By Alithea De Jesus
In photo: Mekeni President Pruds S. Garcia talks before Mekeni employees during the company’s kickoff event held at Marriott Clark
Mekeni Food Corporation, one of the leading meat processing companies in the country has already gone global and continues to seek opportunities to bring the name of the country to the world with their inspiring story and world class products. But this was not a walk in the park for them.
To begin with, who would have thought that this backyard family business will grow by leaps and bounds, and has been silently conquering the the global market to satisfy the cravings of the Filipinos who miss their typical Pinoy breakfast or ulam (viand), that they can be assured of having highest world class qualities.
In its recent company planning together with its leaders and department heads, Mekeni Food Corporation President Pruds Garcia recalled how the company chartered with the globally challenging crisis, and that is the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For two years, we threaded thru the competition through virtual meetings and coordination. It was especially hard for us because before COVID, we experienced one of the greatest threats in our business,” said Prudencio S. Garcia, president of Mekeni. “We looked at 2020 as our renewal year, and although it did not go as planned, the last two years gave us valuable lessons for us to further realize our mission.”
Not new to challenges, the company is bullish about its operations this 2022.
Despite the threats and challenges brought by COVID-19, African Swine Fever, supply chain issues, and global conflicts, Mekeni managed to improve its revenue, launch a new product line for entrepreneurs; grow its business in Visayas and Mindanao; maintains its presence in export markets such as in Dubai, Australia Brunei, Bahrain, and just recently, its marine products are exported to the US.
Last February, it also launched its new campaign—Timplang Atin, Timplang Mekeni—and the new look of its flagship store and products, which signaled a new chapter for the brand.
At the event, Pruds Garcia thanked its employees for their role in the success of Mekeni.
“Our people are instrumental on why and how we survived the difficult times; and this event is a celebration of all our achievements especially the past two years. Moreover, we are here to remind each other of our bigger purpose—to raise others,” he said.
Despite the uncertainties brought by the COVID pandemic, Mekeni remained true to its mission to serve the community through its social responsibility programs such as Galing ng Batang Mekeni, community pantry donations, emergency response efforts, and annual gift-giving activity to select organizations.
Mekeni is intent on growing the business here and abroad; and continue helping its community. “Now that the company’s priorities are set—end consumers, business partners, and employees—you can expect a better Mekeni in the coming months and years,” Pruds concluded.