By Myrna M. Velasco
Thai firm subsidiary PTT Philippines is racing ahead with its investment expansion in the country – with more retail stations targeted for completion next year, thus, further beefing up its current portfolio of 170 gasoline stations.
PTT Philippines President and CEO Thitiroj Rergsumran said “we are expecting to duplicate our target next year, so you could expect us to be more visible in various areas in the Philippines especially in the provinces.”
As cast on blueprint, the Thai oil firm is eyeing to bring to commercial fruition additional 40 stations both in the juicy markets of Luzon and Visayas.
“The vibrant Philippine market drives us to continue our expansion, especially in the regions,” the executive of the oil company has specified.
Outside the range of its fuel business, PTT is similarly poised to broaden the base of the Thai brand “Café Amazon,” which is considerably part of the diversification venture of its Bangkok-headquartered parent firm PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc.
“PTT’s non-oil business, the Café Amazon, plans to open approximately 15 to 20 more stores in the Philippines next year to boost its presence in the country,” the Thai company said.
The latest additions for this domestic market had been the Café Amazon branches in Bacoor, Cavite; and J.P. Rizal in Project 4, Quezon City – which are both owned and operated by franchisees.
As asserted by Rergsumran, “the reception of both the investors and the customers are overwhelming,” with him noting further that while the coffee firm is barely new in the Philippines, “people are so enthusiastic about the brand and the product itself.”
This non-fuel business has been effusively cornering its niche not just in the coffee-loving Philippine market, but also in other parts of the world such as Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Oman and Singapore.