Phoenix LPG, Grainsmart sign exclusive distribution deal

A subsidiary of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. on Wednesday signed an exclusive agreement to sell its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products in stores of rice retailer Grainsmart Corp.

In a regulatory filing submitted by Phoenix Petroleum legal manager Rosalio II Roque, the company said the deal will “amplify the availability … of Phoenix SUPER LPG in the country.”

“In a memorandum of agreement signed between Phoenix LPG Philippines Inc. (PLPI) and Grainsmart Corporation on Feb. 20, 2019 at Enderun Colleges, PLPI has authorized Grainsmart as an official channel partner that will exclusively market, distribute, and sell Phoenix SUPER LPG products and equipment in its stores,” the filing read.

Grainsmart is a retailer and wholesaler of special rice grains, with over 300 stores across the country.

“Our combined network will benefit the most those who are already using and those who would like to try our brand but does not have easy access to it yet,” said PLPI general manager for Luzon Julgin Anthony Villanueva.

“The partnership with Grainsmart will provide our business partners a new option on how they can grow their businesses, expand their reach, and provide Filipinos with complementary products at the best value,” Phoenix Petroleum chief operating officer Henry Albert Fadullon noted.

Phoenix SUPER LPG is the re-branded Gas Petronas, which the company acquired last year from PDB Netherlands BV through Malaysia-listed Petronas Dagangan Bhd. (PDB).

The acquisition translated to a 100-percent interest in Petronas Energy Philippines Inc. (PEPI), the original owner of Gas Petronas.

Phoenix Petroleum previously acquired the Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart, and ventured into the asphalt business with PhilAsphalt Development Corporation and Thailand’s Tipco Asphalt.

It is venturing with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Gas and Power Group Co. Ltd. to set up a large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) business in the country. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News