Natural Products Expo West - Trade Show

We're looking forward to attend the Natural Products Expo West Trade Show on March 8-11, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA USA

Expo West is the best place to launch a new product with over 50,000 people to see and sample your product and top press from national publications like O - The Oprah Magazine, New York Times, Martha Stewart Whole Living, Natural Health Magazine, Delicious Living, and the LA Times.

Great news!

October 28th 2011- Another Great News!
Over a year ago we had some business plans with one of the biggest fruit powder manufacturer in the US.
It was not the right time for the Asian market and today we are working together again to launch these products as an addition to our product lines.
These new products are Cold-Pressed Crystallized US lemon, lime, orange & grapefruit. Also included are : original lemonade and raspberry lemonade.
Our target for these additional product lines will be Middle East & Switzerland.
Thanks God, everything is doing fine, more than we expected!

We have great news!
The Nature's Market is in the the process for the paperwork as a California Corporation and now a separate entity from Eco-Friendly Market
We're proud to be a part of California businesses and boost the US Economy!

Thank you for all the blessings Lord!

 

We're very excited to work with Ms. Jackie Johnson again (she is the artist who designed the logo and supports No more Barefoot Kids) for our Press Kit, Brochures and Eco-friendly packaging for our products.

About Ms. Jackie Johnson:
Jacqueline Johnson, LLC is a culmination of intuition, research, sweat and design chops that can make your brand or brochure, packaging or proposal, album or annual report stand on it’s own legs and say what it needs to say.

Award winning designer, Jacqueline Johnson, has had a wide gamut of clients, from local businesses, Fortune 500 companies, bands, non-profits and all sizes of corporations during her experiences in a marketing agency, in-house design studio and as a freelancer.

Jacqueline Johnson, LLC was founded in July 2010 with the hopes of creating killer work, partnering with great clients and having more than a little fun in the process.

e: jackie@jacqueline-johnson.com

Small Business Saturday -- 2011 :60

On November 26th, let's pledge to shop small at your local community!
We will shop small!

Small business. Big heroes - American Express OPEN

Small business owners, big heroes!
We provide jobs for Americans and the world---and boost the economy!

Small Business Saturday - American Express

How to sell to Grocery Giants

How to sell to Grocery Giants (by entrepreneur.com)

How did a squeezable fruit pouch maker land its products on the shelves of 18,000 stores in just two years' time? Here's a hint: marketing was a key ingredient.

It all started in 2006 when Fabian Milon couldn't find squeezable fruit pouches -- a popular and healthy snack in his native France -- anywhere in the U.S. Voila! The Coral Gables, Fla.-based Buddy Fruits was born in 2009.

A restaurateur in France at the time of his inspiration, Milon used his culinary experience to create recipes. Meanwhile Buddy Fruits' co-founder and CEO, Jerome Lesur, handled marketing and business development. Here are seven steps they recommend taking to get your foot in the door of a major grocer like Whole Foods Market, Wal-Mart, Kroger and Publix:

Use and train your brokers: If a buyer is inaccessible or unresponsive, use brokers with access to the major stores. Brokers have something you don't: A pre-existing relationship with grocery-chain buyers. Convince them to carry your line, then train and equip them with everything from samples to press kits, which they can use to successfully tell your story.

Show the trend: Prove your product's significance in today's marketplace with both quantifiable and anecdotal information. For Buddy Fruits, their value proposition of "One Buddy Fruits a day keeps the doctor away" aligned with popular messages from Michelle Obama, Jamie Oliver and school boards across the U.S. Demonstrate that your product is right, not just "right now," for the store and its demographic. An industry leader such as Wal-Mart won't be interested in your product if it's a fad or a flash in the pan.

Don't go in cold: Show that you have loyal customers and tell the store buyer what you've already achieved in terms of success and distribution. This is where you trot out your business model complete with market research and sales figures.

Position the product: Lesur says that because their product contains 100 percent fruit, he wanted it positioned in the produce section near the fresh fruit -- despite the fact that it's packaged. The move made sense to the big grocers, as did the company's slogan: "Eating Fruits Made Easy!"

Stand out: Remember, your packaging is tailored for your retailers every bit as much as for your customers. Big brand grocers will yank your product off the shelves if customers aren't looking at it. Remember, if your product doesn't pop, everybody loses money.

Secure a distributor: Distribution deals are critical in the food and beverage industry. Whole Foods, Kroger and other national chains won't meet with you unless you have a distributor. But don't expect to lock up giants from the start. Secure a mid-sized distribution company and prove yourself first. Once you have the data, the charts, the proof, the graphs, a profit -- that's when you make your move on the industry leader.

Find an advantage: Every distribution company already has clients. Offer the one you want to work with something they don't have. Find the distributor that doesn't carry anything resembling what you offer, including your value proposition

Building a Business partnership that Lasts

Building a Business Partnership That Lasts:

Ever wonder why some partnerships last a lifetime while others crash and burn? Learn the secrets to success from these famous examples.
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard. What do these famous partnerships have in common? They lasted a long time -- and in some cases are still going strong. Why is it that some partnerships succeed while others crash and burn?

To find an answer, we asked a few experts to give us an inside look at what has made these partnerships thrive. Among them were Doug Conant, CEO of Campbell Soup Company, and Denise Morrison, Campbell's executive vice president and chief operating officer. The two have worked together for several years, most recently side by side as partners. All of the experts we consulted identified four key elements that define lasting business partnerships:

Trust
Not surprisingly, trust is the foundation for any successful partnership. But what exactly does that mean?

