Not just mere ‘peanuts’: Tobi’s success story
For TMI Food Processing Development Inc. (TMIFPDI), “peanuts” is not the put-down it often is—as in “earning peanuts.”
Peanuts have, in fact, anchored the success and survival for 60 years of the company best-known for Tobi nuts.
TMIFPDI’s growth mirrors that of many companies.
Company president Henderson Go recalls how, in 1965, his father, Andres, was not earning enough to support a growing family. So he started packing peanuts in small packets for retail, tingi-tingi.
Andres’ original adobong peanuts sold well in popular groceries at the time. He would later add roasted cashews.
“A major breakthrough,” Henderson says, “is the launch of the (spicy) Mexican nuts.”
As the business took off and earned more than peanuts, TMIFPDI moved from its original Purity Repacking company in Santa Ana, Manila, to a bigger place in Malate in 1970, where it started its manufacturing operations.
Eventually, even Malate became too small for the company. It has diversified not only its peanut offerings but has also come up with mixed nuts, trail mixes and other nut-based snack products. In 1980, the company transferred its manufacturing plant to Parañaque City.
Tobi’s impressive client base now includes industrial companies, supermarkets, popular fast-food chains, five-star hotels and airline commissaries.
While diversification and innovation may have contributed to Tobi’s success, Henderson believes corporate values instilled by the founder have ensured the growth of the company.
“It is not just about growing the business, but growing the business with a purpose,” he says.
His brother Peterson, head of Tobie International Inc., says the company is more than just a business for the family. TMIFPDI “is defined by one purpose —to deliver quality snacks to Filipinos.”
Purpose as a driving force
“Purpose has become our North Star—always driving us with that deep sense of meaning and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world and not just thinking about financial success,” says Henderson.
Andres explains, “[It] is not just about growing the business, but it is about doing the business with an unwavering purpose. I believe the company will continue to thrive in the next 60 years or more if my children and grandchildren could firmly hold on to that.”
TMIFPDI also seems just as committed to the betterment of the men and women who work for it.
The recent 60th or diamond anniversary celebration did not just mark a milestone and six decades of achievements. It was also an occasion to thank people who have contributed to the success of TMIFPDI, including employees, customers, suppliers and partners.
“This is a recognition of the collective effort that has brought the company to where it is today,” Henderson says.
The celebration shone the spotlight particularly on several loyal employees, who have been with TMIFPDI not just for a decade but for three or four decades.
Henderson says, “We are immensely grateful to our employees for their hard work and dedication. Their contributions are truly invaluable to our success.”
TMIFPDI has employed over 500 residents of Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.
Despite its successful 60 years, TMIFPDI is not resting on its laurels. Henderson says, as the company’s success is due to a large degree to its unrelenting commitment to improvement, it will continue to adapt and improve its processes and products.
Further improvements
“As we do business in the manufacturing (sector), we are refined by time, always incorporating lessons learned, adopting new technologies and continuously optimizing operations to enhance our efficiency, quality and the satisfaction of our customers. By doing so, we provide our customers with better choices, creating shared success with our stakeholders,” he says.
Peterson says the company promises to be “smarter, greener and stronger” and will avail of cutting edge processes and innovations.
Among other things, it will adopt cleaner, greener, eco-friendly packaging and take other steps to reduce its carbon footprint. This refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, that contribute to the rise in global temperatures when released into the atmosphere.
TMIFPDI, Peterson says, is taking steps to be more energy efficient.
As jobs are being redefined by the latest advances in technology and processes, there will be an increase in employee engagement, as well as upskilling or reskilling, with spiritual guidance.
“Business must be a force for good,” Peterson stresses.
As it begins another chapter in its history, TMIFPDI is not just planning to expand and diversify its product offerings but also remains committed to building a sustainable future, enhancing the livelihood of residents in the Parañaque community that hosts it, doing more to help protect and sustain the environment and strengthening ties with its partners and suppliers.
“With our unwavering purpose and continuous improvement in the manufacturing business, we hope to continue to help uplift communities in our nation,” says Henderson.
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