Sari-Sari Stores Using AI See Sales of Top Products Surge by 79% - Packworks Report

Manila, Philippines — Sari-sari stores leveraging artificial intelligence for inventory planning are experiencing revenue growth, seeing a 79% surge in median sales among their top 50 products, according to the latest report by Filipino tech startup Packworks.

The findings, which analyzed over one million monthly transactions across Packworks’ network of 300,000 micro-retailers, show that store owners using the AI-powered Store Insighting Project (SIP) saw measurable revenue improvements within just two months of adopting the platform.

According to the report, the optimization of high-demand items drove median gross merchandise value (GMV) sales from ₱187,229 to ₱335,818 per store.

“Dinagdagan ko ang pag-order ng mga top 10 product na nasa SIP document (I increased my orders for the Top 10 products identified in the SIP document),” shared Elizabeth Veluz, a sari-sari store owner from Camarines Sur.

The benefits of using SIP data were evident during a period of changing consumer demand. The survey found a 47% increase in median GMV sales of seasonal products among stores using SIP reports, suggesting that store owners were better able to anticipate purchasing patterns during rainy days, weekends, and other high-demand periods.

“Nakikita rito ang mabebentang produkto, kaya makakapag-stock kami nang marami at maiiwasan ang ‘out of stock’ (The report helps us identify products that will sell well so we can stock more and avoid running out),” said Lucia Bongot, a store owner from Cavite.

Store owners also used the reports from SIP to better manage slower-moving products, increasing their median GMV sales by 96%, from ₱7,361.60 to ₱14,429. Some store owners also actively pushed these items identified by SIP to make up for potential sales deficits and improve inventory turnover.

Overall, stores utilizing the data recorded a 29% increase in median total sales and a 20% increase in the median number of transactions.

"Our findings show that when data is democratized, we give grassroots entrepreneurs the power to chart their own growth. By equipping sari-sari store owners with the insights to stock smarter and operate efficiently, we are not only boosting individual store sales but expanding access to technology to build a more resilient grassroots economy," said Andoy Montiel, Packworks’ Chief Data Officer.

Packworks’ SIP project was developed with DOST-PCIEERD’s Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program, awarded in 2024 to support wider AI adoption in the country’s micro-retail sector. The company is also in partnership with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines) (STT GDC Philippines) and Ateneo’s Business Insights Laboratory for Development (BUILD).

Notably, this past May 2026, Packworks’ collaboration with Connected Women recently won the Activate AI Challenge, a global initiative led by data.org and supported by Zoom. Selected as 1 of 6 awardees out of 500 applicants and the only ASEAN project out of 76 countries, the award recognizes the program’s potential to further expand economic opportunity, strengthen small businesses, and help more women participate in an AI-enabled future with greater confidence and resilience where technology creates jobs and does not displace them.

“Sari-sari stores remain the economic lifeblood of our communities, and women serve as the backbone of this ecosystem,” adds Ibba Bernardo, Packworks’ Co-Founder, “True innovation must be inclusive, especially with AI. With the help of ecosystem partners such as Connected Women who ensure that there is a human-in-the-loop, Packworks strives to deliver accessible, equitable digital tools directly into the hands of our saripreneurs, to further unlock the full potential of grassroots retail while nurturing these communities for sustainability and scale.”

Packworks’ mission to bring AI into micro retail stores aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which recognizes the role of digital transformation and emerging technologies like AI in increasing efficiency and revitalizing industries and services.

For more information and insights on sari-sari store data trends, visit Packworks’ official website or Facebook page.

Oil Price Hikes Trigger ‘Stockpiling’ in Sari-Sari Stores, Sales Surge 90% - Packworks Study

Manila, Philippines – As global oil prices climb amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, sari-sari stores recorded a 90% surge in sales this March, as micro-retailers and consumers aggressively stock up against looming price hikes and delivery disruptions.

Latest insights from Filipino tech startup Packworks, derived from over 1 million transactions via its Sari.PH Pro app reveals that Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) across its network of 300,000 stores reached PHP 3.73 billion in March, up from PHP 1.97 billion in February.

The most notable surge occurred on March 21, when GMV skyrocketed by 265%. This followed the announcement of double-digit fuel price increases on March 17, signaling a preemptive move by store owners to secure inventory before logistical costs trickled down to retail prices.

