Gandionco group ventures into the pizza business

CEBU, Philippines - After establishing a strong name in the bakeshop industry, through Julie’s chain of bakeshops across the country, the Gandionco group through the RJ & Sons Enterprises, Inc. (RJSEI) has now ventured into the pizza market.

The company initially invested P10 million to bring in the Luzon-based Lots’ A Pizza brand in the Southern Philippine market, starting with a simultaneous opening of five outlets in Metro Cebu.

RJSEI has partnered with Lots’ A Pizza Franchise System Inc. to establish the VisMin Master Franchise Corporation, and commissary facility VisMin Pizza&Pasta Corporation.

In a press conference RJSEI chairman Joseph Gandionco said it is a good way to enter the pizza market for the group’s expansion plan in as there is also a growing number of Filipinos constantly looking for affordable and quality pizza products.

Despite the proliferation of pizza brands including local names and international pizza chains, Gandionco said the pizza market in the Philippines still has huge potential for growth.

Lots’ A Pizza brand has been in the market since 1996, and it has a network of 130 outlets located in different areas in Metro Manila, and other major cities and provinces in Luzon.

According to Gandionco, the company is aiming to establish presence in major cities in Southern Philippines, starting next year hitting Ormoc, Bohol, Iloilo, among others.

“Pizza business is a also flour-based, something that is not new to us. Besides, Filipinos are very adaptable to pizza products,” Gandionco said adding that a lot of local brands have thrived despite the presence of multinational pizza names.

Bringing in the expertise and wide network of Julie’s Bakeshop in Visayas and Mindanao, Gandionco is confident that the brand Lots’ A Pizza will hit the “taste bud” consumers in the Southern Philippine region.

The group’s entry to the pizza business, is part of its plan to grow in the robust food sector, as RJSEI also operates Gandionco Fastfood Venture Inc. (GFVI), through the Tita Julie’s fast-food brand.

On the other hand, Lots’ A Pizza Franchise System Inc president Teresita L. Ngan Tian believes that its partnership with the Gandionco’s as master franchisee for Lots A Pizza in Vismin, will make the brand a household name in the Philippine pizza market in the next few years.

Lots’ A Pizza homegrown chain concept, has been known for its signature crust, and rich toppings offered with a “pocket-friendly” prices, the reason why it has grown significantly into a total of 130 outlets in the last 13 years of operations.

Ngan Tian said that the market for affordable pizza product in the Philippines is very big, and yet to be saturated. In fact, during the economic global recession, the business had been spared from being hit, because it has maintained its affordability, without sacrificing the serving size, and its taste quality.

Lots’ A Pizza outlets in Cebu are located in food court area of Gaisano Island Mall in Mactan; SM Savemore in Elizabeth Mall; Pahina Central Cebu City; Gaisano Food Express in Metro Gaisano, Gaisano Food Express in Metro Gaisano-Ayala; Robinson’s Supermarket in South Grand Central in Talisay, and Chatswood Avenue in A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City. —Ehda M. Dagooc