San Miguel: No looming shortage of hotdogs, luncheon meat

San Miguel Corp. food unit on Wednesday allayed fears of an impending shortage of food staples such as hotdogs, and luncheon meat products amid concerns due to import restrictions and rise in meat material prices.

In a statement, San Miguel Foods, which carries the Purefoods brand, said that its line of refrigerated meats and canned goods will remain available in supermarket shelves and other retail outlets, “despite global challenges that affect the cost and availability of raw materials.”

“Since the start of the pandemic, our Food business has strived to make our supply chains more agile and resilient. As a result, we have expanded our raw material supply sources, and have also increased our flexibility in terms of production,” said SMC president Ramon Ang.

San Miguel Foods, which is one of the largest producers of poultry and pork in the Philippines, said it is also a major importer of meat materials, using close to 100,000 metric tons per year.

Like other food companies, the SMC Foods said its raw materials has been affected by tightness in supply, price hikes, and restrictions in importation due to global issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Fever, and Avian flu among others.

However, the company said it is confident that with keener anticipation of global trends and its ability to make quick adjustments in production, it can sustain and assure availability of its products. 

“When you have enough meat and packaging materials, along with ample manufacturing capacity, you can ensure continuous supply,” Ang said.

“As we have done throughout the period of this pandemic, we can continue to provide for the needs of our consumers despite the present challenges,” he added.  

According to Ang, the company’s strategy is built around its integrated value chain. 

He said this has enabled the company to use more of its internal raw material sources—its own poultry and meats businesses—for its value-added meats production needs   

“Food security is always one of our top priorities,” Ang said.

“With our consumers’ needs always top of mind, we want to assure everyone that they can continue to enjoy their all-time favorite Purefoods Tender Juicy hotdogs, luncheon meat, chicken nuggets, bacon, and corned beef,” he added. —LBG, GMA News