By Brontë H. Lacsamana, Reporter
MAX’S Group, Inc. (MGI) continues to expand from restaurant operation to manufacturing and distribution through its commissary in Carmona, Cavite, which produces almost 2,000 metric tons of food each month.
Costing P1 billion, the No Bia Food Manufacturing and Distribution Center supports over 300 retail partner stores that offer product lines from the company’s brands, as well as its local network of more than 600 stores in the Philippines, according to Robeson S.D. Mateo, MGI’s supply chain management director.
“Even before the pandemic, and especially during the pandemic, we realized that it is important for us to bring our supply chain closer to both the source and the market in order to respond to the ever-changing requirements of our business,” he toldBusinessWorld at a tour of the facility on May 12.
Completed in 2020 after two years of construction, the 20,000-square-meter Carmona commissary to support the growth of the company’s brands, which include Max’s Restaurant, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., and Krispy Kreme. Then, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic threw a wrench in the company’s initial plans.
“We wanted to expand the reach of our brands in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, but unfortunately for everyone, the pandemic happened so we had to shift our strategy … all while integrating manufacturing facilities into this mega commissary,” said Mr. Mateo, on MGI’s pivot to manufacturer in the local market. “It’s a blend of renewal and continuity,” he added.
The facility has a meat and sauce line, and a halal-certified bakery line. Both ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products are manufactured under the meat and sauce line while the bakeshop produces cakes, bread, pizza, and other pastries. These food line capabilities have allowed MGI to land contracts to supply these products of other known local brands.
“Every day, we are fueled by innovation and our new commissary plays an integral role in helping us realize our vision as an operator, manufacturer, and distributor, and merchant,” said Ariel P. Fermin, president of MGI, in a statement.
“We’ve seen the importance and positive impact that being part of an ecosystem can do and we are proud that we’ve been able to work together with our peers from the food industry as they look to expand as well,” he added.