MANILA, Philippines - Retail giant Puregold is set to begin a new tradition for the country’s “neighborhood chefs”: a national fiesta where food entrepreneurs can purchase top food items and learn and improve their earning potential.
Puregold will gather more than 10,000 caterers, canteen, hotel and even karinderya entrepreneurs this month in the 1st Tindahan ni Aling Puring KAINdustriya Convention.
The event, to be held on Oct. 14 and 15 at the World Trade Center’s tent area in Pasay City, hopes to recognize the role of Filipino “KAINtrepreneurs” in helping drive the economy in their own way.
“These food resellers stir the local economy through their businesses. They rely on supplies from within their own localities and even generate jobs in their communities,” said Vincent Co, Puregold merchandising director.
“They also provide nourishment to the country’s workforce-laborers, office workers, even executives who may not have the time to prepare meals on their own, but look to enjoy Filipino homecooking while at work, perhaps during lunch break, merienda or dinner,” said Co.
The convention aims to give small- and medium-scale food entrepreneurs what the largely successful annual Puregold Sari-Sari Store Convention has been providing tindahan owners for 11 now. “We are holding KAINdustriya to recognize the significant number and contribution of our members who are food resellers,” said Co.
During the two-day event, entrepreneurs may attend free seminars and learn business tips from experts, including Mercato Centrale group’s RJ Ledesma and Anton Diaz. They may also learn new recipes in cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, check out a trade showcase and most importantly buy food retail products at discounted prices.
And, in true fiesta fashion, celebrities will also grace the event.
“It will be two days of kita, kain and kabuhayan for our neighborhood chefs. Through this event, we hope to foster a sense of community among our food entrepreneurs and inspire them to bring their business to another level,” said Co.
Apart from the main convention, Puregold will also hold pocket KAINdustriya events including food seminars, cooking demonstrations and contests in several branches: QI Central, Paranaque, Cainta Junction, Valenzuela, Meycauayan and Dau.