BPI wins big at FinanceAsia

2024 is looking to be a big year for Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and we’re not just saying that after it booked higher—and promising—first-half profits.

Apart from that, BPI also bagged multiple awards at the FinanceAsia Awards 2024, among them “Best Bank in the Philippines.”

“We are honored to have been given these recognitions,” BPI president and CEO TG Limcaoco said in a statement.

BPI, the country’s fourth largest bank in terms of assets, also bagged its fifth consecutive Best Sustainable Bank award, while likewise clinching the Biggest ESG Impact award.

BPI was also the Best Corporate Bank, with FinanceAsia citing its BPI Institutional Bank segment’s loans that accounted for 73 percent of its total loans last year.

That’s not all, though: BPI Capital Corp. was also named the Best Investment Bank and Best Debt Capital Market House.

Phew! And we just passed the halfway mark of the year. What’s next? Abangan! —MEG J. ADONIS

Hopia for Fruitas!

Despite its name, Fruitas Holdings Inc. isn’t actually just involved in the distribution of fruit-related products.

On the contrary, it’s also a distributor of baked goods through bakery arm Balai Ni Fruitas Inc.

The most recent of Balai’s exclusive distributorship deals involves the iconic and well-loved Polland Hopia, which it will distribute in Cebu and Zamboanga.

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Balai’s deal with D’ Famous Red Box Corp.—yes, aka Polland Hopia—is expected to expand the company’s revenue stream and foster “deeper consumer loyalty.”

Apart from that, Polland Hopia’s mongo, black mongo, chocolate fudge and ube hopia will sit beside existing products in Balai Pandesal community stores—but on a nonexclusive basis.

This is the latest in Fruitas’ growing list of exclusive brand deals after it agreed with Bukidnon Milk Co. to exclusively distribute the latter’s dairy products in Metro Manila.

“I am immensely proud and delighted for the Fruitas Group, as these exclusive distribution agreements underscore the trust and confidence that other brands place in us,” Fruitas president and CEO Lester Yu said. —MEG J. ADONIS