste and sweet combination. Pascual said that the advanced technology used in the pasteurization process would allow the yogurt to be also available in the sari-sari stores as it does not have to be refrigerated. Creamy Delight comes in four variants, which are Flavors, Thick and Creamy, Yogikids, and Non-Fat. Creamy Delight is made from 100-percent fresh milk collected daily from the dairy fields of Spain and controlled by the highest quality standards. "We have the same passion for consumers and the same desire to succeed. With this product, we are reenergized and true to our mission of delivering great quality products to Filipinos," Tan said. — DVM, GMA News