URC Remains on Top for Filipino Consumers

Looks like the classic products from Universal Robina Corporation are getting the nod of Filipino consumers especially in fast moving consumer goods available in the market. This includes Great Taste coffee, placing 9th in FMCG according to Kantar's Brand Footprint study which was done in 2022. They have placed 4th most chosen one in 2021, a huge improvement also happened from being in 15th in FMCG ranking.

Kantar employs consumer reach points (CRP) which measurement depends on shoppers buying habits and what brand it is. In it Great Taste performed well with 424 Million CRP this year compared to 283 Million last year. 75.8 percent is big, and being chosen for over 20 times per annum is a remarkable number.

If you've been out in groceries like me, you've probably seen their new products too as part of their expansion. The GT Supreme line includes the Toffee Hazelnut and the Black Forest Latte (which I love!).

Aside from that, cult loved snack Piattos and C2 also got include in the top 20 food brands in the Philippines. The chip got 7th place with a whopping 183 Million CRP's while the tea drink got 16th place from last year's 19th place. This also got sold with 74 Million CRP's, which is quite a significant amount (but we're not surprised because it's that good!). This feat has been acknowledged by Pearl Benjamin who's a Senior Account Manager for Kantar Worldpanel. URC continues to also grow in the ASEAN region, and is also releasing products for consumers.

Congratulations URC! You're awesome!

Ultimate Taste Test 2014 with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews

San Miguel Super Dry, Cerveza Negra and San Miguel Premium All Malt Beer

I've been able to cover the first and second Ultimate Taste Test and was kinda sad I didn't get to do the third one. The stars and the planets aligned this last weekend and got us to attend the greatest foodie event in Metro Manila, Rockwell's 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014. It's where 50 of Manila's greatest home based food businesses and Power Plant's Restaurants converge. Participants become true blue food reviewers for a day to see who fares the best in this year's Ultimate Taste Test 2014. The hits will also be gladly paired with their favorite San Miguel Lifestyle Brews which I saw all over the venue that afternoon which includes even the desserts which I'll let you see in a bit. Let's start the ball rolling shall we?

Fisher Farms Gourmet Baked Rellenong Bangus

I liked the part where it's baked so it's not as oily as your regular Rellenong Bangus. The taste, it was good but it leaned more into the sour side which might be caused by uneven distribution of the ingredient on the slice that I got or, it might be just the way it is. I give credit to the thought of baking this thing rather than deep frying because it presents a more healthier alternative to an already healthy fish. We'll score this 3/5. 

Belly Bob's Boneless Lechon Belly de Cebu paired with San Miguel Super Dry Beer

Belly Bob's Boneless Lechon Belly

Seeing the rolls of Boneless Lechon Belly on the display counter just made my mouth water. I thought it was going to be a hit already because it is after all lechon. The spice was good, the taste of the meat was good, but when I did take a bite on it I felt it wasn't "all that" good. It was a little upset because I had high hopes for it judging from the way it looked. It was good that this is the Ultimate Taste Test so I was with other foodies on the venue and when I asked about it, they had nothing but good things to say about the lechon belly. I got worried, so I went back to the Belly Bob's station and tried to taste it again. That's when I found out that I was tasting something off because the thing they served me the first time was cold. The hot one I got tasted differently and was a whole lot better. The air conditioning in the venue might have been the culprit. This thing should have a warning sign on it that it's best when eaten hot otherwise, they'll have a problem on the ratings later on. I'm giving this 4/5 on the premise that it's hot, when it's cold it would be like a 2. The beer made my life better as it's my favorite beer in the world. San Miguel Super Dry was perfect with the savory lechon, even more if it's ice cold!

The Green Baker - The Healthy Indulgence At The 3rd Ultimate Taste Test in Rockwell

The Ultimate Taste Test is happening in Rockwell Tent on September 14, 2013. It's where the country's most promising home entrepreneurs dish out their favorite dishes. I've been able to luckily attend the previous ones; and I've seen a variety of artisan work put out on their recipes to be featured in this once a year "taste" festival unprecedented in the country.

This year's list of UTT confirmed participants (All 50 of them!) looked quite good and they've broken em down into four categories namely Appetizer, Main Dish, Drinks and Dessert. I've been to events like these and you've got to prepare because even if they have small servings you'll really get to have a full tummy at the end of the day. Been helplessly struggling with diets and all but this shouldn't be a reason not to be there. Heck I've even seen something good on the list. Have you heard of The Green Baker?

The Green Baker - The Healthy Indulgence!

The Green Baker is fully owned and operated by So-Made Food Enterprises, brainchild of entrepreneurs Denise and Steph Viña. They've got a stern food sciences background and culinary degrees. They brought this idea to the table to let people have something healthy on the plate when it comes to desserts.