"Trust implies that both parties participate in the relationship with both ‘gives' and ‘gets,'" says Morrison, who on August 1, 2011, will take the helm as the first woman CEO in the 142-year history of Campbell Soup Company. "The attitude of giving a full commitment to the partnership will usually result in getting the same commitment in return," she says.

It's that very commitment that has kept Warren Buffett and his vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Charlie Munger, working together for more than 30 years. Indeed, while they are known to be exact opposites in terms of personality, their deep trust in one another has allowed their partnership to be mutually beneficial despite their differences.

Mutual respect
If you look at these famous examples, you'll notice that each pair has complementary skill sets that allow the partners to respect each other's unique strengths. Each partner needs to "acknowledge that no matter who did what or how much, nothing could have been accomplished without the work and contribution of the other," says Lee H. Igel, Ph.D., assistant professor at New York University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Keith Richards, for example, an expert musician, relies on Jagger's skills as a vocalist, lyricist and businessman. Similarly, though Bill Gates is no longer at Microsoft, his genius at software development, combined with Steve Ballmer's ability to drive ideas from inception to implementation, made them a successful pair. "Gates came to appreciate over time that Ballmer was able to operationalize his thinking abilities as opposed to trying to control everything," says Myron Beard, who has a Ph.D. in psychology and runs his own executive consulting firm.

Shared vision and values
That being said, it's important that partners aren't too different when it comes to goals. Hewlett and Packard, both Stanford University electrical engineering graduates, worked together on a fellowship. When they launched their business in Packard's garage near Palo Alto, California, in 1939, they shared the same mission and objective: to build an electronics company.

"What cripples famous partnerships to a point of failure is when, after achieving success, the partners have the interest and opportunity to take on new projects," says Igel. "New projects can require new missions and objectives that take the partners in different directions, and so the elements of the relationship that made them successful end up frittering away."

Honest and open communication
Taking on a partner is like taking on a spouse. That means you need to have honest and open communication -- always, no matter how difficult the topic. This includes talking about money, mistakes and different management styles.

"It's extremely important that you let people know where you stand -- what motivates you, how you operate, what your expectations are, et cetera. I make it a practice to meet with everyone on my team very early on and tell them everything they need to know about me," says Conant, the CEO of Campbell Soup Company, who has an entire website dedicated to his leadership philosophies. "At the end of the meeting, I encourage them to tell me what I need to know about them. It makes for a more productive partnership."

Declaring yourself also includes telling the truth. Partnerships fail when one partner "does a little deal on the side or wants to break away and the second party finds out about it," says Dr. Karissa Thacker, adjunct faculty member at the University of Delaware's MBA program.

As you work to make your partnership thrive, "find a win-win solution that is fair to both parties, and establish clear metrics for success," says Morrison. Anyone who's been in a partnership can tell you that they aren't easy -- but they can also be extremely rewarding, and perhaps even essential to the success of your venture.

The Basics of Doing Market Research

How to Do Market Research--The Basics

Marketing research can give a business a picture of what kinds of new products and services may bring a profit. For products and services already available, marketing research can tell companies whether they are meeting their customers' needs and expectations. By researching the answers to specific questions, small-business owners can learn whether they need to change their package design or tweak their delivery methods--and even whether they should consider offering additional services.

"Failure to do market research before you begin a business venture or during its operation is like driving a car from Texas to New York without a map or street signs," says William Bill of Wealth Design Group LLC in Houston. "You have know which direction to travel and how fast to go. A good market research plan indicates where and who your customers are. It will also tell you when they are most likely and willing to purchase your goods or use your services."

When you conduct marketing research, you can use the results either to create a business and marketing plan or to measure the success of your current plan. That's why it's important to ask the right questions, in the right way, of the right people. Research, done poorly, can steer a business in the wrong direction. Here are some market-research basics that can help get you started and some mistakes to avoid.

Types of Market Research:

Primary Research: The goal of primary research is to gather data from analyzing current sales and the effectiveness of current practices. Primary research also takes competitors' plans into account, giving you information about your competition.

Collecting primary research can include:

Interviews (either by telephone or face-to-face)
Surveys (online or by mail)
Questionnaires (online or by mail)
Focus groups gathering a sampling of potential clients or customers and getting their direct feedback

Some important questions might include:

What factors do you consider when purchasing this product or service?
What do you like or dislike about current products or services currently on the market?
What areas would you suggest for improvement?
What is the appropriate price for a product or service?

Secondary Research: The goal of secondary research is to analyze data that has already been published. With secondary data, you can identify competitors, establish benchmarks and identify target segments. Your segments are the people who fall into your targeted demographic--people who live a certain lifestyle, exhibit particular behavioral patterns or fall into a predetermined age group.

Collecting Data
No small business can succeed without understanding its customers, its products and services, and the market in general. Competition is often fierce, and operating without conducting research may give your competitors an advantage over you.

There are two categories of data collection: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative methods employ mathematical analysis and require a large sample size. The results of this data shed light on statistically significant differences. One place to find quantitative results if you have a website is in your web analytics (available in Google's suite of tools). This information can help you determine many things, such as where your leads are coming from, how long visitors are staying on your site and from which page they are exiting.

Qualitative methods help you develop and fine-tune your quantitative research methods. They can help business owners define problems and often use interview methods to learn about customers' opinions, values and beliefs. With qualitative research, the sample size is usually small.

