TACLOBAN CITY— The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) regional office here is upbeat about higher sales for local producers in Eastern Visayas with product branding strategy.
The department spearheaded the first Bahandi (local term for treasure) Eastern Visayas brand launch and market encounter for 30 small producers at the Robinsons Place here to display local products with brands.
The three-day event, which concluded Thursday, would help producers increase the value of their products and earn the trust of institutional buyers, said DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras.
“The exhibit showcased the new products of brands captured in their logo. They have taglines and marketing paraphernalia to improve recognition,” Nierras said.
The DTI held the exhibit following a series of brand development seminars and coaching designed to upscale the market positioning and expand the reach of the producers.
The exhibit prepared producers for the Bahandi trade fair in October next year.
“When a product carries a brand, it carries with it a commitment, a promise of the producer of a product that is of good quality, sanitary and healthy. It also brings a promise to consistently give the consumers that kind of product,” Nierras added.
For Pablo Quimen Jr., 42, fresh and salted organic egg producer from Alangalang, Leyte, the brand built his confidence to sell the product and set a competitive price.
“With the logo and appropriate label, it gives the product a more stylish and fresh look, thus attracting buyers’ attention. Having a brand retains its product price since buyers don’t bargain anymore,” shared Quimen, a former overseas worker.
The activity is part of the Brand Equity Development Program, which aims to develop new strong homegrown Philippine brands in both local and foreign markets from the ranks of micro, small and medium enterprises.