Manila, Philippines — As the Philippines experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, Filipinos turned to sari-sari stores for relief.
Tech startup Packworks released key findings through its mobile sari-sari store app and business intelligence tool, Sari IQ, which analyzes over 1 million sales transactions per month from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide. The report revealed consumption trends that highlight the crucial role neighborhood stores play in meeting immediate needs during extreme weather.According to its 2024 data, well-known energy drink brand Sting recorded a whopping 83% sales increase, with a PHP 34 million gross merchandise value (GMV) compared to the previous year, up from PHP 18 million.
The sari-sari store staple saw notable sales margins, with Region IV-A (CALABARZON) leading at PHP 7 million in GMV, followed by Region II (Cagayan Valley) at PHP 6.6 million and Region III (Central Luzon) at PHP 6.1 million.
While these regions had strong margins, Mindanao experienced the largest sales increases. Specifically, BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) (+1,810%), Region XIII (CARAGA) (+575%), and Region X (Northern Mindanao) (+554%) recorded over PHP 650,000 in combined GMV. The sales spikes in Mindanao coincided with the all-time temperature records posted, particularly in Butuan City and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Meanwhile, popular powdered iced tea brand Nestea saw a significant 76% spike in sales, recording PHP 30 million worth of GMV compared to PHP 17 million in 2023. Top regions with the highest sales in terms of GMV include Region IV-A (PHP 5.5 million), Region VII (Central Visayas) (PHP 3.1 million), and Region I (Ilocos Region) (PHP 3 million). Meanwhile, Region V (Bicol region) saw the highest sales increase, at +254%, followed by BARMM at +160% and Region VI (Western Visayas) at +138%.
Both Sting and Nestea saw their sales peak in March 2024, coinciding with PAGASA’s declaration of the start of the dry season in the country. Sting saw a 43% sales increase over the previous month, while Nestea saw a 24% increase.
"Our data underscores the critical role sari-sari stores play in providing immediate relief and meeting the ongoing demand for essential refreshment, especially during the hotter months. As forecasts predict continued warm periods this year, it solidifies the sari-sari stores' role as a crucial touchpoint for consumers nationwide, especially for regions that are sweltering through warmer conditions,” Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that 2024 is the hottest year on record in the country since monitoring began in 1951. With prolonged periods of warm weather and all-time temperature spikes recorded last year, consumers nationwide found ways to cope with the record-breaking heat at their neighborhood stores.
"The sales trends we recorded not only quantify the remarkable growth but also pinpoint regional nuances in both sales volume and growth. These consumption patterns offer valuable insights for businesses looking to serve this vital market effectively," said Packworks CEO Bing Tan.
Packworks’ Sari IQ is an advanced data analytics tool that processes data from sari-sari stores nationwide to help address the growing needs of store owners and its suppliers to serve its communities with greater efficiency.
For more info about Sari IQ and to uncover more in-depth data trends in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.
Manila, PHILIPPINES — December 2024 — No plan? No problem, as Absolut Vodka & SPRITE transforms the Philippines pulling off the ultimate, unplanned hangout – celebrating the arrival of the new alcoholic ready-to-drink (ARTD) cocktail in the country: Absolut Vodka & SPRITE.
Highlighting that the pre-mixed alcoholic cocktail is the perfectly planned mix for life’s greatest unplanned moments, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE is set to instigate spontaneous hangouts with friends, without the need for wristbands, dress code, or formal invitation this season.Bringing together two iconic brands that have grown to have a global footprint, the new pre-mixed alcoholic cocktail is made with the perfect mix of Absolut Vodka’s full-bodied, smooth character with the highly refreshing lemon and lime flavor of SPRITE. Truly, the perfect blend of premium quality and refreshing taste has arrived.
Mark Dee, Senior Director of Frontline Marketing at the Coca-Cola Company for ASP East Region shares, "In today’s world where planning dominates, Absolut Vodka & SPRITE encourages people to relish life’s unplanned moments. We're thrilled to bring the 'Planned for the Unplanned' campaign to life, offering our adult consumers a unique and interactive experience. We hope that our consumers across the Philippines will be inspired to embrace the unexpected and spark spontaneous gatherings with friends throughout the season and beyond.”
This innovative new beverage brings together the smooth sophistication of Absolut Vodka with the refreshing crisp, lemon-lime zest of SPRITE. Conveniently pre-mixed and packaged in a sleek 320mL can with a 7% ABV, it is designed for those spontaneous moments and social gatherings, ensuring you’re always ready to enjoy a perfectly balanced alcoholic cocktail.
Debasree Dasgupta, VP of Global Marketing, at Absolut Vodka added, “We’re delighted to see the next iteration of the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE journey, with the launch of this campaign platform. Absolut Vodka has always been the key player for the perfect mix in any social occasion, so inviting consumers to try Absolute Vodka & Sprite while enjoying their spontaneous unplanned hangouts with friends couldn’t be truer to our brand.”
Discover the Perfect Mix
The Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Ready-To-Drink Alcoholic Cocktail is available in select stores in Metro Manila and will soon roll out to other areas nationwide Clear responsibility symbols on the cans indicate that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal purchasing age. Both The Coca-Cola Company and Pernod Ricard are committed to adhering to responsible marketing practices.
Whether planning a gathering or embracing an unplanned moment, the Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Ready-To-Drink Alcoholic Cocktail offers the perfect blend of premium taste and convenience for only PHP 55 SRP at supermarkets and PHP 65 SRP at convenience stores. It is also available at the official Coca-Cola Flagship Store on Lazada: https://s.lazada.com.ph/a.jbn.
To know more about our responsible marketing practices, and what’s the latest on Absolut Vodka & SPRITE, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or visit www.coca-cola.com/ph. Always drink responsibly.
