PCPPI increases support for sari-sari stores to empower Filipino micro-entrepreneurs

In order to empower small retailers and improve product accessibility throughout communities, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) is strengthening its support for sari-sari stores through a technology-enabled direct-to-retail strategy.

Sari-sari establishments continue to be vital to the Philippine retail scene as local hubs and sources of income for millions of Filipino households. Because it understands the importance of these micro-entrepreneurs, PCPPI continues to base its long-term business plan on them.

According to Phyo Phyu Noe, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PCPPI, the company is focused on employing a distribution model that allows owners of sari-sari stores to directly benefit from the company's promotions, pricing policies, and service support.

“Every time our frontliners visit a sari-sari store, we make sure that they are getting the best prices. Technology helps us ensure that the discounts and promotions intended for sari-sari stores reach them directly. We are very clear about our purpose. Our goal is to serve sari-sari stores and support the entrepreneurs behind them—not just today, but for many years to come. Affordability does not mean lowering standards. It means becoming more efficient so we can continue delivering quality products to Filipino consumers.” ~Phyo Phyu Noe, PCPPI President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

For many small shopkeepers, many of whom are female entrepreneurs, sari-sari stores provide a significant source of household income and resilience. By increasing its direct interaction with local establishments, PCPPI hopes to assist neighborhood retailers in operating more efficiently and remaining competitive in an ever-changing retail landscape.

Delivering value in changing times

As Filipino consumers become more value-conscious in the face of economic headwinds, PCPPI is improving operational efficiency to continue supporting sari-sari retailers and the communities they serve.

PCPPI's technology-enabled, locally based distribution model aspires to develop alongside the sari-sari stores that underpin communities around the Philippines.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.

PCPPI Quality Assurance Manager Champions Braveheart Excellence

PCPPI Quality Control Manager Jackielou De Guzman proudly receives her award from PepsiCo Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta for PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions.

The year 2024 was significant for Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.'s (PCPPI) Sto.  Tomas production facility, as one of its emerging leaders, was named to PepsiCo's 2024 Chairman's Circle of Champions.  Jackielou De Guzman, Quality Control Manager, was named one of the top global operations associates for her superior performance in the areas of safety, quality, service, and cost control.  De Guzman attended the award ceremony in New York in October 2024, along with other notable employees from around the world. 

“Representing PCPPI is a great honor. As I aspire to become a better leader, this recognition motivates me to continue being a good example to my colleagues and helping them become the best versions of themselves. Through constant knowledge transfer and people engagement, our team ensures all products being produced are within quality standards and comply with regulatory and food safety requirements while maintaining customer satisfaction.” ~Jackielou De Guzman, Quality Control Manager 

Showcasing True Braveheart Excellence. PCPPI Quality Control Manager Jackielou De Guzman (center) was joined by PepsiCo executives (from left to right) Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain & Operations (Asia Pacific and Greater China) Fred Li, Global Chief Commercial Officer Wern-Yuen Tan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Gregg Roden on stage as she receives her award for PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions.

Her most notable accomplishments include leading the Sto.  Tomas plant's internal food safety audits and assisting the team in obtaining its first FSSC 22000 certification in 2019.  This is the safety certification model used in manufacturing industries.  Sto. is guided by her.  Tomas demonstrated consistent performance during their recertification audit cycles, as well as in other safety reviews and assessments. 

The Sto. Tomas' manufacturing team also received high Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) ratings from 2020 to 2023.  De Guzman also delivered over 1,300 hours of in-house training programs, including Quality and Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Good Hygiene Practices. 

Her regulatory compliance expertise was instrumental in the plant's mission to obtain a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CATO) a Chemical Laboratory, as required by Republic Act No. 10657, also known as the "Chemistry Profession Act".  She also introduced a project to reduce product loss in PET products, which will allow PCPPI to save significantly by 2023. 

De Guzman was chosen as the Sto's Food Safety Hero.  Tomas plant during the 2023 World Food Safety Month celebration, and received the Gold Crown Award at the 2024 PCPPI National Summit of Bravehearts.  The Gold Crown Award is given to employees who best embody PCPPI's core values of Integrity, Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment, and Excellence (ICARE). 

For PCPPI, the employees are its most valuable assets. 

“Our Bravehearts are pivotal to our commitment to product and service excellence. We are proud of Jackie’s achievements. Being recognized as part of the PepsiCo Chairman’s Circle of Champions serves as an inspiration for our team to create more opportunities that enable the growth and success of our employees.” ~Phyo Phyu Noe, PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer

PepsiCo executives celebrate another year of excellence with the 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions awardees, including PCPPI’s Quality Control Manager Jackielou De Guzman (2nd row, 6th from left).

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. More information about PCPPI and its products are available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.