Many new business owners, often strapped for time and money, may take shortcuts that can later backfire. Here are three pitfalls to avoid.

Common Marketing Mistakes

Using only secondary research. Relying on the published work of others doesn't give you the full picture. It can be a great place to start, of course, but the information you get from secondary research can be outdated. You can miss out on other factors relevant to your business.
Using only web resources. When you use common search engines to gather information, you get only data that are available to everyone and it may not be fully accurate. To perform deeper searches while staying within your budget, use the resources at your local library, college campus or small-business center.
Surveying only the people you know. Small-business owners sometimes interview only family members and close colleagues when conducting research, but friends and family are often not the best survey subjects. To get the most useful and accurate information, you need to talk to real customers about their needs, wants and expectations.

(entrepreneur.com)

Five Overlooked Legal Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

Five Overlooked Legal Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make:

Starting a business can be fraught with potential legal issues that are often overlooked by first-time entrepreneurs. Many details that don’t seem pressing at the start can mean the difference between success and failure later on. But many common pitfalls can be avoided with the right planning and execution. Here are five mistakes small-business owners make -- and how to avoid them.


Mistake No. 1: Making handshake deals with clients and vendors.
Always put your business dealings in writing. Don't naively assume that everything will go according to plan. "This is often not the case, and when things go wrong, the entrepreneur and the client or vendor may have different ideas about what is supposed to happen," says Rachel Rodgers, principal attorney with Rachel Rodgers Law Office in Phoenix, Ariz.

How to avoid it: Keep a written for every relationship your business enters into to protect yourself from loss of time, money, and potential lawsuits.


Mistake No. 2: Choosing the wrong business structure.
Whether you choose sole proprietorship, S-Corp, or limited liability company (LLC), making a hasty choice can put your business at risk, and lead to painful tax bills at the end of the year. With a sole proprietorship you are not required to register your business with the state and it's often chosen by startups operating on a shoestring, but beware there's no wall between your business and personal assets. S-Corps and LLCs may cost more to set up and maintain but your business is kept legally separate from personal assets -- so it's less risky if your company goes under or is the target of a lawsuit.

How to avoid it: Rodgers recommends incorporation in most cases. Since it's a more complex structure, it shows customers, banks and investors that you're serious about being in business over the long haul. If you opt for the simpler route of sole proprietor, she suggests looking at business insurance to protect your personal assets in case your company is sued and loses. Of course, you'll want to consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine the best structure for your particular size and needs.

 Mistake No. 3: Bringing on partners without a detailed agreement. 

 Many entrepreneurs put this paperwork on the back burner in favor of "focusing on the business," but several problems can arise in the meantime. "One of the biggest boons to my startup practice has been the movie The Social Network, which revolves around the litigation surrounding the ownership of the ideas, code, et cetera, at the onset of Facebook," says Gregory Kratofil, an attorney and shareholder with the law firm Polsinelli Shughart in Kansas City, Missouri.  No matter how much you like and trust your business partners, you need a legally binding agreement -- not just detailing operations and responsibilities, but also what happens if you have opposite views of where to take the company.

How to avoid it:

Have the hard conversations now, when everybody's still in love, says lawyer William M. Moore, founder of the Moore Firm in San Diego, a law firm that serves entrepreneurs. That's when to put in writing important issues like who owns what shares, who has what power, as in the case of deciding a potential buyout.

Mistake No. 4: Establishing a 50-50 partnership. 

In theory, this sounds great, but ultimately when issues arise -- like whether to bring on new investors -- somebody has to be able to make an executive decision. If you deadlock on a major decision and nobody budges, the company is frozen in limbo unless one of you buys out the other. "It's very difficult for human beings to decide how to divide things up after there is something to divide up," Moore adds.

How to avoid it: Consider at least a 51-49 split instead, where one partner is at the helm with the power to make critical decisions in the event of a stalemate. "Remember, a business is not a democracy," Moore says.

Mistake No. 5: Filing a trademark without doing enough homework. 

If you think a quick Internet search or cursory look at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database is all you need before filing for a trademark, think again. You don't want to invest in a brand only to learn someone else came up with it first, says lawyer Frank A. Natoli, founder of New York-based law firm Natoli-Lapin LLC. For example, Natoli had a client who lost most of his $100,000 investment in branded inventory after another company with the same name shut him down.

How to avoid it:

Do your research not only with the Patent and Trademark Office, but on the state level (each state has its own registry), in business directories like YellowPages.com, domain-name companies, and even the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
(entrepreneur.com)

Its been awhile---

Its been awhile that I haven't blogged ---I've been really busy with all the paper work, planning of the new businesses --mainly for The Nature's Market
Although, we're a bit of back-logged according to our scheduled launching events, it is still okay---
Sometimes, we have to stop and smell the flowers, enjoy the scenery especially this Fall---the colors of the autumn leaves is fabulous!  This way, we can think better with our plans.

I love the Fall weather, cool, beautiful colors, and of course approaching is my favorite holiday---Christmas!
Enjoy the cooler weather and stay tuned with us.
---Aimee---

Prayer for today ---

Business is a part of our daily lives---family comes first and of course what is above all things is our spiritual self.
Inspiration for me comes from my Creator and I start the day asking Him to guide me to do the right thing, be pleasant and kind to others, to shower us with more blessings and to thank Him for another day.

