FrieslandCampina Kievit looks to grow in the Philippines

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

FrieslandCampina is looking to work with companies to innovate in the market in the Philippines.
FrieslandCampina is looking to work with companies to innovate in the market in the Philippines.

Related tags Frieslandcampina Philippines Milk Coffee Tea

Dutch-based FrieslandCampina Kievit, a global manufacturer of beverage and food ingredients, has opened a new Innovation Kitchen in Manila, the Philippines.

The opening was accompanied by a consumer study.

The launch of the Philippines’ study and innovation kitchen enables beverage manufacturers in the region to grow their business and innovate together with Kievit, the company said.

Market research

The market study findings include statistics that the instant coffee market in the Philippines is huge, as 80% of coffee drinkers consume 3-in-1 coffee on a daily basis.

The research also revealed cold soluble concepts like iced coffee and milk tea got high scores from the consumer-led tasting panel, with iced coffee scoring 8.2 out of 9 and iced milk tea scoring 8.4.

Instant beverages that contain dairy are highly liked, according to 75% of respondents, and foamy concepts (both coffee and chocolate) are well-received because of their appearance and taste, with 61% of respondents saying they would buy these products.

The company said the findings could translate to growth opportunities for manufacturers of instant coffee, chocolate and milk tea.

Innovation Kitchen image 1

Bringing products to market

The new Kievit Innovation Kitchen is located at the same production facility in Manila where FrieslandCampina produces its beverage creamers, which also houses the company’s sensory lab and other research and development facilities.

Luc Steenwelle, product group manager beverages Asia, said, “We’re very excited to have opened the Kievit Innovation Kitchen in Manila. Now, we can work side-by-side with our customers in the Asia Pacific region, exploring new possibilities, innovating together, sharing thoughts, and strengthening our relationships. Coupled with the findings from our market study, we are sure that we will help create successful, tailored concepts that meet market needs and can bring them to the market fast.”

The market study was done in five cities, among people aged 18 to 55. Twelve products were tested, all prepared in the same way and randomly tested by consumers. This was accompanied by usage and attitude studies, conducted in these same cities to gain maximum insights.