A Cebuano grocer is turning business growth into opportunities for local producers, giving farmers and small food entrepreneurs a space to bring their products closer to consumers — a mission that grew from a venture that started with selling bananas to company canteens.
Prutasan ni Adan has expanded from a small fresh produce venture into a specialty grocery retailer that now works with more than 20 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and about 50 farmers and agricultural cooperatives.
Founder, president, and CEO Bobby Adan said the company’s growth has allowed it to create stronger links between producers and customers by providing a direct market for locally sourced goods.
“We work directly with farmers. The program benefits them because they have a direct market for their products,” Adan said.
The company sources products from local suppliers, including fruits, vegetables, honey, homemade delicacies, coffee, and other specialty food items.
It also carries imported premium produce, wellness products, and gourmet goods.
For Adan, the company’s role goes beyond retail. He said Prutasan ni Adan aims to support local producers by helping them gain exposure and reach more customers.
“We support Cebu brands. Many of them are just starting, and we want to help them grow,” he said.
The company recently opened its largest branch at Banilad Town Centre in Cebu City.
The P8-million flagship store features premium produce, healthy food options, locally made products, coffee, gourmet items, and a flower section.
Adan started the business in 2015 while working as an accounting staff member at the Mactan Economic Zone.
Using P5,000 in capital, he began supplying bananas to company canteens before reporting for his regular job.
As demand increased, Adan left his job in 2016 to focus on the business and opened the first Prutasan ni Adan store along Airport Road in Lapu-Lapu City in 2017.
The company initially focused on fresh fruits before expanding its offerings after customers began looking for more product choices.
The business later added dairy products, healthy pantry items, fruit-based products, and other specialty goods.
Comments