Philippine Bakery Fair - Day 1

You know it is going to be a good day when you are met with a 50 foot tall inflatable baker!  Welcome to the Filipino Chinese Bakers Association (FCBI) 9th Annual Bakery Fair -- Manila Philippines.

Noto to be outdone by the gargantuan baker -- Gardenia hoisted the giant inflatable bread tower overnight.   This chain which was initially owned by the Sultan of Brunei -- later sold -- is now all over Southeast Asia and doing well.  Sort of like the Bimbo of Asia.

Just to refresh.  The FCBI is a coop of Chinese bakers from throughout the Philippines.   Did you know that Chinese account for 25 percent of the total population of this land of more than 100 million.  Some of the Chinese families have been in the country since the 9th century. 

Throughout history, the Chinese have run most of the important businesses including travel, agriculture, retail and just about all.   One secret to the Chinese success -- is collaboration.   The FCBI is a good example of this.  The bakers in this organization cooperatively purchase the essentials of baking including purchases of flour, sugar and other ingredients.   For some this business is a mainstay but for most this is just one of many businesses -- a cash one at that.  (very important in life in developing countries).

USHBC has designs on market development in the Philippines and we want a place for blueberries in the booming Philippine bakery industry.  We took the opportunity to exhibit at the FCBI Bakery Fair in Manila.  Here is day one!

Oh shucks -- I forgot my mascot!  Anyway there were plenty to go around including this cute group of bread mascots from Gardenia bakery. 

To be continued!

Bakery Fair Manila

The Philippines are on a roll.  Booming economy, young-well educated population.  With their Spanish heritage -- they love bakery products.   USHBC is working with Philippine bakers to build awareness and interest in new baked goods with blueberries.  This week we are participating in the 9th annual Bakery Fair which is sponsored by the Chinese Filipino  Bakers Assn. in Manila.  Stay tuned to see the in-the-field action!

Note the AK-47 strapped on the security guard.

My favorite Eatery -- Jollybee.  Chicken-joy and Yum Burgers with a side of Halo Halo.  This Filipino chain is all over the world including all of Asia, Middle East and the West Coast of the USA.

Who needs fast food when you can get a fresh-caught bangus (Milk fish) cooked on coals!

Politics is everywhere!  Remember Erap, the former president Estrada is now the mayor of Manila.  Forward -- Ever and Backward Never.  Remember the Philippines was the leading economy of Asia in the 60s.   Filipinos believe they are on the way back.

Hong Kong Cake Chain Launches New Blueberry Collection

Hong Kong and South China's leading bakery chain has launched a line of blueberry cakes -- made with real and lots of blueberries!   According to our in-country "blueberry ambassador" Heidi Chui, (aka: Blueberry-Heidi) the chain has been showing interest in blueberries for the past three years.  The latest launch includes fresh blueberries in season and frozen in the winter months.    Although Maxim's produces dozens of cake categories -- blueberries are the only fruit with its own collection!

Above: Advertising in HK MTR Subway.  Maxims has 200 outlets in Hong Kong and has expanded into South China with 100 shops in Shenzhen, Foshan, and Guangzhou. 

Here we go!

Blueberry Hill.  A pound or more of blueberry in every cake!

Blueberry Tower, uses a home made filling with real frozen blueberries

Blueberry Chiffon, packed with blueberries!

Blueberry Layer Cake.  Blueberry in each layer including puree and fillings.

Others: check out the Maxim's Blueberry Collection at:

Maxim's Blueberry Collection

Natural Flavor -- now that's what we're talking about!

Just got this ad in my Sunday newspaper.   General Mills Cheerios now are flavored with real blueberries and other berries.

No Artificial Preservatives, Flavors or Dyes

This product says it all!  No Artificial Ingredients --Yes: Real Blueberries on the pack and in the product.  Check out the blueberry identity in the product.  Congratulations to Kraft Foods. 

Dynamo Awards 2016 -- The movie!

Blue Dynamo Awards Seoul.  The weather in Seoul was well below zero with additional wind chill!  But the USHBC industry event developed warm feelings between the industry and trade.  Here is a rapid-fire view of the event on November 3, 2016.  These types of events are essential to gain trade support for our activities and to listen to needs.  See you again next year!

With Baby Foods -- the ingredients matter!

Here is another example of baby food with real and natural ingredients.  Nothing is too good for baby!