Mekeni starts selling tocino in US
New York City—following the retail success of its marine products in the West Coast, Porac-based food processor mekeni Food International (mekeni) has started selling its tocino and marine products in Northeast America.
From selling kikiam (also known as fish rolls) and fish balls in California and Nevada in January this year, the company will now sell the same products here, New Jersey, Connecticut and other parts of Northeast America.
“We want our kababayans, especially those who have not gone back to our country, to feel closer to home by bringing our products. And we hope, that somehow helps them cope with homesickness,” mekeni President Prudencio Garcia said.
The multi-awarded food maker recently gave away bags containing kikiam, fish, fish balls, and tocino to about 100 nannies, caregivers and housekeepers. They were distributed during “Pagpupugay”, a first-ever tribute to care service workers in Northeast America organized by the Philippine Consulate General New York with mekeni and other partner organizations.
Consul General elmer G. Cato welcomed the latest business venture of the Porac-based food company.
“It is just the beginning for mekeni. Our fellow Filipinos here can expect more products from us in the future,” Garcia said during the awarding of Gawad Alab ng lahi organized by hiraya Foundation and the Philippine Consulate General New York.
In January, mekeni started selling its marine products in California and Nevada through its partner, Island Pacific. It has since gained the patronage of Filipinoamerican communities in various parts of the West Coast.
Bringing food products to the United States was met with enthusiasm by the Fil-am communities.
In its Facebook account, grocery chain Island Pacific said: “They (mekeni) deliver the best-tasting and most authentic Flat Fish Ball and Kikiam in the market! mekeni Fishball and Kikiam is 100% made in the Province of Pampanga and has been the most dominant street food brand in the market.”
mekeni food products can be bought at Island Pacific Stores stores in hayward, long Beach, Temecula, Santa Clarita, Cerritos, elk Grove, Pittsburgh, Vallejo, Union City, Fresno, National City, Oxnard, Canoga Park, West Covina, all in California as well as in las Vegas, Nevada.