MacroAsia takes farm-to-kitchen path for veggie supply
MacroAsia Corp. of the Lucio Tan Group is undertaking an agricultural project in Cavite province to meet a portion of its vegetable supply needs.
The firm’s subsidiary MacroAsia New Ventures, Inc. (MNVI) has started implementing the project to improve cost efficiency and protect margins across its inflight kitchens and food commissary operations.
MNVI signed a service agreement with CoGrow Agricultural Services (CoGrow PH) to formalize the project that involves directly supplying a portion of the leafy vegetable requirements of MacroAsia’s three kitchens.
The project, which will be developed on MacroAsia’s property in Maragondon, is projected to produce up to 100,000 kilograms of leafy vegetables annually. The output is intended mostly for internal consumption.
“By internalizing selected agricultural inputs, MacroAsia aims to reduce procurement costs, mitigate exposure to price volatility and lower logistics-related expenses, while enhancing reliability, quality control and predictability of supply,” MacroAsia said in a disclosure on Thursday.
“These efficiencies are expected to contribute to improved operational resilience and margin stability within the MacroAsia Food Group,” it added.
MacroAsia said land preparation will commence this month, followed by planting in April. The initial harvest is expected by end-May. Local farmers will be tapped for vegetable farming.
Technical expertise will be provided by CoGrow PH, a social enterprise firm engaged in farm consultancy, development and management services.
“This project will pave the way for expansion of further agricultural production, looking at a target base of produce beyond MacroAsia’s own requirements,” the firm said.
Beyond the potential expansion, MacroAsia expects the project to reduce supply chain-related emissions as well as promote responsible land use and sustainable farming practices.
Participating farmers are expected to gain stable employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
