CENTURY Pacific Food Inc. has about 45 days’ worth of inventory across its supply chain, the company said Friday during a visit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to its facility in Calamba.
The company reinforced measures to sustain operations amid rising global uncertainties as Marcos toured the distribution center. The President was briefed on supply conditions and efforts by food manufacturers to keep prices stable despite the impact of geopolitical tensions on fuel and raw material costs.
Gregory Banzon, company executive vice president and chief operating officer, said the firm maintains inventory across multiple levels to provide a buffer against potential disruptions.
“We have about two to three weeks in supermarkets, around 1.2 to 1.5 months in our warehouses, and roughly one month in raw materials. Put together, that’s about 45 days on average,” Banzon said.
The company is facing rising fuel costs, which account for 3 percent to 4 percent of its distribution expenses, amid volatility linked to ongoing conflicts abroad.
To cushion operations, Century Pacific has expanded its sourcing network globally, activating suppliers in Asia, Europe, the United States and Oceania to ensure steady access to raw materials.
“We’ve increased the number of suppliers we deal with globally so we can secure materials at the right price and at the right time,” Banzon said, noting that diversification allows the firm to offset price pressures in certain regions.
Suppliers of key inputs such as tin cans, meat, fish and dairy products have begun seeking price increases. However, the company said it is leveraging long-term partnerships and scale to negotiate and delay cost adjustments.
Century Pacific is also tightening operational efficiencies, including reducing discretionary spending such as advertising, to help keep prices stable without compromising quality or quantity.
“We’re not reducing weight or changing formulations. We’re working on efficiencies and alternative sourcing so we can deliver the same quality,” Banzon said.
The company said it can hold current prices for at least 30 days and is working to extend that to 60 days for some products, depending on how long external pressures persist.
