Philippine F&B operator Fruitas is looking to expand its brand portfolio through further acquisitions, aligning its focus on food and beverages.

“What we are looking at would still be along the lines of our businesses,” said Calvin Chua, chief financial adviser, Fruitas, in an interview on One News Channel’s Money Talks with Cathy Yang. 

“Beverages would be one, and maybe extending into food-based products and using that to supplement the product mix in our community stores.”

The company has allocated US$8.6 million (PHP500 million) for capital expenditures this year, with 10 per cent set aside for brand acquisitions and development.

Half the budget will go toward commissary infrastructure and logistics upgrades, while 40 per cent will support opening 100 new stores.

Fruitas has expanded through acquisitions in recent years. In November, the company purchased a 60 per cent stake in Mang Bok’s roast chicken brand for $153,000 (PHP8.86 million), entering the roasted chicken segment.

It also acquired the Sugarhouse cake and pastry brand through its subsidiary Balai ni Fruitas last May. Other recent acquisitions include Ling Nam Noodle House and Fly Kitchen, a cloud kitchen company.

Chua also noted that Fruitas’ $1.6 million (PHP100-million) share buyback program creates opportunities for future partnerships. 

“If there’s somebody who might want to enter the company later on at higher valuations, we won’t shy away from realising value,” he added.

“If you look at foreign investors in the country, food, beverage, and healthcare would probably be at the top of the list.”