Uniwide still a business partner -- Sara Lee exec

Sara Lee Philippines Inc. -- a subsidiary of US-based fast-moving consumer goods giant Sara Lee Corp. -- reiterated yesterday that the Uniwide group of companies will continue to be an important business partner.

"Uniwide has always been and will continue to be a significant business partner to Sara Lee Phils. We have supported them since the start of their operations, even when times were difficult, and we have no doubt they will succeed in their future endeavors," Danny Perez, Sara Lee Phils. president, said.

Uniwide has admitted to needing the support of its trade suppliers, including Sara Lee to stabilize its liquidity problems.

Sara Lee, for its part, said it recognizes the important role Uniwide plays in its business and is bent on growing its business with Uniwide. "It is a core value of our company to treat all our customers as business partners, because we believe that their success is our success," Perez continued.

Meanwhile, Sara Lee is expanding its operation in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific with the recent acquisition of Metrolab Industries. Metrolab products will be the first locally manufactured personal care products to be marketed in the region by the Sara Lee group.

Sara Lee is as global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality consumer products, with $20 billion in annual revenues. With operations in more than 40 countries, Sara Lee employs 139,000 people worldwide, and markets branded products in more than 140 nations. Its leading brands include Sara Lee, Douwe Egberts, Hanes, Kiwi and Playtex.

In the Philippines, Sara Lee currently markets brands like Kiwi Shoe Care, Hanes and Playtex apparel, Fissan, Zwitsal, Brylcreem bodycare, Ridsect Insecticides and a wide range of skin care and cosmetics through its direct selling operators under the umbrella of "House of Sara Lee."