Taking the lead in retail

DTI official cites processed food, health and wellness as key players in retail this year

BUSINESSES engaged in food and health and wellness will champion retail activity in 2017, according to a local trade official.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu Business Development Chief Elias Tecson said food, especially processed food, will be a key player this year, alongside a growing population and strong consumer demand.

He encouraged interested entrepre- neurs to go into this business as the demand for processed food is on the rise, especially with the convenience it brings to consumers.

The definition of what constitutes processed food can vary, but these mostly food packaged in boxes, cans or bags. Experts say processed food is not automatically “unhealthy” since some have been altered from its natural state for safety reasons or convenience.

Some examples of processed food are local delicacies, dried fish, snack food and bottled beverages.

Amid the popularity of processed food, health and wellness products and services will simultaneously experience better business this year, said Tecson.

The DTI official said that there is a growing market for healthy and organic products. Consumers, he said, can afford to pay a premium for such products.

Health and wellness services like spas will also observe better business this year.

Yesterday, DTI 7 launched the Sinulog Fiesta Fair at the SM City Cebu Atrium where processed food and healthy and organic products are sold by participating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Tecson said the trade fair will run until Jan. 16, but this might be extended.

Over the years, the trade agency has been pushing for entrepreneurship among locals, and sees this as one of the most effective forms to alleviate poverty and generate employment in the community.

To encourage this, Tecson said DTI Cebu will open 16 more Negosyo Centers this year, with 11 located in northern Cebu: Bantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Tabuelan, Sogod, Borbon, Tabugon, San Francisco, Poro, Tudela and Pilar. These were identified as priority areas after super typhoon Yolanda devastated northern Cebu in 2013.

The remaining five Negosyo Centers expected to open this year will be in Moalboal, Balamban, Argao, Danao City, and Toledo City.

Negosyo Centers, which was created through Republic Act 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, provides business registration services, and business advisory, as well as help entrepreneurs find access to markets and financing.

In 2016, DTI Cebu created nine Negosyo Centers in Sta. Fe, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, Carcar City, Dalaguete, Consolacion, Lapu-Lapu City and UP Cebu, on top of the existing Negosyo Centers located inside the DTI Cebu office, DTI Central Visayas office in downtown Cebu City, and in Bogo City.

By 2018, Tecson said the goal is to open a Negosyo Center in every city and municipality in Cebu.