HOME-GROWN franchiser JM Peanut World Etc. is seeking direct tie-ups with local suppliers and producers who can provide the company’s monthly requirement for a peanut variant. 

JM Peanut World Etc. president Josephine Co See disclosed that her company is having difficulties finding local producers who can supply their requirement for a peanut variant “80-90.” 

“Currently, we require four tons of [that peanut variant] every month but we get only two tons. These are sourced from local traders,” said See at the sidelines of a press briefing in Manila on Wednesday night. 

See disclosed that the company could increase its revenues by around 20 percent if it could find farmers or groups that will forge direct tie-ups with her company.

Initially, the company tried to look for suppliers in the province of Isabela but the company failed to find one who could commit to the volume it requires. See said the company will try to look for suppliers in other provinces, such as Iloilo. 

See disclosed that the company is now exploring the possibility of expanding outside of the Philippines. 

“We’re targeting other countries where there [is a high concentration] of overseas Filipino workers,” said See. 

See said the company is keen on Hong Kong and the Middle East. See, however, said the company would need to forge partnerships in those countries before it can set up shop. 

Launched in 1996, the company now has 69 outlets. See, however, would not disclose the revenues of the company in 2010. “But I could safely say that there has been year-on-year growth.”

See attributes the company’s growth to its success in its marketing pitch, which positioned nuts as a healthy snack alternative.