A new look for a new beginning ‘from farm/sea to plate’
Over the last two decades, Cold Storage Seafood has been championing local seafood within the Philippines and around the world. From a simple yet ambitious dream of bringing the best seafood from all over the world to the Philippines, all their hard work and innovation have led to over 400 different products available in more than 150 groceries and supermarkets around the country and through carefully selected channels around the world.
Mariano Qua established Sikat Araw Trading Corporation in 1988 to export the best seafood from the Philippines to customers around the world. The company specialized in exporting giant shrimps—the country’s top seafood back in the day. In an effort to maintain high levels of quality, it worked hard to build relationships with local fisheries, shrimp farms, and even local fishermen to create a sustainable and responsible source. From exporting seafood to the world, the idea of bringing in seafood from all over the world was made. This innovation gave birth to Cold Storage Seafood and spurred the beginning of the frozen seafood industry in the Philippines.
“Way before everyone became aware of sustainable seafood and responsible fishing, we were already doing it. We understand it is the only way to keep a consistent supply to address the constant demand for high-quality seafood,” Cold Storage Seafood president Marco Qua pointed out. “As suppliers, it is our goal to make sure every trade partner we serve will never run out of excellent seafood options on their menu or shelves.”
As Cold Storage Seafood grew through word of mouth and referrals from satisfied customers, it decided to open its own store where individual consumers can purchase directly from them, which means better quality seafood at a friendlier price point. In 1996, they opened their first store in Banawe, Quezon City. Shortly after, they opened another store along Wilson Street in San Juan City. In November 2022, they finished renovating the San Juan Branch to better serve their loyal customers.
“My brother Morris and I always believed in our father’s vision of making our local seafood world-class. But while people abroad were savoring the bounty of our local seas, we realized our fellow Pinoys are having a hard time enjoying seafood for different reasons,” Marco recalled. “Most Filipinos believe seafood is expensive, difficult to prepare, and messy. By providing export-quality seafood at a more affordable price, we hope to encourage more Pinoys to enjoy some of the best seafood from around the world in a more convenient way. We want to break the stigma on seafood and show people that it’s accessible, affordable, easy to prepare, and of course, delicious.”
“We consider it a privilege to be a part of celebrations and milestones in so many people’s lives through the years because we know there’s nothing like great food to bring people together,” he added.
With the relaunch of the San Juan Branch, Cold Storage Seafood hopes to encourage a new breed of loyal customers, especially with the rise of younger people interested in food because of engaging and mouth-watering content on social media and the increasing awareness of the importance of sustainable practices in the seafood industry.
“We’re extremely happy and proud of what we have done, but we are even more excited for what is to come,” Marco ended.
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