Soybean coffee maker sets exports to Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines - A small soybean coffee manufacturer that obtained a financial grant from the Agriculture department plans to export its 3-in-1 mixes to Malaysia this year, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).

Soybean coffee is made from a combination of roasted and ground soybeans. It is considered  a healthier alternative to regular coffee because of lower caffeine content.

The manufacturer of the ‘Healthy Rich’ brand, Makabagong Gabay sa Kalusugan (MGSK) ,can produce 2,400 boxes of soybean coffee every month.

“We need to at least double this capacity so we can entertain the order from Malaysia,” said Ric Navis Jr., MGSK  manager.

“We simply cannot commit to export our existing production capacity.  We also need to satisfy the local market,” he said.

In 2011, MGSK obtained a P2.5 million financial grant from BAR to commercialize its small-scale soybean products operation.

With the grant, the company completed the nutritional analysis for 16 product lines, developed its packaging, secured small equipment for packaging, and improved its formulation. 

MGSK is now securing Halal certification using the last tranche release of the fund.

“We import soybean heavily.  If there is a way for farmers to be encouraged to plant soybean by showing them the market through value added products, BAR will be ready to support these programs,” said BAR director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.

MGSK soy-based products include Soybean Brew soy milk, cold taho, tokwa, polvoron,  ice cream and pastillas.  Soybean is also a major ingredient in MGSK Veggie Noodles.   

MSGK has invested more than P2 million into a processing center in Busilac, Nueva Vizcaya. 

Some of the funds were provided by the Department of Science and Technology and Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corp. The modest investment directly employs 15 people. 

“The existing processing center will also serve as product development showcase  for processed food.  The experience gained thru the MGSK-BAR collaboration will enable MGSK to replicate project in other areas,” Navis said.