Bigger & Better Kaindustriya 2013

BY LEONY R. GARCIA

Small and Medium-scale Enterprises plays an important role in economic development worldwide.   In the Philippines, SMEs are being given renewed emphasis as engines of economic growth, employment potential and poverty alleviation.  

Among the growing SMEs in the country are the sari-sari stores which also extend its business as food service operators like karinderya, short order canteen or catering business. Championing growth and efficiency among these local food service operators, Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) in partnership with Puregold Price Club Inc., has launched  Kaindustriya, a food service association, to give its members access to affordable products, services and educational programs.

Puregold’s Aling Puring’s Sari-Sari Store Convention  held every May of the year served as a platform to provide canteens, eateries and other small-scale businesses with tools that can help them grow their business, from free starter kits to discounts and freebies. Kaindustriya also helped participants widen their culinary

knowledge by offering inspirational talks, free cooking demos and seminars on food costing,

plating, trends, safety, and sanitation.

“With Kaindustriya, we aim to provide food service operators with opportunities to

 professionalize their skills through an extensive package of products and services

especially targeted for their nature of business,” says UFS Managing Director Pinky

Laurena. 

“Puregold prides itself in its extensive selection of merchandise at budget-friendly prices

 in support of the sari-sari store sector,” adds Puregold’s Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan.

 “We’re truly happy to be assisting food service operators by giving them the tools

necessary to succeed in their businesses.”

For two years now, Kaindustriya members took part in brand samplings and cooking demos by

UFS chef Paolo Sia. They also engaged in quick cooking challenges, proving how well they

put those newfound lessons to good use. Other activities at the convention include whole

day selling and voting for the best Knorr Sinigang and Knorr Rostip seasoning dishes.

Last year’s  convention culminated in Kaindustriya’s  Grand Cook-Off

at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The final round of the month-long cook-off dared

the 10 finalists who were chosen in the previous weeks to battle it out for the grand prize

of Php50,000.00.  Winners were challenged to create the complete Filipino meal and meet the following criteria: Filipino taste, uniqueness, diner appeal and ease of preparation.

BIGGER & BETTER KAINDUSTRIYA

Now on its third year, the food service club

aims to further encourage its members to innovate, achieve and succeed in the industry,

giving them access to affordable products, service solutions, and educational programs.

At the Kaindustriya re-launch  held recently at Puregold E. Rodriguez-Araneta  Branch, UFS introduced their 2013 projects that aim to further help karinderias, kanteens and katerers improve their business, and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Loyal Puregold patrons and Kaindustriya members testified how the association has helped them improve themselves and their businesses. One store owner now has a long list of clientele for her catering business while a former carinderia cook is awaiting for his departure abroad to work as chef.

Many members also report of bigger income opportunities brought by wholesale prices of UFS products and freebies from Puregold and Unilever like cooking utensils, tumblers, kitchen towels,  and food keepers .

Aside from the regular programs slated this year, Jeffrey Oronan, UFS Channel Activation manager , revealed to this writer the association’s newest program – free culinary school program to enable members to enhance their culinary skills, improve their business and continuously fight the ever changing market competition. Courses to be offered which range from half day to three days include: Kitchen Therory, Food Safety (HACCP Training), Commissary Training, World Class Food Service, Chefmanship 101,  Setting Up Food Service Business, and Leadership 101.

“We are now fine-tuning the selection process and other policies regarding this culinary program. Soon our members would be busy with  the different courses at stake, Oronan said.

For inquiries, visit any Puregold store and ask for its Kaindustriya program.  

In photos:
Kaindustriya logo

Chef Paolo Sia

Jeffrey Oronan, UFS Channel Activation Manager