Social enterprise gears up forexpansion in ASEAN

CEBU, Philippines - Social enterprise Gandang Kalikasan Inc., the maker of Human Nature products is geared for expansion, here and abroad.

GKI co-founder Camille Meloto said that aside from being a social enterprise, the company’s edge lies in research and development.

“We now have local products that are equally competent. So, I believe the integration is a good opportunity rather than a threat, as it will compel us to do better,” she said.

Meloto, who was in Cebu recently to grace the opening of a bigger Human Nature Store at the ground-floor of JAB Building, on A. S. Fortuna, (across Oakridge) Mandaue City, the healthy living evolution have fueled the strong interest of the consumer market towards buying organic products.

Meloto said the company is now in talks with interested partners and retail distribution channels in other countries like Indonesia, Australia, among others.

At present, Human Nature is already available in the US, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia and Singapore.

In the Philippines, she said the company will be opening six more outlets before the end of the first quarter this year.

Currently, there are 34 Human Nature stores across the Philippines and is planning make presence in Iligan, Butuan, General Santos City, another outlet in Davao City, Valencia-Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, as well as some parts in Metro Manila.

The company's active expansion move is backed by the recent completion of a company-owned manufacturing plant in Laguna, that is capable of producing increasing demand from both local and overseas market.

“Unlike before that we relied on third party firm for manufacturing our products, we now have the control over the quantity and quality,” she said.

Human Nature’s products are 100 percent made in the Philippines and the company said these are free from harmful chemicals. Operated as a social enterprise, Human Nature is driven by “the core philosophies of being pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment.”

The company said 100 percent of profits of their top product go to the poor while a substantial part of earnings from all other products is donated to Gawad Kalinga (GK) to develop community farms nationwide.

She said the firm is working to further strengthen their capabilities to provide more livelihood and affordable, natural and environment-friendly products to the mainstream market. Human Nature’s products are also available in 150 retail partners.

GKI currently has more than 20 partner-farming communities across the country, supplying raw materials to their wide array of skin and beauty care products.

The company is also constantly developing more products and introducing improved lines as it strengthened its research and development team achieving its ultimate goal bringing Filipino brand a number top choice for organic beauty and skin care products in the world.— Ehda M. Dagooc (FREEMAN)