Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Rey’s Bakeshop, located in Santa Cruz, Marinduque, Philippines, is a family-run bakery celebrated for its artisanal production of traditional Filipino cookies, especially the iconic arrowroot cookies known locally as “uraro.” Established in 1993, the bakeshop has become a beloved source of pasalubong (souvenir food items), gaining regional recognition and a loyal customer base through consistent product quality and cultural authenticity.

Core Business

The core business of Rey’s Bakeshop centers around baking and distributing Filipino native delicacies, with a special focus on:

• Cookies: Arrowroot (Uraro) Cookies – the flagship product
• Pastries and Bread: A variety of traditional baked goods such as pandesal, biscocho, and butter cookies

These products are available via direct retail at the bakeshop and in select pasalubong centers across Marinduque and nearby provinces.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

Rey’s Bakeshop stands out for its deep-rooted specialization in arrowroot-based baking. Arrowroot flour, locally sourced in Marinduque, gives their cookies a light, melt-in-the-mouth texture that is both nostalgic and unique. The company emphasizes:

• Handcrafted Techniques: Each batch is carefully mixed, molded, and baked to preserve tradition
• Locally Sourced Ingredients: Supporting regional agriculture and ensuring freshness
• Cultural Significance: Uraro cookies are a historical delicacy in the Philippines, often given as gifts or tokens of appreciation

Their offerings connect food with heritage, catering to a market segment that values tradition and authenticity.

Financial Overview

As a small to medium enterprise, Rey’s Bakeshop does not publish detailed financial records. However, its growth is evidenced by:

• Increased production capacity over the past decade
• Repeat features in local media outlets and food expos
• Partnerships with regional tourism and trade departments to promote local products

These milestones point to a sustainable and expanding revenue stream within the regional specialty food segment.

Export and Shipment Data

Currently, Rey’s Bakeshop operates primarily within the domestic market. However, the product’s shelf stability and growing demand from OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) suggest strong potential for export, particularly in niche Asian grocery stores and Filipino communities abroad. Limited third-party shipments have been noted through private orders and courier services.

Target Market

Rey’s Bakeshop targets a diverse range of consumers:

• Local tourists and travelers seeking pasalubong
• Filipino families who associate uraro with childhood and tradition
• Overseas Filipinos looking for nostalgic food items from their province
• Retailers in pasalubong centers and traditional markets

The emotional connection to their products plays a significant role in brand loyalty and market retention.

Capabilities

• Artisanal Production Line for cookie molding and baking
• Custom Packaging suitable for gifting and transport
• Local Sourcing Network for fresh arrowroot and baking supplies
• Multi-channel Retail through in-store and regional distribution

Certifications and Compliance

Rey’s Bakeshop operates under licenses issued by local government units and is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). While it has not yet secured international food safety certifications, its ongoing collaborations with regional development offices suggest plans for compliance enhancement and quality assurance expansion.

Customer Testimonials

Numerous customer reviews on social media emphasize:

• The soft, crumbly texture of the uraro cookies
• Attractive and functional packaging for travel and gifting
• Exceptional taste and authenticity unmatched by mass-produced brands

Returning customers often cite Rey’s Bakeshop as a “must-stop” destination in Marinduque.

Major Achievements

• Over 30 years of continuous operation and regional brand loyalty
• Recognized by PIA MIMAROPA and local tourism authorities as a culinary ambassador of Marinduque
• Active participation in local trade fairs and DTI-sponsored exhibitions
• Developed into one of the top pasalubong brands in the province
• Maintains high visibility and customer engagement through platforms like Twitter and Instagram

Rey’s Bakeshop remains a proud promoter of Filipino culinary heritage through its commitment to traditional baking, regional identity, and heartfelt customer service.