Prayer for today (Jesus Daily)
Thank you JESUS for all the times you have picked me up on my difficult journey.
Thank you for carrying me in spite of the worm I am!
Thank you for carrying me when I couldn't walk anymore.
Thank you for never dropping me.
Thank you for listening to me when no one else had time.
Thank you for everything...
Thank you for never leaving me...
Thank you for never letting me down...

Sarah Geronimo - Your Christmas Girl w/ Lyrics

Sarah Geronimo Your Christmas Girl - Pasko Na Sinta Ko

Sarah Geronimo Your Christmas Girl - Sana Ngayong Pasko

This is one of my favorite Filipino Christmas songs!
Music brings me to a world of my memories and dreams---It inspires me to work better.
Music is part of my personal and business life!
It gives me a lot of encouragement and motivation.
---Aimee Boyle---

journey leah salonga- lyrics

My JOURNEY as an Entrepreneur:

 
Today, I will share with you my journey of being an Entrepreneur--
This documents my different emotions from my dreams, hope to frustration to feeling like giving up to slight depression-----
And then moving back on track with the support and encouragement of my business partners---
We are moving now to the right direction, with more compassion, dedication and some big changes not just in my partner's life but mine.

Join our journey to success!
Aimee Boyle
The Nature's Market
Website: www.thenaturesmarket.com
Food & Travel Blog: www.thenaturesmarket.blogspot.com

You are my SunShine

As a woman entrepreneur, there are so any days that I faced with big challenges. 

How do I cope with the challenge of running our business (with my business partners of course) and being the Chief Household Officer? (meaning being a wife, daughter to my aged Mom and mother to my kids)

To be able to work efficiently, I think of the SUNSHINE--
This song inspires me a lot of a brighter day ahead and the fulfillment of our goals---a light at the end of the tunnel.
Be inspired and think of the sunshine!
By: Aimee Boyle- The Nature's Market
Website: www.thenaturesmarket.com
Food & Travel Bog: www.thenaturesmarket.blogspot.com

CHARICE PEMPENGCO: My Grown up Christmas List at Rockefeller 30Nov2010

Let's look forward to the festivity of CHRISTMAS with full of love, sharing, peace & joy!

When I Need You

We're looking forward to the Festivity of Christmas!

Here at The Nature's Market 
we look forward to festivities like the Christmas where family & friends gather together for food and good conversation.
Would you like to share with us your Christmas songs, recipes and stories?

The Nature's Market - The Company

The Nature's Market  (USA) is located in Lake Elsinore , about 4 blocks (walking distance) to the biggest natural lake in California.  Nestled below the pristine mountains of Cleveland National Forest through Ortega Highway, our location speaks so much of the beauty of nature.

The Nature's Market  was born for the love of tropical flavors and  infusing life into an  indulgence by making these fruits and vegetables available all year round.

The Nature's Market came in 2010 as a result of a shared passion and dream envisioned by  Aimee Boyle,  Andrew Patrick Boyle and Manuel Ala.

Their passion is  creating the most incredible fruit powder extracts and  blends and globally finding
sources of the finest ingredients available.

Paralleling the highest standards of quality at The Nature's Market is ongoing creative innovation.

Our specially created natural fruit powder extracts such as :  Calamansi (Philippine Lemon),  Dalandan (Philippine Orange),  Philippine Mango & Guyabano (Soursop) pouches are designed to
unleash the essence of the best quality there is.

We also bring to your table our natural sun-dried Philippine Green Mango Spears & Philippine Ripe Mango Spears.   We also have the condiments of Calamansi with Garlic and Calamansi with Chili Pepper (Sambalas - Philippine Bird's Eye Pepper)

Supporting our quality and innovation is our promise to deliver  to you , our valued clients the highest level of customer service excellence in serving you the finest natural fruit powders & extracts available.

Executive Management - Manuel Ala

Manuel Ala
Director, Sales & Business Development
State of Qatar

Manuel Ala joined The Nature’s Market in December 2010, and contributes over 12 years of international trading and marketing devoted to Middle Eastern countries such as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and State of Qatar.

He is a specialist in the areas of international trading & distribution of agricultural products from all over the world to Qatar.

He also brings his extensive management & financial skills from his work experience in the banking industry.

Manuel oversees The Nature’s Market  Sales, Marketing and Merchandising Department (Qatar)  and is responsible for developing the company products recognition in the State of Qatar.   Manuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration major in Marketing & Management.

Manuel is also an active leader in various social organizations that helps and support various projects in the Philippines for the sake of alleviating poverty.

Manuel enjoys his vacation time with his wife and three daughters back in the Philippines.

Executive Management - Andrew Patrick Boyle

Andrew Patrick Boyle
Director & Head of Operations

Andrew Patrick Boyle is one of the brainchild of The Nature's Market.  He holds a Bachelors Degree in Applied Physics from University of California Irvine.

Being a Physicist and Engineer, Andy brings his knowledge in projection and analysis of the market both institutional and retail.   Andy has also conceptualized the designs & packaging of our products.

His exceptional mathematical ability and work ethics help the business in all aspects of Financial forecast and over all operations.

In his free time Andy loves to go to ballgames, concerts, travel or just spend a quiet time with his wife Aimee.

Executive Management-Aimee Rose Boyle

Aimee Rose Boyle 
Founder and Head
Marketing and Product Development

Aimee - Founder and Head of Marketing & Product Development of The Nature's Market has been a woman Entrepreneur since the early 90's.  Her expertise in the manufacturing, importation and marketing in the gift and personal care industry brought her to another venture into the natural food business.