Let's face it. Let's talk sense. You can't really find some desserts equally good when it's using healthy ingredients. It either tastes bland, or it tastes funny. Yet the only thing you want is something good, something to satisfy your cravings; and in a sense still wish you won't gain the weight or fat that comes with it.

The Green Baker realized this when they started. There aren't enough of these delightful desserts out there that could still be so good. Case in point:

Malunggay Cookie Nibblers (Php 105.00) : Sealed fresh and freshly baked, these green munchies is your destiny. For those who don't know, Malunggay increases the natural defenses of the body and provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain. It promotes metabolism, lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines because of anti oxidant properties.It also gives energy and makes the immune system of the body work more efficiently. 

With that alone, these nibblets are worth your money; best of all it tastes GOOD. You can still feel the Malunggay fibers and leaves in each bit. It's wonderful and you've got to get one to experience it. It also has Almond slivers on top so even that can get you protein and fiber you need throughout the day!

Carrot and Squash Cookie Nibblers (P 105.00) - Carrots are wonderful! It improves your vision via the Vitamin A content it has. It's said to prevent cancer, makes skin softer, prevent heart disease and is a powerful antiseptic. Squash on the other hand has almost the same benefits, plus its low in calories and makes your heart, colon, prostate and bones healthier. This is so good in so many levels plus you can still feel the carrot and squash fibers in every bite. You are sure you are getting the real deal unlike other ones that over process food.

These bite size pieces actually disappeared after a few minutes. It's also topped with walnuts which can give you added protein and fiber. It's probably nutmeg I'm tasting on the cookie too so that's way awesome in so many levels. 

Almond Ginger Cookie Nibblers (Php 150.00) - Every Asian probably know the healing benefits of Ginger. It's been in our dishes for years and the certainty of its effectiveness has been proven the world over. It has digestion friendly properties that would be good for any person, any age. It packs a little heat too so if you are more on the oriental spicy flavors, this is the perfect snack for you!

It's not too sweet and the combination of spice and cinnamon was a fresh explosion of flavors. I'd mistake this for a Chinese dessert. The almond on top also breaks the monotony of the cookies, pretty simple but still packs a spicy kick! You'll love this too!

Salt n Pepper Nibblers (Php 125.00) - Salt and Pepper has existed for years. Even before YOU have even existed while reading this piece. It's a combination said to be serendipitous because the former retains water and the latter is diuretic. It's the best thing to have on the table or even in the kitchen. It makes every dish taste whole, fuller, better.

These crunchy pieces are surprisingly good. It's simple but every bit of pepper you get is kind of a spice pop. You get to love this simple snack that you'll probably finish in minutes. Try to get one for your friends and family while you're at it.

Double Choco Orange (regular) (Php 260.00) - How can you not love a Chocolate cookie with Chocolate Chips on it? Add to that some slivers of Orange rind bits on top that will give a few chewy and tangy highlights on your cookie. 

Orange has properties that helps prevent cancer. It also prevents Kidney diseases, lowers bad cholesterol, relieves constipation, regulates high blood pressure and protects your skin. This treat is perfect for me because I need something chocolatey every after meal but this one doesn't quite let you binge. One cookie is enough for a snack and makes us perfectly full. A cup of coffee or tea is the perfect pair to go with this Green Baker masterpiece!

Cheese Mamonitos (Php 220.00/dozen) - A single look at this small window on the box made my mouth water. It was sinful to look at, let alone feel what it was like in my mouth.  As I opened the box, it was like fluffy, cloudy, sweet mamon pieces were about to send me to heaven and back.

It was light and airy. I loved it the moment I set my eyes on it. This is indeed the piece de resistance! No wonder people have been raving about it! If you want these and other "The Green Baker" products, you just gotta visit them when the Ultimate Taste Test happens in Rockwell this September 14, that's a Saturday. The good looking man himself Denise and his team would gladly tell you more about their baked goodies on the spot! If you crave for more and want to order, here's some of the items that they'll bring that weekend. 

Choco Dipped Malunggay Cookie - Php 105.00
Almond Ginger Regular Canister - Php 200.00
Pinatubo Cookie Nibblers - Php 105.00
Lemon Basil - Php 115.00
Seaweed Pistachio Nibblers - Php 265.00
Double Choco Orange Nibblers - Php 105.00
Garlic Cookie Nibblers - Php 140.00
Ampalaya Loaf - Php 235.00
Luyammies 1 Dozen - - Php 180.00
Fruit Bars 1 Dozen - Php 260.00
Banana Choco Chip Loaf - Php 160.00
Coffee Hazelnut Canister - Php 220.00

There are no cheap tricks done to make these wonderful treats. So make sure to be there on Saturday, after all you owe yourself a treat. You've been working hard and you should have a better, healthier alternative to snacks when you want it, where you want it. It's time you make your choice for a more healthy indulgence!

For more information, or bulk orders you may contact Denise Viña at 09164504876, 09177102287, Fax (632) 4333741 or email them at somade.orders@gmail.com.

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