“I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, but I have a Master’s degree in Mad Science.”
This is how Mike Atayde, Orich Food and Beverages CEO and Head of Product Development, describes himself. He says his passion to create things and his interest in product research and development have not tapered off even when the pandemic struck. His company, he says, continues to invest in laboratory equipment to help them deliver more products and figure out what works and what doesn’t.
“Every challenge has its opportunities. As humans, we have the ability to cope and adjust if we just settle down and think. When things bog down, that doesn’t mean you cannot be productive and creative and find solutions,” Mike opines.
As a wellness brand, Healthy Tropics markets its products to consumer who have become more invested in their health because of the pandemic.
“You have to find new avenues to sell your products. Now, we’re seeing there’s considerable growth in the online retail space. You just have to keep your products relevant and interesting,” Mike says.
Healthy Tropics also continues to work with its retail partners like Kultura on how their products can reach a wider market given the situation.
“Kultura is a springboard for Filipino products to grow, evolve and then get into the mainstream. Kultura can continue to support us and smaller manufacturers by being present everywhere. It has the network,” Mike shares.
Aside from ensuring their products remain accessible to the market, Orich also makes sure that their employees are working in a safe environment
“During the lockdown, tuloy pa rin ang pagtanggap namin ng sweldo. Pinayagan din nila kami to work from home. We also have rapid tests, at shouldered ng kompanya ang fees,” Dina Gatdula, an accounting officer for Orich, says.
Healthy Tropics snacks and juices are available in Kultura stores located inside the SM Malls. You may also order Healthy Tropics and other uniquely Filipino products online at www.kulturafilipino.com.
For more than 60 years, SM, and its affiliate brands like Kultura, has been home to thousands of MSMEs. As SM grew, so did its MSME partners. From those years of partnership, SM and MSMEs once again stand together to build back stronger.
For more info:
Post a Comment