Escaba Food Products, Inc. is a premier Filipino food manufacturer based in San Pablo City, Laguna, renowned for its export-grade native desserts and coconut-based products. Since its establishment in 2003, the company has made significant strides in developing traditional Filipino sweets into shelf-stable, export-ready offerings without compromising on flavor or authenticity. Under the brand name “Escaba Sweets,” the company has gained prominence in both domestic and international markets for its high-quality, ready-to-eat tropical desserts and preserves.
Company Background
Founded by JC Tagulao, Escaba Food Products, Inc. was built on the idea of preserving Filipino culinary heritage by transforming time-honored recipes into marketable, modern formats. The company started with a modest production facility and has since grown into a significant contributor to the region’s agro-industrial sector. It prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and supporting Filipino farmers, particularly coconut growers and fruit suppliers from Laguna and surrounding provinces.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Escaba specializes in the production and distribution of tropical dessert preserves and coconut-based ingredients. Its flagship products include:
1. Coconut-Based Products
- Nata de Coco (Coconut Gel)
- Sugar Palm Fruit (Kaong)
- Macapuno Strings and Balls
These are used in desserts like halo-halo and are highly popular among Filipino households and Asian restaurants abroad.
2. Fruit Preserves
- Jackfruit Preserves
- Purple Yam (Ube Halaya)
- Mixed Fruits in Syrup (Halo-halo Mix)
3. Legume-Based Products
- Red Mung Beans
- White Beans
- Chick Peas
These are traditionally served in sweetened syrup, often as dessert toppings or fillings in Filipino pastries.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Escaba distinguishes itself through:
- Preservative-free production using natural fruit and legume ingredients
- HACCP-certified processes ensuring product safety and export compliance
- Private labeling services for local and overseas distributors
- Shelf-stable packaging suitable for global shipping
Target Market
Escaba serves a diversified market segment including:
- Local Filipino retailers and supermarkets
- Overseas Filipino communities in North America, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific
- B2B buyers and food service distributors
- Retailers seeking authentic Filipino dessert ingredients
Capabilities
Escaba's production facility is designed for scalability and export readiness. Its capabilities include:
- Volume production of up to 10,000 jars per day
- Custom packaging formats for different markets
- In-house quality control and microbial testing
- Cold chain logistics support and OEM/ODM capabilities
Financial Overview
Although Escaba Food Products, Inc. does not disclose public financial statements, its export activity, scale of operations, and product variety suggest annual revenues in the estimated range of PHP 50–100 million, driven by a combination of domestic sales and export contracts.
Shipment Data
Public trade databases such as TradeMo and ImportYeti list Escaba Food Products, Inc. as an active Philippine exporter:
- Over 200 export shipments since 2018
- Primary destinations: United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Japan
- Key exported items: Coconut Gel (Nata de Coco), Ube Halaya, Mixed Fruits (Halo-halo), and Kaong
Certifications and Compliance
Escaba adheres to the following certifications and regulatory standards:
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) – for food safety assurance
- FDA Philippines – for product registration and labeling compliance
- Eco-friendly production practices with waste segregation and wastewater treatment systems in place
Customer Testimonials
While formal testimonials are not widely published, Escaba’s presence in local fairs and global trade expos has attracted favorable reception. Retail partners often highlight:
“Consistent quality, timely delivery, and authentic taste. Escaba’s halo-halo ingredients are always top-notch.”
— Retail Distributor, California
“The quality of their nata de coco and macapuno makes them our go-to supplier for tropical dessert toppings.”
— Asian Grocery Chain, UAE
Achievements
- Two decades of operational excellence in tropical food manufacturing
- Expanded international presence through consistent export activities
- Recognized as a DTI partner in local food innovation programs
- Featured in regional food expos like IFEX Philippines and World Food Expo (WOFEX)
Escaba Food Products, Inc. exemplifies a successful fusion of tradition and modernity, offering consumers worldwide a taste of the Philippines while empowering local farmers and sustaining cultural culinary practices.