Avocadoria.ph founder is EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024

Persistence in developing agricultural products like coconuts and avocados does not just add value to the crop but also enhances its marketability and ultimately its sustainability as a business. 

With this, Czarina J. Sevilla, founder and CEO of Avocadoria.ph  was chosen as the EY (Ernst & Young) Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Philippines. 

A program of  the SGV Foundation, Inc. with co-presenters the Asian Institute of Management, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Philippine Stock Exchange, the search is aimed at discovering the country’s most visionary leaders shaping opportunities and transforming industries. 

Sevilla’s personal motto, “Know what you want and always aim higher,” has been a guiding light in her journey as an entrepreneur. It is a philosophy that garnered her the prestigious Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur 2024 award.

Sevilla’s entrepreneurial journey is a tale of transformation, innovation, and commitment to community values. 

Initially pursuing computer science,Sevilla pivoted to the dynamic world of hospitality and restaurant management. This was a step toward her dream of founding Avocadoria.ph, a business that celebrates her favorite fruit and embodies her commitment to uplifting the lives of local avocado farmers, said a Business World feature.

An avid consumer of avocado since childhood mixing this nutritious fruit with milk and sugar as a snack, Sevilla  found her journey to the top fraught with challenges.

Her company name Avocadoria.ph is a direct reference to her product avocado and ph to stand for her country. Her company was founded on the principle of encouraging consumers to support locally-owned business and local farm products.

Chef Cza as she is called was born into a financially-challenged family and could only complete two-year vocational course in hotel services, unable to afford a full college education.

Despite this, her resilience and determination secured her a job as a kitchen helper at a four-star hotel in Ortigas after graduating in 2013 and she began learning baking and pastry skills, laying the foundation for her future success, wrote Esquire magazine in June 2024.

After two years, her head chef recognized her potential and advised her to move to a restaurant for faster career progression. Taking this advice to heart, Sevilla joined the pastry section of a well-known buffet restaurant, honing her skills in 7 years and eventually rising to managerial position by 2018. Her passion for pastry and baking led her to a pivotal decision– she resigned from her job and invested her wedding savings into starting her own pastry business, Esquire added..

But her first pastry business failed, leaving her jobless without savings. Disheartened, she wandered through a mall and observed the popularity of mango desserts, which sparked a new idea: replicating these popular mango products with avocados.

Inspired, she borrowed money from her sister and opened her first kiosk, Avocadoria.ph, in Pasig in February 2019. The business quickly gained traction as long lines of customers became a common sight during the first month. Recognizing the potential of her brand, Sevilla began selling franchises immediately and the response was overwhelming with over 100 franchises sold in three months, the magazine reported..

Today, Avocadoria.ph is the fastest-growing avocado dessert company in the Philippines, boasting almost 200 outlets nationwide. Avocadoria’s growing popularity has allowed Sevilla to expand internationally, establishing two outlets in Singapore. 

From being jobless and penniless just five years ago, Sevilla now runs a multi million-peso avocado franchise business.

Sevilla’s entrepreneurial journey, however, didn’t stop with Avocadoria.ph. 

She has since launched four restaurants under the brand Taste of Cza Cza Cza, located in various SM malls, a donut kiosk brand, and a skincare company producing avocado-based lotions. Each venture showcases her ability to diversify and innovate within the market.

Sevilla is also in talks with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) to recycle the brand’s wastage and transform it into packaging for their products, which illustrates her resourcefulness and environmental awareness.

Her forward-thinking mindset is also evident in her expansion plans. 

From selling just two cups on its opening day, Avocadoria.ph now has over 224 branches throughout the Philippines and is now expanding its international presence with three locations in Singapore. She has also gone into skincare products using avocado oil to promote health and wellness,.

Avocadoria.ph has been employing single moms, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. This culture of innovation, inclusiveness, and meritocracy is a driving force behind the brand’s ability to stay ahead of industry trends and respond to changing consumer needs.

The winners will be announced on Oct. 23, 2024. 

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Philippines will represent the country in the World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 in Monte Carlo, Monaco in June 2025. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program is produced globally by Ernst & Young (EY).  ROSE DELA CRUZ