Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Badiang Self-Help Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BASHMUCO), based in Anda, Bohol, is a community-led agri-business cooperative that exemplifies the integration of rural entrepreneurship with social development. Known for its flagship brand “Andalicious,” BASHMUCO has empowered local banana growers by transforming raw agricultural produce into high-quality, value-added food products. The cooperative has become a role model for inclusive agricultural value chains in the Philippines.

Company History and Background

Established in 2009, BASHMUCO began as a grassroots cooperative formed by local farmers in Barangay Badiang, Anda. It was born out of the need to create sustainable livelihood options for smallholder banana farmers. Initially focused on collective marketing and supply of raw bananas, the cooperative evolved into a processing unit with the support of government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Core Business and Offerings

BASHMUCO’s main commercial activities revolve around the processing of native saba bananas into shelf-stable, retail-ready products under the brand “Andalicious.” Its product range includes:

• Banana Chips (Andalicious): Thinly sliced, crispy banana chips using local saba varieties
• Banana Spread: A sweet, jam-like banana spread ideal for breakfast and baking
• Banana-based processed snacks: Seasonal and niche items made in small batches

All products are manufactured in their local Food Processing Shared Service Facility (SSF) established through DTI Region 7’s industry development program.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

The cooperative’s core USP is its fully integrated and locally managed banana value chain, from sourcing to processing and packaging. The Andalicious line distinguishes itself through:

• Zero-waste production with banana peel composting and recycling
• Use of native saba banana varieties, offering a unique taste and texture
• Community-centric brand identity, highlighting Anda’s agricultural pride

BASHMUCO also practices inclusive sourcing, engaging over 100 smallholder farmers and ensuring a guaranteed market for their produce.

Financial and Commercial Insights

Though small in scale, BASHMUCO has shown consistent growth in sales and production output. According to DTI Region 7 cooperative development reports:

• Annual Production Capacity: 1.2–1.5 tons of banana chips per month
• Gross Sales (2023): Estimated PHP 2.3 million (~USD 40,000)
• Growth Rate: 30% YoY since acquiring the SSF equipment in 2021

Revenues have been reinvested in expanding cooperative membership, improving product packaging, and participating in trade fairs.

Export and Shipment Data

As of 2024, BASHMUCO has limited international reach but has started pilot shipments to Filipino community stores in the UAE and Japan. These are facilitated through collaboration with the Philippine Food Export Program (PhilFoodEx) and One Town One Product (OTOP) campaigns.

• Initial Export Volume: 150–200 kg banana chips (trial batches)
• Target Markets: Filipino expatriate communities and Asian organic snack distributors

Target Markets

• Domestic consumers seeking affordable, healthy banana snacks
• OFW and diaspora communities preferring homegrown products
• Local government units and school feeding programs
• Regional tourist souvenir shops

Capabilities and Infrastructure

BASHMUCO operates a DTI-supported Food Processing Shared Service Facility equipped with:

• Mechanical slicers and dehydrators
• Sealing and labeling machines
• Cold storage for raw banana inventory

The cooperative also runs its own community-based training programs in food safety, marketing, and cooperative governance.

Certifications and Compliance

• Registered under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
• Compliant with local FDA food safety and labeling standards
• Participates in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training from DOST

Customer and Community Impact

The cooperative has created both direct and indirect employment for over 120 community members and has become a model for rural enterprise incubation in Bohol. A recent impact report from DTI Bohol stated:

“BASHMUCO’s Andalicious brand is not only a product; it’s a social tool that has reduced rural poverty, increased farmer income, and inspired cooperative spirit.”

Major Achievements

• Recipient of Shared Service Facility (SSF) Grant from DTI Region 7
• Featured by YouTube influencers and local agri-trade media
• Participated in Bohol’s Sandugo Trade Expo, OTOP Philippines Showcase, and DTI’s MSME Week Exhibits
• Successfully developed a commercially viable banana chips brand from a remote barangay cooperative

BASHMUCO’s journey from a rural farming collective to a branded food processor is a testament to community resilience, effective public-private collaboration, and the transformative power of agri-based cooperatives in the Philippines.