Press Release No. EBB-07-2019

PHILIPPINE TRADE OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES EXPLORE POSSIBLE BUSINESS TIES WITH SARAWAT SUPERSTORE IN JEDDAH

Jeddah, 12 February 2019 - Philippine trade officials led by DTI Undersecretary Mr. Abdulgani M. Macatoman and business representatives visited Sarawat Supermarket in Jeddah on 10 February 2019 to explore possible business ties with the supermarket chain. Sarawat Supermarket carries a wide range of Philippine merchandise, but “there is still room for expansion”, said its general manager given that 80 percent of the supermarket’s customer base are Filipino shoppers.

Officials of the supermarket gave the Philippine delegation a tour of the Filipino food section of the supermarket, while discussing their management plans and assuring the delegation that the supermarket will have a significant increase in sales and net more than their expectations.

Philippine media was present during the guided tour and interviewed Undersecretary Macatoman who noted that “Sarawat Superstore’s market is truly Pinoy.” With this in mind, the Philippine business representatives, which included manufacturers of beauty and skin-care products, coco-water, and various types of sauces, were hopeful of establishing mutually beneficial business ties with Sarawat.

In terms of business relationships and strengthening the niche of Philippine products in the Saudi market, Sarawat Superstore is without question a friend and supporter of the growing Philippine food and beverage export business.

The tour ended leaving all present with a good sense of how Philippine products are being carefully managed, displayed and sold to the supermarket’s substantial Filipino customer base. END

PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE VISIT TO SARAWAT SUPERSTORE

DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman being interviewed by
Philippine media in front of shelves stocked with Philippine merchandise.

The Philippine delegation after being given a guided tour of the Sarawat Supermarket.