CEBU, Philippines - Amid the fluctuation of the costs of basic bakery ingredients and the string of calamities that hit the country, Cebu Bakery Association (CEBA) President Elizabeth Go described 2013 as an economically-positive year among bakeries in the city.
Evident to which, she said, is the apparent expansion of bakery franchises such as Gardenia, Mang Tinapay and Pan de Manila.
While there are several bakeshops that stopped operating, she said that the sprouting of numerous bakery outlets is noticeable particularly in urbanized areas.
Go cited that while the prices of flour and some ingredients remained stable, cost of materials such as liquefied petroleum gas and edible oil among others has increased due to scarcity of supply.
Aside from the basic needs of bread production, she also said that the industry was challenged in maintaining the prices, weight and quality of bread and other related products.
She noted, however, that small-scale bakery owners managed to apply appropriate adjustments on their bakery products and even used indigenous organic and healthy ingredients in order to sustain their homemade baking practices and cope with major players in the industry.
"In fact, some big family-players in the industry have opted to split-up and established their own franchise brands. This has created up stiff and healthy competition among themselves," Go told The FREEMAN.
She then advised that to further sustain the growth of the sector, bakery operators need to have the complete know-how of the industry that would range from the hands-on baking process, better sourcing of raw materials, marketing, human resources and proper internal control.
Consequently, she said that industry players shall be capacitated and prepared with an efficient alternative to fill in the gap if any untoward circumstance may occur.
Meanwhile, Go shared that the recent series of calamities has also highlighted the "bayanihan" spirit among players in the bakery sector.
She cited that flour millers, bakery suppliers, and other concerned organizations have pooled their resources through the CEBA and similar associations in some areas in order to produce bread products that were then distributed to the typhoon victims in calamity-stricken areas in Northern Cebu and other parts of Visayas.
She added that relief efforts of CEBA were conducted in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross, some media outlets and government agencies.
"Thanks to God Almighty that we were not directly hit by the recent turbulent tragedies caused by earthquakes and typhoons. With this, we have showed our unity to extend the needed help to our unfortunate brethren in Samar, Leyte, Panay and even here in our beloved Cebu. Through our selfless cooperation, we achieved unity and worked hand in hand to distribute food and bakery products," Go concluded.
CEBA has 70 active members in Cebu City. (FREEMAN)