The concerns at the grassroots level are noticeable. A sari-sari store owner from Uson, Masbate, shared, “Nag-stock up kami dahil natatakot kaming maubusan ng paninda at magkaroon ng delay sa delivery mula sa mga supplier.” (We stocked up because we were worried about running out of supplies and possible delays in deliveries). In some regions, delivery lead times have reportedly stretched to three weeks, forcing retailers to prioritize bulk purchasing of fast-moving goods.

The study highlights a significant shift in grassroots consumer behavior. Traditionally driven by 'tingi,' or small-quantity, daily purchases, households are now consolidating trips to offset rising transportation costs. Average "basket sizes," or the amount spent per visit, grew from a range of PHP 337 to PHP 1,097 in February to between PHP 597 and PHP 1,560 in March. While spending increased, transaction volumes grew by a modest 17%, confirming that Filipinos are making fewer but significantly larger purchases.

“With growing uncertainty and rising oil and commodity prices, our data suggests that sari-sari store owners are proactively adjusting their purchasing strategies. Larger basket sizes and increased inventory levels indicate a shift toward preparedness for potential supply disruptions and rising costs,” said Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel.

This trend was evident across regions, with the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) posting the highest increase in basket size at 101.7% (PHP 773 to PHP 1,560), followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) at 85% (PHP 396 to PHP 733) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at 80.2% (PHP 495 to PHP 892).

Products with the highest sales included cigarettes, detergent, gin, powdered coffee, and chips and dips. Cigarettes led with an increase of around PHP 234 million, followed by detergent (PHP 116 million), gin (PHP 66 million), powdered coffee (approximately PHP 55 million), and chips and dips (PHP 45 million). Other essential goods such as soda, biscuits, powdered milk, and canned items also posted notable gains, reflecting heightened household stocking activity.

“As the backbone of local communities, sari-sari stores continue to demonstrate resilience in times of disruption. However, they remain highly vulnerable to price fluctuations and logistical challenges, highlighting the need for continued support,” said Packworks Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap.

To learn more about how Packworks is empowering sari-sari stores nationwide, visit http://packworks.io/.

Regional Sari-Sari Growth Outpace Metro Manila in 2025 - Packworks Study BARMM, Negros Island Lead Nationwide Growth Surge

Manila, Philippines — Growth in the Philippine micro-retail sector is seeing a significant shift toward the provinces, with regional hubs now outpacing Metro Manila in store expansion and transaction activity.

This is the latest insight from Filipino tech startup Packworks after analyzing over 1 million monthly transactions for one year from its mobile application within its network of more than 300,000 stores nationwide. The company reported that 213,051 stores from its network actively transacted through its app in 2025, a 21% increase from 176,000 in 2024 and a significant jump from 133,000 in 2023.

The study identified the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Negros Island Region (NIR) as the primary drivers of this nationwide surge. BARMM recorded a staggering 116% increase in active stores. This coincided with a 77% rise in app usage, a 119% boost in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) or store sales, and a 97% rise in transactions. Growth was particularly sharp in the second half of 2025, following the rollout of regional internet connectivity projects. Meanwhile, Negros saw a 58% increase in active stores. App usage jumped 106%, while GMV and transactions surged by 134% and 114%, respectively.

"We are seeing a trend where regional economies are becoming the new centers of growth for the sari-sari store sector. While Metro Manila remains a stable core, seeing a 37% increase in transactions, the rapid growth in regions such as BARMM and Negros suggests that regional store owners are quickly adopting tools to serve a much larger customer base," said Andoy Montiel, Packworks Chief Data Officer.

The data revealed a "quality over quantity" trend in the National Capital Region (NCR). While the total number of transacting stores saw a slight decline, the remaining stores became significantly more efficient. App usage rose by 15%, GMV by 31%, and transactions by 37%.

The study also underscored how this regional growth translates to community resilience. Central Visayas demonstrated a strong recovery following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30. Overall GMV rose by 7%, from nearly PHP 131 million in September to almost PHP 140 million in October, before reaching a high of PHP 158 million in December. Meanwhile, despite being hit by Typhoon Paolo in October 2025, stores in Central Luzon saw a 15% GMV increase, rising from PHP 150 million in September to PHP 172 million in October, and peaking at PHP 199 million by December during the holiday season. These consistent increases reinforce findings from Packworks' previous report, which highlight the historical resilience and continued growth of sari-sari stores as essential lifelines even in disaster-prone regions.

In contrast, the data also highlighted areas for further support. Region XIII (Caraga) saw an 11% growth in the number of stores, but a 15% decline in app usage, likely due to the region's current internet penetration levels, marking an opportunity for future infrastructure development.

