jilipark From noodles to cake to ‘lechon manok,’ Fruitas on buying spree

Months after venturing into the cake business, Fruitas Holdings Inc. will soon enter the chicken category by acquiring legacy brand Mang Bok’s Lechon Manok, further diversifying its product offering.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to the Inquirer that Fruitas, the holding firm led by businessman Lester Yu that operates bakery brand Balai Ni Fruitas, will close the deal to take over the 20-year-old roasted chicken producer by the end of November.

At its peak, Mang Bok’s had at least 80 branches, but challenges triggered by the pandemic have caused the number to dwindle to less than 10, according to the source.

Article continues after this advertisement

Fruitas was able to negotiate a deal that would allow it to buy Mang Bok’s at an “unbelievably low” price.

FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Low-key search for new PNB CEO on BUSINESS From noodles to cake to ‘lechon manok,’ Fruitas on buying spree BUSINESS Trump victory might prompt more BSP cuts

“We will open around three new branches this year and put Mang Bok’s in good locations,” the source said, hinting that the new branches will be opened in Metro Manila.

“We hope to revive and build the reputation of legacy brands,” the source explained.

Article continues after this advertisement

Four years ago, Mang Bok’s joined JC Worldwide Franchise Inc., whose flagship brand is Siomai King.

Article continues after this advertisement

JC Worldwide previously offered Mang Bok’s for franchising within Metro Manila for around half a million pesos from P800,000 originally, although it is currently labeled “out of stock” on its website.

Article continues after this advertisement

Once Mang Bok’s is fully integrated into Fruitas, the latter hopes to get more franchisees and slowly boost the chicken brand’s presence.

This marks the first time that Fruitas will venture into the chicken category, but Mang Bok’s is the second legacy brand it plans to “save” in the span of a year.

Article continues after this advertisement

In April, Balai Ni Fruitas bought cake and pastry maker Sugarhouse to expand its product offering.

The 40-year-old brand currently has only two branches: Santolan Town Plaza in San Juan and Power Plant Mall in Makati City.

Yu earlier said they planned to open a branch in Cebu City by next year while boosting Sugarhouse’s digital presence in the National Capital Region.

Last year, Fruitas also acquired noodle house Ling Nam and expanded into the cloud kitchen business through Fly Kitchen.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Its other brands include Buko Ni Fruitasjilipark, De Original Jamaican Pattie and Johnn Lemon.

READ NEXT TeaM Energy exits Sual operations Nustar Hotel in Cebu set for December opening EDITORS' PICK EDITORIAL: PhilHealth’s fault Storm floods spill over as stage for aid-bearing pols PH addresses FATF concerns on money laundering Catholic Church assembly acknowledges ‘obstacles’ for women Leon may develop into severe tropical storm or typhoon Kristine death toll at 90; Leon east of Luzon MOST READ Comelec: No excess ballots for 2025 polls Duterte expected as Senate drug war probe begins PhilHealth’s fault LIST: Water service interruptions in NCR, Rizal from Oct. 28 to 31 Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• to
• jilipark
• From
• noodles
• Cake