Figaro Culinary Group, a publicly listed food and beverage company, continues to strengthen its long-term growth strategy with the establishment and expansion of Figaro Innovation and Development Inc. (FIDI), a wholly owned subsidiary created to broaden the Group’s food product offerings, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and prepare for future export opportunities.

This strategic direction was underscored by the recent ceremonial signing of a Supplemental Agreement between FIDI and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), held in Pasay City. The agreement reaffirms FIDI’s status as a PEZA-registered export enterprise, supporting its operations at the Laguna Technopark-Special Economic Zone and enabling the manufacturing of products such as Anghel Kape and other food innovations under the Figaro Culinary Group portfolio.

FIDI was established by Figaro Culinary Group to serve as its dedicated innovation and manufacturing arm, allowing the Group to scale food production beyond its retail brands while building capabilities for both domestic distribution and eventual export markets. Through FIDI, the Group aims to develop new food formats, improve production efficiency, and strengthen quality standards aligned with international requirements.

The Supplemental Agreement builds on FIDI’s existing PEZA Certificate of Registration, which recognizes the company’s registered activities as an export enterprise engaged in toll manufacturing of coffee mixes and food products.

Present at the signing were Brian Gregory Liu, Chairman of Figaro Innovation and Development Inc.; Tereso O. Panga, Director General of PEZA; Joy Anidelle Alguso, Deputy Director General of PEZA; and Jose Petronio Español, Chief Financial Officer of FIDI.

“This agreement supports Figaro Culinary Group’s broader vision of expanding its food platforms beyond retail, strengthening manufacturing, and positioning our brands for future growth,” said Español.

Panga likewise emphasized the importance of companies like FIDI in driving innovation, development, and inclusive growth within economic zones.

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The Figaro Foundation marked the second year of its annual Coffee Tree Planting: From Crop to Cup 2025 by donating and planting 1,000 coffee seedlings in Purok 6, Sitio Bagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Lipa City, Batangas. The initiative, joined by over 200 dedicated volunteers, highlights the foundation’s mission to preserve and revitalize Batangas’ long-standing coffee culture while empowering local farming communities.

As part of its long-term commitment, the Figaro Foundation has pledged to conduct biannual maintenance and cleaning of the planting sites for the next two years to ensure that the seedlings thrive and contribute to sustainable coffee production. This effort underscores the foundation’s dedication to not only planting trees but also creating lasting impact on the environment and the local economy.

“This tree planting program is more than just a one-day initiative—it is about cultivating the roots of Batangas’ coffee heritage for generations to come,” said Mary Joy Herrera, Administrator of the Figaro Foundation. “By engaging our volunteers, partners, and communities, we are building towards a future where local coffee farming continues to flourish.”

The milestone event was strengthened by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by key partners: Mary Joy Herrera (Figaro Foundation Administrator), John Christopher Laderas (Figaro Coffee Group Brand Manager), Ric Pesa (lot owner), and Hon. Tasiano Mea (Barangay Captain). This agreement formalizes support and partnership in sustaining the initiative’s environmental and community-driven goals.

Through projects like this, Figaro Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to both environmental stewardship and socio-economic upliftment by supporting local coffee growers. The program ensures that Batangas, historically known as a cradle of Philippine coffee, retains and enhances its reputation as a center of coffee excellence.

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SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has officially launched the DASH Cart, a mobile coffee-on-wheels concept created in partnership with Nestlé Philippines, at its flagship seaside destination, Pico de Loro Cove. The unveiling was held at Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club, graced by executives from SMHCC, Nestlé Philippines, and members of the media.

In her welcome remarks, Maxi Gavino, General Manager of Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel, shared: “We are thrilled that Pico de Loro Cove is the first to roll out DASH. More than serving coffee, it’s about creating experiences and memories that guests will carry with them when they visit destinations like ours.”

Tish De Belen, SMHCC Senior Operations Manager for Food and Beverage, recounted how the concept evolved: “DASH started as a Grab-and-Go idea for our hotels, and soon became a cart—accessible, mobile, and easygoing. With Nestlé Philippines on board, the concept has grown into a stronger collaboration. While we begin here at Pico de Loro, more SMHCC properties will soon enjoy the same convenience.”

Echoing this, Ian Alcantara, Senior Business Development Manager of Nestlé Philippines, remarked: “We look forward to this partnership, bringing the comfort of the Nestlé coffee experience to members and guests of Pico de Loro Cove.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch, led by National Key Accounts & OCS Head, Nestlé Philippines, Brandy Morales; General Manager Maxi Gavino; SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Leah Magallanes, and SMHCC Vice President-Commercial Agnes Pacis. The highlight of the program was a celebratory DASH coffee toast joined by all attendees.

Closing the event, Agnes Pacis emphasized the cart’s promise of convenience: “Wherever you are in the property, the DASH Cart will come to you. It’s about pairing quality coffee with our own breads and pastries, delivering comfort and enjoyment—one cup at a time.”

The DASH Cart now operates at the beachfront of Pico de Loro Cove, serving a curated selection of coffee blends and brews, perfectly paired with fresh pastries. The DASH cart is likewise available at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, and is expected to open next at Park Inn by Radisson Clark and North EDSA.

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