“As store owners in the provinces gain access to more resources, they are proving to be the economic backbone of their communities. The surge in the regions shows that sari-sari stores are not just local fixtures, but are evolving businesses capable of driving regional economic momentum," said Packworks co-founder Hubert Yap.

For more studies and data trends insights in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.

Sari-Sari Stores Using AI See 46% Sales Jump - Packworks Report

Manila, Philippines — Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape how local sari-sari stores operate, helping small retailers make smarter decisions and improve profitability through practical, data-driven insights.

New findings from tech startup Packworks.io show that AI is no longer a distant concept for microenterprises but is becoming a tool that directly supports day-to-day store management and sales performance for neighborhood stores.

Packworks analyzed more than 300 stores in its network over a two-week period following data collection in September 2025 and recorded a 46% increase in daily gross merchandise value (GMV). This increase highlights substantial gains in overall store efficiency, resulting in a 17% rise in total sales for stores during the same period.

Packworks also found that stores that applied AI-driven recommendations earned higher revenue despite operating on 20% fewer active selling days—dropping from five to four days over two weeks. This indicates how AI can guide store owners in managing inventory, improving product mix, and planning demand more efficiently, enabling owners to maximize sales during their operating hours.

The insights come from Packworks’ analysis of sari-sari stores that accessed its Store Insighting Project (SIP) document, a personalized report that turns each store’s transaction history into actionable recommendations powered by AI. By reviewing pre- and post-performance across stores, Packworks quantified the impact of engaging with the SIP document on business outcomes for its partner stores. The analysis also showed that the increase in sales was driven by underperforming products identified by the AI tool, giving store owners insight into which stock to move to maintain operational efficiency.

Packworks’ AI-powered precision marketing tool was developed with DOST-PCIEERD’s Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program, awarded in 2024 to support wider AI adoption in the country’s micro-retail sector. The company also partnered with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines) (STT GDC Philippines) to access its AI Synergy Lab to run large-scale machine learning models, and with Ateneo’s Business Insights Laboratory for Development (BUILD) to build a comprehensive data warehouse and business intelligence tools.

"Even at this early stage of adoption, we've recorded increased sales and enhanced operational efficiency from stores by using the AI tools we've developed with support from DOST and through our collaborations with STT GDC and Ateneo BUILD. As stores learn to leverage the recommendations from the AI-driven insights they can access through SIP, microretailers can make smarter decisions that translate into higher sales and more efficient operations," Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said.

Packworks' latest innovation aims to complement the government's efforts in helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt AI. While AI adoption could unlock PHP 2.8 trillion economic benefits by 2030 across sectors, a report by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) shows that only 14.9% of local businesses currently use AI tools. This wide gap, despite widespread computer ownership and internet access, indicates a slow rate of adoption and highlights the need for accessible solutions.

"Our mission at Packworks is to close the gap by making AI practical, accessible, and useful for the smallest retailers. Our latest innovation highlights the immense potential of how technology, especially AI, and strategic partnerships can drive sustainable growth for neighborhood stores across the Philippines," Packworks Co-Founder Hubert Yap said.

Packworks’ mission to bring AI into micro retail stores aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which recognizes the role of digital transformation and emerging technologies like AI in increasing efficiency and revitalizing industries and services.

For more studies and data trends insights in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.

E-Wallet Use Jumps 75% in Sari-Sari Stores, Fueling Digital Transformation - Packworks Report

Manila, Philippines — Sari-sari stores are rapidly digitalizing their operations, driven by a significant increase in e-wallet use, according to a new report from Filipino tech startup Packworks.

The report used their internal transaction records as the starting point to conduct a direct survey of more than 2,000 sari-sari store owners within Packworks' nationwide network of 300,000+ stores from January to August 2025.

According to the data, half of the store owners surveyed reported a 75% increase in e-wallet usage in their store operations between January and August. The remaining respondents also saw substantial growth: 20% experienced a 100% increase in usage, another 20% saw a 50% increase, and 10% reported a 10% rise.

Store owners largely attribute this growing adoption to increased consumer demand, as their customers are also turning to e-wallets to buy goods, access funds, and settle bills at their local stores.

“Maraming nang nagpapa-cash-in at cash-out at bumibili gamit ang mga e-wallet. Dahil dumarami, gusto namin masabayan ang pangangailangan nila. Nakakatulong din naman ito sa amin para magkaroon kami ng dagdag kita,” (A lot of our customers are making cash-in and cash-out transactions aside from buying products with e-wallets. Since more customers are using them, we want to keep up with their needs. It also helps us earn a little extra), said Marijane Rea, a sari-sari store owner from Laguna.

