Francisco Santos, co-owner of Frescomar Seahelm Corp. in the Philippines, this week announced the launch of Ocean Deli home-style canned tuna in corn oil.
Ocean Deli products have already hit the shelves of Frescomar's groceries in southern and central Mindanao. When fully launched, Ocean Deli products will be marketed through Frescomar's grocery chain and Pacific Seas Seafood Market in Davao, General Santos and Koronadal.
Ocean Deli seafood products are packaged in 185-gram cans. In addition to the canned tuna in corn oil, the company also sells canned bangus (milkfish) in corn oil.
Targeting the high-end market, the new brand spent more than two years in research and development, ensuring the use of only premium ingredients. Other target markets for the brand are tourists, seeking to bring home specialty food items from the Philippines, and picnic-goers, by customizing its cans with easy-open lids.
The tuna is sold for 98 cents per can, and milkfish is priced at $1.09.
Ocean Deli is the first local brand segmented for high-end consumption. Frescomar is also the first local frozen tuna processor to enter the canning industry.
Frescomar's other products include tuna chorizo, embutido (Philippines-style tuna meatloaf), nuggets, patties and spring rolls. Frescomar also owns the Pacific Seas brand, under which its premium cut and frozen tuna are sold.
