|
In the food industry alone, the uses for cassava flour are numerous. Studies have shown that cassava flour can substitute for wheat flour in baked products, as much as 10% in bread and can be higher in other baked products. It is utilized as thickener for soups, baby food, sauces and gravies. Cassava flour is excellent filler that could supplement the solid contents of ice cream. It is also a good binder for sausages and other processed meat products to prevent these from drying up during cooking.
In the province of Marinduque, a total of about 214 hectares of land is planted to cassava. Most of the farms are of small holdings and the produce are usually used as feeds. In 1997, the Marinducare Foundation, a Non-Government Organization, initiated the project on the production and processing of cassava flour to generate employment of their beneficiaries. Equipment such as handmill, grinder and siever were provided by the foundation but the project was only generated for three years.
Ms. Chona Calayo, the manager of the Marinducare Foundation realized the potential of the project and made a bold move and bought the equipment from the office and started the cassava cookies business in 2000 under the name Moriones Baker’s Shoppe.
In 2011, the DOST-MIMAROPA provided innovation system support through the SETUP for the improvement of the package presentation of their cassava cookies. The assistance enhanced the promotion and marketing of its product, having its own brand and identity and was easily accepted by the consumers especially those who are looking for healthy and nutritious snacks since complete nutritional facts are incorporated on its packaging.
A year after, the firm was enrolled in the DOST-MPEX program for the proper plant layout and other recommendations for business operations. After realizing the potential of business expansion, the firm started renovation of its production center to conform with cGMP and Food Safety standards as recommended by MPEX consultants.
And for the firm to fully utilize and realize its productivity, the firm enrolled again for the DOST-SETUP assistance in 2014 to acquire improved and appropriate bakery equipment such as heavy-duty grinder, oven and cookie molder and stainless working tables.
The complete transformation of the business and its product helped the firm in increasing its productivity by at least 30% and profit by 20%.
The Product
Moriones Cassava Cookies are made from pure cassava flour. The product is gluten-, grain-, and nut-free, making it a great option for those with food allergies such as celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or nut allergies. It’s also rich in fiber and carbohydrates and is great for vegan, vegetarian, and paleo recipes.
Sharing is Caring
In trying times, you should always have someone you can lean on." This is how Sir Jorge and Ma'am Chona started as Weekend Entrepreneurs in the early years of Cassava Cookies Production. They now support those who wanted to have better lives, by taking good care of their employees and developing good relationship with cassava growers in the province.
“Success is when you know you are not the only one who will succeed”
|