Aimee holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration major in Business Economics.  After a short stint with the banking industry, Aimee pursued her post graduate studies from Ateneo de Manila University and landed a career at the Embassy of the United States of America with the Contracting & Procurement
Department.

She brings into this company her knowledge dealing with the US Government (US Department of State) contracts, its affiliated agencies and the Department of Defense (DOD) procurement requirements.

Her passion for compassion leads her to her Giving Back projects such as feeding programs for indigent children in the Philippines.  She is also the Founder of a non-profit organization that provides footwear to barefoot street and poor kids - No more Barefoot Kids
Aimee loves to cook and have a get together with family and friends.  She loves to Blog about her passion for cooking, share her new recipes, her favorite places to dine or travel.  In her spare time, she likes to go to the gym, attend yoga classes or just plain walks at the beach with her husband Andy and their  two dogs
Schroeder Boy (German Shepherd and Greyhound mix) and Lucy Girl (Labrador Retriever).

Updating--

Its been awhile that we have not blogged---busy --busy---busy---
We had an extended summer--You would have asked why?  Well, We went to the Philippines to attend the IFEX - International Food Exhibition last May and it was the middle of summer there.  We had stayed from May 1 until June 12th and you cannot imagine how hot and humid the weather was---
coming from the US which was just Spring time.   Oh well, although I got sick (cough, flu  and even lost my voice, due to the very hot weather) I still had a great time---dining out with family and friends and enjoying the summer fruits in season especially the Philippine Mangoes (sweetest mango in the world), Pineapples, Dalandan (Philippine Orange) and the Guyabano (soursop)

I also tried the lemon margarita  which they used the Philippine Lemon (calamansi) and it was so good compared to the local (US) margaritas.  It had the taste of a mixture of sour, sweet and tartness of the Philippine Lemon.

I will be updating more in this blog which will include recipes, our travels, our new products and so many updates, so please tuned with us!

By:  Aimee Boyle









www.thenaturesmarket.com

Banana Crisps & Banana Chips

Its' been while that we have not posted here in our Food Blog---busy busy busy!
After 6 weeks overseas attending the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2011, we had to catch up with our backlogs---reports, sorting out the products that we have chosen, and so on and so forth---

Well, one of the products that we have decided to bring in to the US and Middle East is the Banana Crisps and Banana Chips---
Take a look at the photos and we'll keep you posted.

BANANA CRISPS
Photo courtesy of APromos

Philippine Mangoes (Guimaras Mangoes) - The sweetest mangoes in the world

International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2011

International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2011

Iinternational Food Exhibition 2011-(IFEX) Philippines May 11-14

Internation Food Exhibition-Manila, Philippines - May 12-14, 2011

International Food Exhibition-Manila, Philippines - May 12-14, 2011

We are very excited to be attending this International Food Exhibition.
IFEX Philippines provides gainful business opportunities for importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers eyeing both the local and international markets. Evolving and expanding, this event features shows within a show that highlight fresh ideas, valuable industry information, and exciting competitions and activities.

Fair Title:	8th INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION (IFEX) PHILIPPINES 2011
Fair Date:	12-14 May 2011 ( Thursday– Saturday)
Venue:	Halls 1-4 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Organizer:	CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXPOSITIONS AND MISSIONS (CITEM) Attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI, Philippines)
Co-Organizer:	Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service - Department of Agriculture (DA-AMAS)
Show hours:	10 A.M. to 7 P.M. , Thursday-Saturday
Fair Admission:	Exporters & Mindanao Halls : 1st & 2nd Day – Trade visitors only 3rd Day – Open to the Public International Hall : 1st to 3rd Day - Open to Trade Visitors and Public Retailers Hall : 1st to 3rd Day - Open to Trade Visitors and Public

 Products and Services Coverage of IFEX Philippines

• Tropical Beverages, Wines & Spirits
• Coffee, Tea & Cocoa
• Natural, Herbal and Organic Products
• Sugar & Sweeteners
• Natural, Organic & Herbal Products
• Fine Food & Specialties
• Meat & Poultry
• Fresh & Processed Tropical Fruits & Vegetables
• Fresh , Frozen, & Value-Added Marine Products
• Flours, Starch, & Cereal
• Culinary Schools

• Seasonings, Oils, Flavors, Additives, Colors & Gelatins
• Testing Laboratories
• Food Machineries & Equipment, Kitchen Equipment & Machinery
• Postharvest Technology & Equipment
• Packaging Materials (Glass, Papers, Metal, Plastic)
• Allied Products and Services
• Shipping & Forwading
• Storage
• Food Franchising

Official Dubai & UAE Tourism Commercial [UAE Pavillion Expo 2010]

Dubai Dining - Discover Dubai

Dubai Shopping - Discover Dubai

Sightseeing in Dubai - Discover Dubai

Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

Business in Dubai - Discover Dubai

Philippine Chili Peppers (Tagalog-Siling Labuyo, Bicol-Sambalas)

We are very excited to introduce to the market our Dried Philippine Chili Peppers that are naturally grown following the crop rotation planting.
We will also features various recipes using this Philippine Bird's Eye Chili Pepper.
Please stay tuned--

Discover Qatar

Microfinance Success Story: Josephine Abiza

Small loans empower the Philippines' poor - 31 May 09

Philippines looks abroad to boost agriculture - 17 May 09

Philippine sea gypsies' way of life under threat - 13 Dec 08

Migrant workers in Qatar go without pay - 10 Apr 09

Filipino migrants' jobs in jeopardy - 13 Dec 2008

Souq Waqif (Old Souq), Doha, Qatar

Qatar Financial Center

Qatar Financial Centre commercial 2009-2011

TVC of Qatar- Tourism Promotion Video

DOHA, QATAR-Top 10 Vacation Destinations for 2011

Each year, Frommer's editors, authors, and experts from around the world sit down to talk about the best cities, islands, beaches, and other vacation destinations for the coming year. We aim for a list that steers clear of too-hot spots or places that are so under the radar you'll find yourself lost.

