Mekeni products now available in 23 countries
CLARK FREEPORT – Products of the Pampanga-based Mekeni Food Corporation are now available in 23 countries, including the U.S.A., Italy, and Japan.
This was revealed during the KapiHann media forum of the Pampanga Press Club held at Swissotel Clark, located within the Hann Casino Resort.
Mekeni President Prudencio Garcia shared that the company is aiming to further expand its market in Asia. Despite its growing global footprint, Mekeni continues to support the local food industry and related services in the region.
Garcia said the multi-awarded food processing company is supporting the upcoming One Pampanga Food and Beverage Expo (OPFBEX) as a way of giving back to the community. He was joined by OPFBEX Lead Convenor and Chef Felix Asuncion, along with event organizer and co-convenor Chie Basco.
“We are now moving into the global arena. We l want to show that Mekeni is not just about hotdogs, tocino, or longganisa. It’s about more than just our achievements as a company—it’s about what we can contribute to the community. That’s what truly matters to us,” Garcia emphasized.
The Porac-based company, which will mark its 40th year of operations next year, began as a backyard business founded by teacher-couple Felix and Meding Garcia. Over the decades, Mekeni has overcome major challenges such as the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, the Asian financial crisis, and the bird flu outbreak.
“We want to serve as an inspiration for small businesses and startups. It’s tough, but not impossible,” Garcia said.
Mekeni’s product line includes flagship meat items like Picnic Hotdog, tocino, longganisa, as well as marine-based offerings such as fish balls, squid balls, and kikiam. In the Middle East, the company produces and distributes Halal-certified products.
“Our major markets include the U.S. and Canada, and areas with large concentrations of Filipinos,” said company representative Uy.
Their international market also includes Australia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Japan, EU countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, France, Ireland, and Malta, as well as Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, the Cayman Islands, and New Zealand.
Uy noted that Mekeni remains the only Philippine meat company allowed to export heat-treated products to Japan. The company recently entered the Korean market and is planning further expansion within the Asian region.
Chef Asuncion highlighted that OPFBEX aims to engage all segments of the food industry, particularly local players.
“It’s not just about food and beverage; it’s the entire service ecosystem. One of our exhibitors collaborates with local farmers to supply microgreens,” he said.
“There will be farmers participating in culinary cook-offs and contributing ingredients we’ll be using. If you look at our exhibitors, it’s end-to-end—a full-scale ecosystem,” Asuncion added.
The OPFBEX is scheduled for September 13 and 14 at the SMX Convention Center in the SM Clark complex. It will be the first-ever food and beverage expo in Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines.
The event is expected to be the grandest food expo in the Central Luzon region, featuring renowned chefs, food service providers, and major players in the food industry.
