Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Uncle Tom Food Product, established in 2006 and headquartered in Luna, La Union, Philippines, is a well-respected manufacturer of traditional Ilocano condiments, with its flagship product “Sukang Iloko” leading the way in artisanal sugarcane vinegar production. The company has grown steadily as a regional staple and is increasingly recognized in national and international markets for its dedication to authenticity, quality, and traditional Filipino flavors.

Core Business

The company’s core operations revolve around the production of artisanal sugarcane vinegar and related condiments. Using age-old fermentation techniques and locally sourced sugarcane from Northern Luzon, Uncle Tom produces premium, naturally fermented vinegars and sauces catering to both household and culinary professional use.

Product and Service Offerings

Uncle Tom Food Product offers a focused yet diversified product line, including:

• Sukang Iloko (Sugarcane Vinegar)

  • Traditional naturally fermented vinegar
  • Wild Siling Labuyo (spiced) variant available
  • Sold in various volumes: 1 L, 1.5 L

• Soy Sauce

  • Locally crafted soy-based seasoning

• Chili Garlic Oil

  • Infused oil ideal for Filipino, Asian, and fusion dishes

• Spiced Turmeric Vinegar

  • An herbal fusion of sugarcane vinegar with turmeric and spices

The Sukang Iloko brand has become symbolic of regional identity and flavor and is distributed across the Philippines via groceries, specialty stores, and online platforms.

Specialization and Core USP

Uncle Tom Food Product’s uniqueness lies in:

• Indigenous fermentation techniques using clay jars and slow aging
• Natural, preservative-free recipes
• Regional authenticity: Made in the heart of the Ilocos region, the cultural home of sugarcane vinegar
• Use of wild native chili (labuyo) and turmeric for value-added health positioning

These elements establish Uncle Tom as an authentic Filipino condiment brand competing with mass-market and artisanal producers alike.

Financial Strength

As a growing SME, the company maintains a modest yet sustainable business model:

• Operational since 2006 with near 20 years of consistent production
• Expanded from small-scale home production to a formalized facility
• Leveraged participation in regional trade fairs and export promotion events

Uncle Tom Food Product’s focus on volume-based local sales and strategic export entry points contributes to its operational efficiency.

Shipment Data and Export Record

While primarily serving the domestic market, the company has initiated export transactions through indirect partnerships:

• Export Mode: Indirect, via consolidators and IFEX partners
• Markets Reached: Filipino specialty stores in UAE and Canada
• Popular Export SKUs: Sukang Iloko 1 L and 1.5 L in tamper-proof bottles

The company holds the necessary FDA and product registration licenses to scale up exports independently if required.

Target Market

The company’s core consumer base includes:

• Households in Luzon and expanding Visayas and Mindanao provinces
• Overseas Filipino consumers through indirect exports
• Retailers and resellers in groceries and agri-fairs
• Foodservice establishments seeking authentic vinegar profiles

Its affordable pricing, brand familiarity, and strong regional heritage appeal across demographic and geographic lines.

Capabilities

Uncle Tom Food Product’s production capabilities include:

• Fermentation and bottling plant in Luna, La Union
• Cold and dry storage capacity
• In-house bottling and packaging line
• Production capacity of 3,000–5,000 liters per month

Distribution partnerships allow expansion into e-commerce and provincial trade networks.

Certifications and Compliance

The company meets national food safety and regulatory standards:

• FDA Philippines License to Operate (LTO‑3000008453401) valid until March 2026
• Product approval for Sukang Iloko (LTO‑3000001136301)
• Business registered under DTI and LGU Luna

These certifications ensure compliance with both domestic and export-quality requirements.

Customer Testimonials

Customer reviews emphasize:

• The “strong yet smooth” flavor of Sukang Iloko
• Recognition of its “authentic regional taste” not found in commercial vinegars
• Appreciation for spiced variants such as wild chili and turmeric-infused

Consumers regard Uncle Tom products as a premium alternative to synthetic commercial brands.

Major Achievements

• 20 years of continued production from La Union
• Recognition by IFEXConnect and inclusion in domestic trade showcases
• Development of multiple vinegar variants, expanding beyond traditional offerings
• Gained cult following in Filipino overseas markets through consolidator partners

Uncle Tom Food Product remains a torchbearer for Ilocano culinary heritage, offering high-quality, culturally rooted condiments for Filipino tables locally and abroad.