To tell you about our choices, we turned to our experts in the field: authors and editors who live in the destinations or who travel there on the regular. We think the best people to share about a city or a region are those who can't stay away from them for too long.

Doha, Qatar

Doha doesn't attract the hoards of beer-swilling British tourists or the sheer number of hotels that the U.A.E.'s Dubai does, but its beaches are more beautiful and its gourmet restaurants are less crowded. The Al Jazeera news network is what put Doha on the map a decade ago, although a different sort of camera -- the movie kind -- is what's drawing tourists for the Doha-Tribeca Film Festival. Next year marks its third installment. Doha is concentrating on beefing up its presence on the international stage by following up its world-class, I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art with a bid for the Olympics in 2016 and the Fifa World Cup in 2022. Plus, the city is hosting professional soccer's Asian Cup in January.

QATAR-www.explore-qatar.com part 01

QATAR-www.explore-qatar.com part 02

The Pearl, Qatar

Qatar-Local Customs & Culture

In general, the Qatari Inhabitants are of Arabic origin and the culture is very much based on Islamic tradition. Islam is the dominant influence on day-to-day life. This rich cultural tradition is present in what they wear, eat and drink. Qataris are known for their generosity and friendliness, thus making Qatar a very welcoming country.
Traditional dress is evident throughout Qatar with the men wearing a long flowing white garment called the dishdha or thobe with a headdress called the gutra. Women in public where the black Abaya, a long loose black robe which covers the clothes worn underneath. Some women wear a thin black veil over the face, while some a burka, which sometimes can cover the cheek, bones and leave only the eyes open.
Pork is outlawed in Qatar and cannot be found anywhere- it is also illegal to bring it into the country. Muslims are forbidden to eat any meat that is not slaughtered in accordance to the Islamic code; this is referred to as halaal. Consumption of alcohol is frowned upon by Qataris.

(reference: www.qatarliving.com)

Spotlight on Doha

Ettiquettes to follow in doing business with the Arabs-Middle Eastern

Etiquettes mean socially correct behavior, manners and politeness. Etiquette is other aspect of decorum. Etiquette governs the expectations of social behavior according to the norms within a society, social class, or group. Etiquette fundamentally prescribes and restricts the ways in which people interact with each other, and show their respect for other people by conforming to the norms of society.

Etiquette depends on culture what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette evolves within culture.

Etiquette requires every where. Etiquette would not seem to play an important part in business, and yet no man can ever tell when its knowledge may be of advantage, or its lack may turn the scale against him.

Some useful facts about Arabia

• In Arabia, most people are Muslims. Muslims is also spelt as Moslem. Their religion, Islam, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad between 610 and 632 A.D.
• The holy book of Muslims is called the Quran. Quran is the foundation and primary source of doctrine in Islam. Fundamental to the believer is the fact that the Quran is the infallible word of God. It contains among other things a comprehensive code of conduct transforming human experience and knowledge into an order reflecting all aspects of life.
• The public place of worship is the Mosque which is attended mainly by men. Women either pray at home or use the special place allotted in most large Mosques. The call to prayer is chanted by the Muezzin from the Minaret.
• On entering the Mosque and before praying the Muslim removes his shoes and washes his hands, face and feet. Prayer is led by the Imam.
• Friday is the holy day of week, although a Muslim must pray five times every day at : Dawn, Noon, Afternoon, Sunset and Evening .  Daily prayers do not have to be said in a Mosque. Muslims may pray wherever they happen to be at the time of prayer. This may be in an office or beside a road; don't be surprised, therefore, when you first see it. Arabia it is a common everyday sight.

• A Muslim always faces in the direction of the holy city of Makkah, when he prays.
• Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran. The script, written from right to left, has an alphabet of consonants. It is by no means easy to learn although the rudiments of the spoken language can be quickly mastered if you get down to it.
• The pleasantries are included in subsequent chapters and if the foreigner takes the trouble to learn them he can be sure of an enthusiastic reception. In the author's experience, one is always given greater credit than is justified by one's efforts.
• Women in many Arab countries wear a black cloak and may also be veiled ( in purdah ). In other Arab countries however, women dress in the European fashion. In any case, women are viewed in a special way in Arabia. One might for example, enquire after the health of the family of an Arab but not specifically of his wife.
• The thing most likely to impress you about the Arab is his hospitality but his whole way of life, stemming as it does from his ancient heritage as well as from his environment may well catch your imagination.

A Muslim is someone who has accepted Islam and lives his whole life according to the teachings of Islam. A true Muslim is one who is loving and caring, promotes peace, and is fully obedient and submissive to the will of God.

Islam demands from its believers that they establish peace in the world, promote love and make such examples of themselves that others, knowing that they are Muslims, feel at peace and harmony in that knowledge. This is the true Islam and what it means to be a Muslim.

