Rosy market outlook prompts VCargo expansion in Vismin

CEBU, Philippines - The upbeat economic outlook in Southern Philippines has influenced the active expansion plan of Filipino-owned V Cargo Worldwide to serve the logistics requirements of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We want to partner with SMEs here in this side of the country in their growth and expansion. We understand that SMEs have unique needs and requirements for logistic services and we are addressing it,” said V Cargo Worldwide president Paulo M. Tibig.

Recently, the company launched in Cebu its nationwide campaign called “Ka-partner Mo” campaign that gives micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) the oppotunity to utilize the company’s services that are customized according to their specific needs and budgetary requirements.

From its over 600 corporate accounts that cover across industries like pharmaceutical, food, electronics, among others, Tibig said the company hopes to penetrate to the great number of MSMEs in Southern Philippines in the short period of time.

Because of the company’s unique and MSME friendly packages, Tibig said the company managed to thrive in the tough competitive logistic market in the Philippines, which is predominantly served by giants.

He said V Cargo will leverage on the growing demand for logistic services for the MSMEs, in both local and overseas requirements. Varied of packages are made available to this particular market.

This year, the company hopes to close a 20 percent growth, versus the 12 percent growth it managed to achieve in 2010.

He said the Southern Philippine market, particularly its operations in Cebu is seen to drive the growth to double digit this year.

The company’s “Ka-partner Mo” campaign involves four sets of specialized services for the different segments of the MSME sector.

These are the Franchise Solutions, Food and Beverage Solutions, Health and Wellness Solutions, and Marketing Solutions.

“V Cargo’s distinctive positioning as a franchise partner for over 12 years has allowed us to customize solutions for the needs of franchisors and their franchises. We have also developed expertise in the food and beverage segment because it is our top revenue source,” said Tibig in an interview.

Its health and wellness segment, which includes spas, beauty salons, fitness centers and pharmaceuticals, is becoming a boom sector, Tibig said.

“But, more importantly, marketing solutions—which pertain to advertising and promotions or logistics marketing—has been our core competency for the start,” he said.

V Cargo Worldwide’s partners in the MSME sector, which comprises 99 percent of the total registered business in the Philippines. He said the company has proven its dependability in providing their specific logistic solutions needs.

These partners include fast-rising and established retail and franchise brands such as Lots’A Pizza, Crystal Clear, Fiorgelato, Plato Wraps, and Peanut World. —(FREEMAN)