Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. —Winston Churchill
With almost a year in lockdown, it is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced most businesses to reduce their spending, if not completely reduce their workforce or halt their operations to survive these challenging times. Although the vaccine rollout remains slow, it offers a glimpse of economic hope to businesses. There are still more recovery efforts needed for businesses to remain operational in the months and years to come.
It is inspiring to know that, despite disruptions and uncertainties, some companies remain focused on boosting innovations and the morale of their people. Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, is one of them. It remains firm in growing its business this year amid the challenges of this global health crisis.
Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI president and chief executive officer, said the company completed strong operational and sales innovations, indicating its commitment to meet the growing customer demand and support the local economy.
PCPPI recently opened its newest production line in Santo Tomas, Batangas, which will increase the production of carbonated soft drinks in highly recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The new Southern Tagalog Regional Office (STRO) line, according to Ong is the fastest, most advanced facility yet, improving its PET production by 30 percent. The new facility will continue to improve job-opportunities in the area. On top of this, PCPPI also rolled out its e-commerce platform pepsiproduct.ph in select areas to make its products more accessible to household consumers and to entrepreneurs who are into the distribution business. As Ong has told us, they see this digital program as part of their efforts to promote safe and sustainable business practices in the hopes of growing with their people, customers, and partner communities.
PCPPI also expedited its digital transformation initiative to streamline its business operation and financial management and improve customer experience. It integrated an advanced SAP Management System, a single data platform that processes and translates information into real-time insights and analytics for the company to make informed and sound business decisions.
Ong also shared that PCPPI remains committed to espousing its guiding principles and implementing pandemic-driven improvements to support its employees, whom they call their “Bravehearts.” Despite the economic shock brought about by the pandemic, the company is firm in its decision that there will be no layoff plans in sight. Hurray! For the company, it is with their people and through them that PCPPI continues to succeed. Ong concluded, “Together with our Bravehearts, we will continue to find ways to drive better productivity, as how it should be for businesses. We are proud to say that, with our people, PCPPI was able to fully support the demands of our customers, the Filipino people, and kept our stock levels intact.