(Reference: Dubai City online) 

Dried Gabi Leaves (Dried Taro Leaves)

Our Dried Taro "Gabi" Leaves are organically and naturally grown in the Philippines.
We are very excited to launch it this year hopefully the 3rd quarter of 2011.
We'll be posting more photos of this Dried Taro leaves tomorrow-

Halal-Certified Products - for Middle East countries

Consuming Halal-certified products is essential to the practice of the Islamic faith.
It is important for Middle East countries to ensure that the meat and poultry they consume are genuinely Halal-certified to adhere to the lawful food prescribed for Muslim countries.
With this in mind, more and more food manufacturers acknowledge the importance and the salability of Halal-certified products.

To date, the total value of the global Halal food market is worth about US$ 632 billion based on industry reports.
Since our main source is from the Philippines, we coordinate with various government agencies in doing business with Philippine companies that are Halal-certified.
“Looking at the results of the two business missions organized by the Philippine  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last year, we can say that Halal-certified products  have huge potential in the world Halal market,” shared Sue Guru, Focal Halal Person of DTI.

CITEM will also promote Halal products in a special pavilion in the country’s trade show for food, the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX). IFEX Philippines is the country’s premier trade event for quality and delectable food ideas scheduled on 6-8 May at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City.
Moreover, the 3-day event will feature the Halal Pavilion, a creative display of Halal certified products from the Philippines that cover a wide range of food categories.
(notes from IFEX)

International Food Exhibition-Manila, Philippines - May 12-14, 2011

We are very excited to be part of the VIBuyer Program attending this International Food Exhibition.
IFEX Philippines provides gainful business opportunities for importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers eyeing both the local and international markets. Evolving and expanding, this event features shows within a show that highlight fresh ideas, valuable industry information, and exciting competitions and activities.

Fair Title:	8th INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXHIBITION (IFEX) PHILIPPINES 2011
Fair Date:	12-14 May 2011 ( Thursday– Saturday)
Venue:	Halls 1-4 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Organizer:	CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXPOSITIONS AND MISSIONS (CITEM) Attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI, Philippines)
Co-Organizer:	Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service - Department of Agriculture (DA-AMAS)
Show hours:	10 A.M. to 7 P.M. , Thursday-Saturday
Fair Admission:	Exporters & Mindanao Halls : 1st & 2nd Day – Trade visitors only 3rd Day – Open to the Public International Hall : 1st to 3rd Day - Open to Trade Visitors and Public Retailers Hall : 1st to 3rd Day - Open to Trade Visitors and Public

 Products and Services Coverage of IFEX Philippines

• Tropical Beverages, Wines & Spirits
• Coffee, Tea & Cocoa
• Natural, Herbal and Organic Products
• Sugar & Sweeteners
• Natural, Organic & Herbal Products
• Fine Food & Specialties
• Meat & Poultry
• Fresh & Processed Tropical Fruits & Vegetables
• Fresh , Frozen, & Value-Added Marine Products
• Flours, Starch, & Cereal
• Culinary Schools

• Seasonings, Oils, Flavors, Additives, Colors & Gelatins
• Testing Laboratories
• Food Machineries & Equipment, Kitchen Equipment & Machinery
• Postharvest Technology & Equipment
• Packaging Materials (Glass, Papers, Metal, Plastic)
• Allied Products and Services
• Shipping & Forwading
• Storage
• Food Franchising

Men and Women Entrepreneurs Rock the World!

Our Management Team consisting of men & women leaders --
We create jobs in America!
We are the solution!

Inspiring Video for Women Entrepreneurs

The New Millionaire: Michael Gerber (part1)

The New Millionaire: Michael Gerber (part2)

The New Millionaire: Michael Gerber (part3)

Michael Gerber: The Four Mind-Sets of an Entrepreneur: Innovators Forum ...

What every young entrepreneur needs to keep in mind

How can a young entreprenueur find a good business partner?

The Nature's Market Logo

We're almost there finishing up our logo--It's simple but speaks well about our company --Bringing to you all-natural food flavors from around the world--

So, please stay tuned!

Philippine Mangoes, Mango Chips, Sun-Dried Mangoes

Philippine Mangoes--The sweetest mango in the world!
One of the natural food products that we will be importing to the US and other countries is the Philippine Mango.  It is considered the sweetest and most delicious mango all over the world.

We're very excited to have all our products be in various natural food chains & market, ice cream & candy shops, restaurants etc. In the meantime, take a look at these photos of the Philippine Mango 

photos courtesy of NNeo

What is the key to a successful business?

Based on my experience, the most valuable key to a successful business is the passion for it.  Passion gives me the energy to wake up excited to start my day as an entrepreneur.  I always look forward to a day at work, what my plans are, what is it going to be, what challenges will I encounter and how do I tackle those challenges.

Hard work, perseverance, creativity, and the belief that you are doing something worthwhile not just for the business, for your family, for the people & economy but using your potentials to live up to your dreams.

Then, as the previous vlog of Angela Jia Kim of Savor the Success - (our group for women entrepreneurs)she is talking about the right path--the passion to do the thing that makes the business flow easily.
Then let's talk about my passion--for crafts & creativity, promoting Eco-Friendly and organic products in the market, following the Fair Trade practices, Giving Back, cooking, food, travel, family and friends---That is the reason we are expanding our product line from crafts to natural and organic food.

It is probably a big step outside our comfort zone but we think positive--It will be a success!

 

 

Are you on the wrong path?

How to Get your Product in Stores

Young Entrepreneur Tip from Tools For Success

Inspiration in Business!

