Agri firm Calata Corp. to open 1,000 retail stores nationwide

Bulacan-based farm input distributor Calata Corporation is set to open 1,000 retail outlets nationwide to increase revenues and stabilize its customer base.

Calata, the country's largest distributor of feeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals, currently has 116 stores in Luzon.

"Calata shall likewise explore the possibilities of introducing its 'Agri' brand to the international market," Calata Corporation corporate secretary and compliance officer Jose Marie Fabella said in a phone interview Wednesday. He did not specify the time table and budget allotted for the expansion.

The company has informed the Philippine Stock Exchange that it entered into a one-year contract Wednesday with the Philippine unit of franchise developer International Franchise Corporation (Francorp) for a full professional franchise development program as part of Calata's plans for expansion. — BM, GMA News