Product Offerings
Product Categories:
Beverages, Condiments
Products:
Calamansi Concentrate, Calamansi Jam, Calamansi Juice
Island’s Best Foods, located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, is a pioneering small-to-medium enterprise (SME) specializing in the production and processing of calamansi-based products. Founded by Rosario G. Amoroto in 2009, the company was established to create livelihood opportunities in rural Samar while showcasing the potential of Philippine citrus fruits on a national and international stage.
Core Business
Island’s Best Foods operates as a rural-based food manufacturing and processing company, focused on maximizing the value of calamansi (Philippine lime). With an emphasis on community-based sourcing and semi-mechanized production, the company caters to both the domestic market and emerging international buyers looking for tropical, natural beverages and condiments.
Product and Service Offerings
Island’s Best Foods manufactures three key product categories:
- Calamansi Concentrate:
- Available in bulk and retail packs
- Used as a juice base, marinade, and health tonic
- Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Calamansi Juice:
- Preservative-free and shelf-stable
- Offered in eco-friendly packaging for small retailers
- Calamansi Jelly:
- Sweet, tangy spread ideal for breakfast and pastries
- Popular in pasalubong (souvenir) markets
These products are made from locally sourced calamansi fruits and processed with support from food safety standards promoted by DTI and DOST.
Specialization and Core USP
Island’s Best Foods sets itself apart through:
- Use of regionally harvested calamansi that possesses stronger aroma and acidity.
- Semi-automated bottling and sterilization processes, improving shelf life without sacrificing flavor.
- Support from the DOST SETUP Program, allowing innovation through packaging upgrades and quality control training.
- A mission-driven model that supports local farmers and single mothers by providing raw material supply agreements and employment.
This commitment to quality and community makes Island’s Best a leader in grassroots food enterprise development.
Financials
As an SME, Island’s Best Foods does not publish formal financial statements. However, available data indicates:
- Post-SETUP intervention, production capacity increased by over 80%.
- Monthly sales grew by 40% year-on-year from 2017 to 2020 due to regional distribution expansion.
- A shift from manual to semi-automated processing cut production lead time by 50%, enhancing order fulfillment capabilities.
These figures reflect sustainable, data-driven growth aligned with good manufacturing practices.
Shipment Data
Island’s Best Foods has primarily focused on the local Philippine market but has begun entering export pipelines through:
- Participation in regional trade fairs, including DTI’s OTOP Next Gen and IFEX.
- Trial shipments of calamansi concentrate to Asian ethnic markets in the U.S. and Hong Kong.
- Expansion readiness for RTD drinks with longer shelf-life formats compliant with international labeling standards.
The firm is in discussions with export consolidators and distributors, making it poised for global reach.
Target Market
Island’s Best Foods serves:
- Local grocery stores and supermarkets in Eastern Visayas and Metro Manila.
- Pasalubong centers and tourism-linked food shops.
- Export consolidators and Filipino specialty stores abroad.
- Health-conscious individuals seeking low-sugar, high-vitamin C beverages.
Its diversified packaging (bulk, retail, and ready-to-drink) supports both B2B and B2C models.
Capabilities
- Semi-mechanized fruit extraction, cooking, bottling, and sealing processes.
- Cold storage for raw materials and finished goods.
- Product development with DOST support for R&D and shelf-life testing.
- Trained workforce in sanitation and GMP through local government partnerships.
These operational upgrades allow consistent volume supply without compromising artisanal quality.
Certifications and Compliance
- Registered under DTI and FDA Philippines for food processing and distribution.
- Recipient of DOST SETUP assistance for equipment and GMP compliance.
- Follows protocols aligned with HACCP and product labeling standards.
Such credentials support domestic and future international sales expansions.
Customer Testimonials
Regional clients and partner organizations note:
- “Consistently high-quality calamansi juice with a rich, natural flavor.”
- “A great example of sustainable food production in Samar.”
- “Their jelly is a must-have souvenir from Eastern Visayas.”
These testimonials have strengthened the brand’s credibility and loyal customer base.
Major Achievements
- Successfully transitioned from a home-based operation to a DTI-registered SME exporter.
- Featured under DTI’s Zero-to-Hero MSME success stories for women-led businesses.
- Acquired new processing equipment through the DOST SETUP grant, improving efficiency and output.
- Active participant in OTOP (One Town, One Product) and national food exhibitions.
Island’s Best Foods continues to lead community-based food manufacturing in Eastern Samar, combining innovation, inclusivity, and authentic Filipino flavor in every bottle of calamansi concentrate it produces.