Being a member of Savor the Success, a premier network for women entrepreneurs, I get the chance to meet, share and get ideas from other successful women on how they deal with the daily life & business.

Angela Jia Kim, our founder is always been an inspiration to me.  Her enthusiasm, hard work, perseverance gives me courage to step up to the goal I want in the business.
It started from a vision and challenge in life--like the vision book Angela was discussing about in her previous vlog.  I set the vision, then the challenges and now how to grow and expand the business to a higher level.

Chief Household Officer Episode 4: How CHO Angela Jia Kim Realizes Her D...

How do I stay focus in Business?

Being an entrepreneur does not mean that I am strong all the way through--
There are times that my personal life seems dark so how do I stay positive and separate my personal life
from affecting my decision making in business?

One main thing that I do is stay positive.  I try to divert into thinking positive about what I can do better in business than dwell on my personal problems.  This way, I become more productive and stay focus and make better decisions.
Another way is Giving Back to the community.  It is the fulfillment of seeing the smile in someone's face that you had done something good.

Take time for yourself, like a vacation, a weekend get-away or just getting together with family & friends.
You'll realize that your energy will be back--

Most important factor based on my experience is thinking of your self-worth and respect.  Thinking about how you've fulfilled your dream of being an entrepreneur despite the hurdles in life--then you'll realized that  you're back on track again!

How to attract what you want in life

Being an Entrepreneur--Being a Leader!

Being an Entrepreneur is not just about money--
Its about leadership, about time for family, friends and career--
It is what life is all about!

Entrepreneur - Why Persevere Against All Odds? - Tools For Success

Women Entrepreneurs Rock the World!

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ROCK THE WORLD!
We create jobs for America!
We are the solution!
Coming from humble beginnings, I dreamed of being part of the world of entrepreneurs--I worked hard---I'm inspired, I give back--My dream is now a reality!
Good luck and follow your dreams!

Inspiring Video for Women Entrepreneurs

Pili Nut

 

Pili Nut-We will be posting more information about Pili Nuts later today.

OPEN-by American Express

OPEN- by American Express
How do you start the Year 2011?
This year our company have decided to move outside of our comfort zone--expand into food industry--It will be a big step from our usual business but we're all excited about it!
Please stay tuned---We'll keep you posted--

Internation Food Exhibition-Manila, Philippines

International Food Exhibition Philippines - May 12-14, 2011

We're very excited to be one of the attendees of this International Food Exhibition in Manila,Philippines on May 12-14, 2011.
This will also involve other international exhibitors around the globe to showcase their products.
We'll keep you posted!

Information on Philippine Bird'sEye Pepper (Tagalog-Siling Labuyo)

Bird's eye chili (Thai: พริกขี้หนู, RTGS: phrik khi nu, IPA: [pʰrík kʰîː nǔː], literal: mouse dropping chili; Tagalog: siling labuyo) is a chili pepper of the species Capsicum frutescens L. in the family Solanaceae, commonly found in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.

It can also be found in India, mainly Kerala, where it is used in traditional dishes of the Kerala cuisine (pronounced in Malayalam as kanthari mulagu). This species (known as kochchi in sinhalese) is also found in rural areas of Sri Lanka, where it is used as a substitute for green chillies. It is also a main ingredient in kochchi sambal, a salad made using freshly scraped coconut ground with thai chillies and seasoned with salt and lime juice.

The term Bird's eye chili is also used for the North American Chiltepin pepper, both due to their small round shape and because they're widely spread by birds.
The bird's eye chili plant is a perennial with small, tapering fruits, often 2-3, at a node. The fruits of most varieties are red, some are yellow, purple or black. The fruits are very pungent. The flowers are greenish white or yellowish white.

Taxonomically, it has long been thought that the bird's eye chili belongs to Capsicum frutescens L.,but there are now some who list the bird's eye chili as belonging to Capsicum chinense.

The bird's eye chili is small but packs quite a lot of heat. At one time it was even listed as the hottest chili in the Guinness Book of World Records but other hotter varieties of chili have since been identified. It measures around 50,000-100,000 Scoville units which is at the lower end of the range for the hotter Habanero chili.

Bird's eye Peppers

• Plant height - up to 2meters
• Stem color - Green
• Leaf color - Green
• Leaf size - 3–8 cm by 2–4 cm
• Fruit color at maturity - green, orange and red
• Fruit shape - conical
• Fruit length - 2–3 cm
• Fruit width at shoulder - .5 cm
• Fruit weight - 2-3 grams
• Fruit surface - smooth
• Seed color - Light tan
• Seeds per chili - 10-20

The fruit of the bird's eye chili is popularly used as a spice and as a chili condiment in Filipino, Indonesian, Laotian, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. It is what gives local dishes, such as the Filipino bicol express, their fiery zing. 

The chilies can also be used to flavor vinegar. 

The leaves are also edible and can be eaten as a vegetable, for instance in the Filipino dish tinola.

Philippine Chili Peppers (Tagalog-Siling Labuyo, Bicol-Sambalas)

Philippine Bird's Eye Pepper

We are busy, busy working on a lot of research and certifications for the approval of the importation of this Philippine Bird's Eye Pepper from the Philippines.  In the meantime, we want to share with you some photos that we have research on this naturally grown Philippine Bird's Eye Pepper.  This will give you some ideas how they are grown and shipped and then to your everyday dishes.
We will be updating and posting more information and photos as we go along our progress in our approval by the US Department of Agriculture & US Food & Drug Administration.

 Photos of the farm courtesy of R. Tequillo