Cold Storage, a trusted name in the Philippine seafood industry, is thrilled to unveil LOKAL, a new product line poised to redefine the Filipino seafood experience. LOKAL reflects Cold Storage’s unwavering commitment to delivering premium-quality seafood sourced locally across the Philippines, making export-quality products accessible to all.
The new line of products introduces a diverse range of world-class, locally sourced seafood, including Bangus, Tilapia, Blue Marlin, Tanigue, Galunggong, Dalagang Bukid, Hasa-Hasa, Talakitok, Bisugo, as well as unique and premium local seafood such as Pompano, White Shrimp, locally grown Chinese Scallops, Crablets, Lapu-Lapu, Tuna Belly, and Tuna Panga (Collar/Jowl). These products are sourced from Cold Storage’s buying stations in Bacolod and Cebu, guaranteeing a direct and reliable supply chain.
Despite the harsh weather, the LOKAL launch on October 24, 2023 at Lore Manila was well attended by members of the media, the blogging community, foodies, celebrities, and the company’s trusted partners in retail. Guests of honors include Filipina celebrity Ms. Janice de Belen, Ms. Gwendolynn Yu, Senior Category Manager of the Metro Retail Group; Ms. Chit Lazaro, Chief Merchandising Officer of the Metro Retail Group; Mr. Kristoffer Lim of RBL Fishing, Mr. Tony Chua and Ms. Vicky Chua of Star Paper Corporation, Ms. Janel Gaisano of Gaisano Mall Cebu, Mr. Peter Gaisano of Gaisano Malls, Ms. Karen Evangelista and Ms. Cristina Dy of Robinsons Supermarket Corporation, and Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech Corporation. The event was hosted by veteran host and writer Mr. Spanky Enriquez.
Celebrity chef, award-winning best-selling author, and restaurateur Myke “Chef Tatung” Sarthou showed the audience how to cook his grandmother’s recipe for Guinataang Pompano using LOKAL products. After the cooking demonstration, everyone enjoyed a four-course gourmet meal prepared by Chef Tatung’s team at Lore Manila.
The dinner started with Tuna Ceviche (tasty chunks of exquisite tuna with red radish, sweet pomelo and spiced sukang tuba) made using Yellowfin Tuna from Mindanao. The second course was Shrimp with Latik (juicy local shrimps with fermented mustard leaves topped with shrimp-infused toasted coconut curds) made with White Shrimp from Bacolod. The main course was a generous serving of Tilapia Fillet with Tinapa Béarnaise Sauce and Kalkag Rice using Tilapia from Cagayan Province. For dessert, Lore Manila upgraded their signature Inutak (homegrown Taguig classic sticky white rice and ube sticky rice topped with bruleed salted egg creme) by adding crispy dilis (anchovies) for a savory touch.
With sourcing locations in Bacolod, Cebu, and Manila, Cold Storage collaborates directly with local communities to ensure each catch is processed and frozen on the same day it is harvested. LOKAL aims to ensure price stability by providing a steady supply of premium local seafood all year round, not just during peak season. This new line also hopes to serve more communities, especially those with remote access to proper frozen seafood. For the grocery partners, part of LOKAL’s mission is to provide a wide assortment of locally caught seafood throughout the year. Cold Storage works closely with local fishing groups for a reliable supply of local seafood without compromising on price and quality.