The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
A Filipino ice cream brand has expanded into locally-sourced fresh milk production, aiming to provide livelihood opportunities for dairy farmers and significantly boost supply by late 2025.
During the launch of Carmen’s Best fresh milk in Makati City recently, Jovy Hernandez, President and CEO of Metro Pacific Agro Ventures (MPAV)—the agricultural arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)—highlighted the company’s goal to uplift the Philippine dairy industry.
This initiative involves collaboration with farmers, academic institutions, and both local and national government agencies.
MPIC’s acquisition of Carmen’s Best Group in 2022 was a strategic investment to develop and expand dairy farming and manufacturing operations in the country.
“Real fresh milk is essential. In every developed nation, agriculture plays a vital role. Our vision at MPAV is to engage deeply in agricultural sub-sectors, applying the latest technologies and modern farming practices,” Hernandez said.
He expressed optimism that improving product quality, increasing yield, and reducing costs could help the Philippines become an agricultural powerhouse.
Hernandez also emphasized MPAV’s commitment to supporting dairy farmers through technical expertise in herd management and research collaborations with academic institutions to optimize cow feed formulations for better yields.
“It’s important to work closely with the government. Together, we can introduce policies to strengthen the industry further,” he added.
MPAV Chief Commercial Officer Toby Gatchalian shared that the company currently supports 39 dairy and corn farming families to supplement supply.
He noted the significant gap in local dairy production, with 99 percent of the country’s dairy products being imported—70 percent of which are in powdered form.
“Only one percent of the Philippines’ dairy needs are sourced locally. This makes our brand a catalyst for change in addressing this challenge,” Gatchalian said.
To expand its distribution network nationwide, MPAV acquired Universal Harvesters Dairy Farm Inc. in Maramag, Bukidnon, and launched the Metro Pacific Dairy Farm, a state-of-the-art facility poised to enhance fresh milk production.
The expanded operations aim to increase the availability of locally-produced milk by the end of 2025.
The new product lineup includes whole milk, low-fat milk, salted caramel milk, and barista-grade fresh milk, offering consumers a range of fresh and locally-produced options.