Expansion of ice cream firm banks on OFWs

this story was taken from www.inq7money.net URL: http://money.inq7.net/topstories/view_topstories.php?yyyy=2006&mon=04&dd=03&file=5 Expansion of ice cream firm banks on OFWs Posted: 11:50 PM | Apr. 02, 2006 Elizabeth L. Sanchez Inquirer Published on Page B9 of the April 3, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer   MILKIN CORP., the exclusive distributor of the Fiorgelato Italian ice cream brand in the Philippines, is banking on the growth of Filipino overseas markets to support its expansion in Asia this year.   Milkin president Ricardo Cuna said following the MicroNegosyo Fair at the Philippine Army Gym last Friday that Milkin planned to introduce food services in new markets through joint ventures and possible franchises.   Cuna said Milkin planned to open stores in two Asian markets within the year.   "We have been in the market for 15 years. We are practically in Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao. Now we are going global. We think our product and company are ready enough to go overseas," Cuna said.   Aside from ice cream, Milkin is also involved in the coffee business through Fior Café.   Fiorgelato has 50 outlets in the Philippines, 40 are held by franchisees and 10 are company-owned.   Milkin Corporation was established in 1989 under a Filipino-Italian business venture.   The company started as Designer's Ice Cream Manufacturing Co., created to formulate ice cream products.   The specially-prepared ice cream catered to restaurants, hotels, and food chains under a "private-labeling" arrangement.   Within the same year, Milkin Corp. was granted exclusive rights from Italy to manufacture, sell, and distribute Fiorgelato.