Otsuka plans to build RP factory

REPORT FROM BUSINESSWORLD OTSUKA (PHILIPPINES) Pharmaceutical, Inc. is targeting to put up a factory in the Philippines by 2010, incoming President and General Manager Pol Dimerin told BusinessWorld. In an interview, Mr. Dimerin said the unit of Japan-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. was also looking at exporting its flagship brand, Pocari Sweat health drink to the United States once the facility operates. Pocari Sweat is sold in 14 countries around the globe, including Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. Otsuka Philippines is a unit of Japan-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical Group. The local firm aims to be among the country’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies by 2010. "Sales is doing okay. We are increasing month by month," Mr. Dimerin said. In an earlier interview, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Senior Operating Officer Masayuki Umeno said the Japanese firm would put up a factory once Pocari Sweat sells 10 million bottles annually. Otsuka Philippines launched Pocari Sweat in the Philippines last April. Mr. Dimerin, who was formerly the sales and marketing director of Otsuka Philippines, has taken over the company from former President Hirofumi Inoue. Mr. Inoue led the Philippine operations in the past five and a half years. It was during his time that Otsuka ventured into the consumer market with the launch of Pocari Sweat. Mr. Dimerin said the company would continue building Pocari Sweat in the country. By next month, Otsuka Philippines will lower the price of Pocari Sweat to P30 from P35. Next year, Otsuka Philippines will also introduce 330-milliliter can of Pocari Sweat at P20. This, Mr. Dimerin said, was in line with company plans to expand its market share, even as he noted that the strong peso has been supporting the local unit’s revenues. Another Otsuka product, SOYJOY, a pocket-sized baked fruit bar made of soybeans, will also be introduced to the Philippine market by midyear. Otsuka Philippines intends to boost its presence in key cities such as Cebu, Davao, Baguio to cater to Japanese and Korean tourists. — RAMR/BUSINESSWORLD