Supermarket chain sets up organic goods section

CEBU, Philippines - Rustan's Supermarket Inc., has put up an Organic Product section in its 19 stores nationwide, to respond to the growing demand for health-friendly products in the Philippines.

In an interview with Rustan's Supermarket Inc., vice president Manuel C. Alberto, he said before the end of this year, the company is going to open the largest organic section within the supermarket, initially at its outlet in Makati.

Although, Rustan's supermarket chain is known for its prime quality brands and fresh products, it has decided to open a whole organic category, as market demand is constantly on the rise for such products.

While the Philippines has yet to produce organic products, Rustan's  according to Alberto will be importing organic products, gluten-free, GMO-free and sugar-free.

Alberto said Rustan's is also working with several organic farmers, and social enterprises to increase its inventories of locally produced organic products.

Over the years, Rustan's has been able to carve its name and gained its trust from the affluent market specifically in Manila and Cebu. Today, the company is also actively chasing the growth of its specific target market with the recent opening of its Cagayan de Oro branch. In Cebu, there are three outlets operating under the Rustan's Supercenter Inc., the Rustan's supermarket in Paseo, Banawa, and the Shopwise brand, its hypermart operation, located in the southern part of Cebu City.

The company boasts of its exclusive partnership with different high-end and top quality brands globally, carrying 16 thousand units (items) in its chain of stores.

The growth of affluence in the Philippines has paved way for the company to expand its presence, as many more Filipinos have moved up to sophistication, while they are becoming well-educated of their shopping choices and brands' know-how.

Along with this development, the Group is also spending to meet the high expectations of the modern Filipino shoppers, emphasizing on Rustan's "trademark" in supreme customer service.

In fact, in the next few months, the company will introduce its personalize shopping service, through the Personal Shopping Program to re-enforce its expertise in personal-touch service.

The Rustan's Supercenter Inc., has three brands, the Rustan's Supermarket, Shopwise and Wellcome, each designed to attract different market segments. (FREEMAN)