MANILA, Philippines — Indonesian firm PT Mayora Indah Tbk is pouring in over $80 million worth of investments over the next five years for a coffee production and processing facility in Batangas.
In a statement, Mayora, which is behind the popular Kopiko coffee brand, said it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Lima Land Inc. for the lease of the property within the special economic zone in Malvar, Batangas for the manufacturing and processing plant.
“In recognition of Kopiko’s strong Philippine base, along with our growing business in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, we are expanding our manufacturing and processing operations beyond Indonesia – into the Philippines,” Mayora president Andre Atmadja said.
He said Kopiko, which has become a successful brand in the country, was developed to cater to Filipinos’ preference.
Mayora’s facility will initially employ 200 individuals, and bring the total workforce count to 3,000 in five years.
At present, Mayora’s Philippine-based businesses already employ 4,500.
When completed, the manufacturing and processing plant in Batangas is expected to help meet the growing demand for coffee both in the domestic market and overseas.
As part of the plan to grow its local business, Mayora will also be sourcing desiccated coconut and coconut oil from several Philippine producers.
“We look forward to the many opportunities that this landmark project will deliver, particularly in the area of job creation and in enabling greater contribution to the Philippine economy,” Atmadja said.
Mayora, formally established in 1977, offers coffee and other products such as biscuits, candies, wafers, chocolates, instant food, beverage and cereals.
Apart from Kopiko, the group is behind other brands which include Danisa, Roma, and Energen.
The group currently has presence in more than 90 countries and employs 30,000.