Business
PH Brand Snowtime Excites Global Market with ‘Chilli Pops’ and Other Colorful Chillers
A chili-flavored ice pop made in the Philippines has grabbed the attention of global buyers and food enthusiast in the recently held Gulfood 2018, the world’s biggest food trade event, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) last month.
In a story published by Dubai‐based Albawaba, the Miesto International Food Corporation’s Chilli Pops has been named one of the ‘Top 10 Best Foods and Drinks on Display at Gulfood 2018.’
“Ice pops, jellies and chilled drinks manufacturer Miesto from the Philippines is showcasing its Chilli Pops, specially produced for the Gulf in response to regional consumers’ fondness for a little zing in their food. Spicy mango and spicy cola are cool flavors worth trying,” stated in Albawaba’s story.
Under their Snowtime brand, Chilli Pops is just one of Miesto’s wide assortments of ice pops, jellies and drinks—each developed and designed to cater to the demand and taste of their clients from the different international markets.
Mr. Ernesto Dacay Jr, CEO of Miesto International Food Corporation.
“With a goal of delighting taste buds all over the world, we are constantly adapting to the changes in consumer preference and new flavors coming up in the international market,” said Ernesto Dacay Jr., the Chief Executive Officer of Miesto. “Like in Gulfood, we put a hint of spiciness in our formulation and package it in an ice pop that is meant to chill and refresh.”
Miesto Food International Corporation is a family-owned business that started way back in 1987 under the Dacay Group of Companies with the goal to satisfy customers around the world with top-quality products and efficient service at an affordable rate.
“Our company was established largely for exports. It started way back when we discovered a demand for ice pops in the US market. We developed the idea here in the Philippines and it clicked overseas. After two years, we also started to make jellies and drinks,” he said.
With 30 years in the export market, Miesto has become a top Philippine exporter of ice pops, jellies and drinks with two production plants located in Mandaue City and in Liloan town in the province of Cebu. They are committed to continuously expanding its product profile under their popular brand ‘Snowtime’ and their private‐labeled brands.
Aside from the recent Gulfood 2018, the Miesto has repeatedly represented the best of Philippines in overseas trade exhibits abroad in Japan (FOODEX Japan), Paris (SIAL Paris) and Germany (ANUGA), led by the Department of Trade and Industry‐Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI‐CITEM).
Miesto’s Jelly Pudding.
“We are also a frequent participant in the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines where we are able to meet new international and domestic business partners who are excited to try our ice pops, drinks and jellies,” Dacay shared.
With their aggressive export campaign, the company has widened its market reach to different countries across the world as they meet new clients and distributorships. These include United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and several countries in the Middle East.
Miesto’s Chiga Changga.
“Spain is our newest market and we are happy since we have been trying to penetrate it for quite some time. Right now, we are looking to further expand our market in African countries where there is sure demand for cold treats,” Dacay shared.
Aside from their effective promotions, Dacay sees their market flexibility and creative flavor profile as their hallmark of success.
“We are quick to adapt to what the market wants. For starters, Filipinos are interested in sweet tropical flavors so we offer mango, banana, pineapple, and the like to our kababayans abroad,” explained Dacay. “However, to penetrate the mainstream export market, we try also come up with flavors that are natural and familiar to other nationalities, such as bubblegum, lemon, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry.”
“This corporate mindset allows our company to broaden our flavor formulations based on what the export market wants. We even have a jelly that is infused with chia seeds, which is currently a very popular superfood worldwide,” Dacay said.
Aside from chia seeds, the company uses prebiotics, natural dietary fiber, vitamin C, and a variety of real fruit and vegetable concentrate in coming up with healthy selections. “Our chillers and refreshments also look appetizing as they are available in various fanciful colors, each depending on flavors, and are packed in animal or fruit‐shaped tubes,” added Dacay.
Their products are certified under the Philippine Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and have Halal certificates to some of their products. Miesto is also in the process of getting certification under the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and some of the certificates from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
If you are interested to taste Miesto’s colorful and fun‐filled refreshments, visit their booth in the 12th edition of IFEX Philippines 2018, held on May 25 to 27 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).
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The 12th edition of IFEX Philippines is organized by the DTI‐CITEM, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Interested buyers or exhibitors can contact Ms. Zharita Bagayas, IFEX Philippines Lead Coordinator, at 831-2201 loc. 228 or at zbagayas@citem.com.ph, and to Ms. Alex Lucas at 831-2137 or e-mail her at alucas@citem.com.ph.
