SariSuki, the Philippines’ largest online agricultural platform, and ACEN, the energy arm of the Ayala Group, celebrated a significant milestone with the successful harvest of premium Japanese cucumbers at ACEN’s 81 MW North Luzon Renewables (NLR) site in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
Part of their Agro-Circularity in Renewable Energy (ACRE) initiative launched in July, the harvest yielded an exceptional 850 grams per plant, surpassing the standard 500 grams.
These premium cucumbers are distributed to renowned restaurants under Standard Hospitality Group (SHG), including Yabu, Ippudo, and Kiwami.
SariSuki CEO Brian Cu highlighted the achievement, noting that advanced farming techniques, such as reusable molds to meet SHG’s exact specifications, ensure high-quality, locally grown produce.
“This collaboration equips farmers with the skills to serve the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HORECA) industry while enhancing local food security,” he said.
The partnership empowers local farmers to become “agripreneurs” by providing advanced techniques and direct market access, creating a farm-to-market system that strengthens the agricultural supply chain and fosters sustainable livelihoods.
“The ACRE initiative shows how agriculture and renewable energy can work together to drive growth, uplift farmers, and bolster food security. By optimizing land use and modernizing techniques, we empower farmers to thrive in high-demand markets,” said ACEN senior vice president for corporate communications and sustainability Irene Maranan.
