Darigold Re-enters the Philippines with Consumer Products After 50 Years
Darigold's Strategic Move
Darigold, Inc., the Seattle-based dairy company, has made a significant move by re-entering the Philippine market with branded consumer products for the first time in 50 years. This re-entry is facilitated through a partnership with AllDay Supermarkets, offering Darigold’s FIT Milk ultra-filtered product line and aseptic, ultra-pasteurized fluid milk.
History of Darigold in the Philippines
The farmer-owned cooperative first introduced its products in the Philippines in the 1920s but ceased consumer sales in the 1970s. Despite the halt in consumer products, Darigold has continued to export dairy-based ingredients to over 30 countries, including the Philippines.
Product Offerings and Distribution
One of the challenges for distributing fluid milk globally is its short shelf life. However, Darigold's FIT Milk and aseptic milk overcome this limitation by being ultra-pasteurized, offering a shelf life of up to a year. This makes it feasible to distribute these products over greater distances.
Expansion Plans and Distribution Infrastructure
Allan Huttema, president and CEO of Darigold, emphasized the company's strategic location in the Northwestern United States, providing access to global shipping infrastructure that aids in its international expansion. This strategic advantage supports Darigold's growth both domestically and globally.
Future Prospects
With the establishment of a new production facility in Pasco, Washington, capable of processing an additional 8 million pounds of milk per day, Darigold plans to expand its consumer division reach, including major markets in the eastern and midwestern United States.
The strategic re-entry into the Philippine market underlines Darigold's commitment to expanding its brand presence globally and building value for its customers and farmer-owners.