Store owners are using e-wallets for a variety of business operations. About 40% use the platforms for in-store payments, 30% for bill payments, and the remaining 30% for cash-in and cash-out transactions.

This digital shift is quickly becoming a critical source of revenue. Around 13% of store owners say their e-wallet earnings equal their revenue from physical goods. Among the rest of the respondents, e-wallets still contribute significantly: 66% say that about 20% of their revenues come from e-wallet use, and the remaining 21% say their e-wallet earnings account for 10% of their total revenue.

GCash and Maya are the widely used e-wallets, with 85% of store owners reporting using GCash for their business transactions and 15% using Maya.

“Bukod sa kita namin sa tindahan, nagkaroon kami ng dagdag kita sa paggamit sa mga e-wallet kasi meron kaming tubo na PHP 10 hanggang PHP 20 sa pag-cash-in at cash-out, o di kaya tuwing nagbabayad ng kuryente, tubig, o internet ang mga customer,” (Besides the income we earn from the store, we also get extra earnings from using e-wallets because we earn a profit of PHP 10 to PHP 20 from cash-in and cash-out transactions, or whenever customers pay for electricity, water, or internet bills), said Rachel Miguel, a store owner from Bacolod.

To increase their transaction capacity and meet surging customer demand, sari-sari stores are strategically using up to five e-wallet accounts. According to the report, with each account having a monthly limit of PHP 100,000 to PHP 500,000, the combined monthly transaction capacity is up to PHP 3.5 million.

This trend supports the 30% of store owners’ interest in upgrading their e-wallets to business accounts to maintain a higher monthly limit of PHP 1 million.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas indicated that approximately 57% of total retail transactions were cashless in 2024, highlighting the increasing use of digital payments for everyday purchases and financial transactions.

Packworks Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap highlights that sari-sari stores are rapidly embracing digital tools such as e-wallets to diversify their services and grow their businesses.

“The surge in e-wallet use proves that sari-sari stores are rapidly evolving into vital digital hubs for their communities. Aside from simply selling 'tingi' physical items, they are now diversifying their product range, offering high-margin, value-added financial services and integrating digital tools such as our app to fundamentally improve their operations and function as near-frictionless nano-banks for the neighborhoods they serve. These findings show that sari-sari stores have been at the forefront leading this digital transformation at the grassroots level,” cited Yap, “And there's an urgent need to support these micro-entrepreneurs with the right fintech to ensure they can fully capitalize on this opportunity, as they often say in sari-stores, a peso saved is a peso earned!”

For more studies and data trends insights in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.

Sari-Sari Stores See Soaring Sales in Energy Drink, Iced Tea in 2024 as Philippines Brave Hottest Year - Packworks Study

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.

Sari-Sari Stores Drive Women’s Empowerment in the Philippines - Study

March 2025 Manila, Philippines – Sari-sari stores, locally known as neighborhood mom-and-pop shops, are not just a primary source of daily essentials for around 94% of Filipinos but a vital source of empowerment among women entrepreneurs.

This is the finding of a study published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in collaboration with tech start-up Packworks. The study, titled “Gender, Microentrepreneurship, Human Flourishing: Exploring the Experiences of Women Sari-sari Store Owners toward Inclusive Growth,” found that women store owners experience significant psychological and social empowerment despite the many challenges they face.

According to the study, women owners take pride in being considered "entrepreneurs" and "business owners," providing them a sense of independence, confidence, and fulfillment from managing their micro-retail businesses. Survey participants also expressed that managing and operating sari-sari stores gives them a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

“I can buy things for myself, my kid, and my family now... I am not just a housewife anymore,” one participant in the study said. “Because of my store, I am now busy with other things apart from taking care of my family. I feel more fulfilled.”

The study also demonstrates that women store owners achieve social empowerment by earning higher social status. This is notably observed in their customers addressing them with terms of respect like 'ma'am' or 'boss,' a cultural marker of their elevated position within the community.

Furthermore, female store owners who exhibited characteristics of a “transformational leader” or qualities such as strong empathy, care, and collaboration with the community reported high levels of well-being, empowerment, optimism, and resilience. By becoming more independent and confident, women store owners were able to take on important roles within their communities.

The psychological empowerment and individual well-being the women owners experienced were evidenced by their positive results on happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and sense of agency and autonomy.

"This research underscores the resilience and transformative power of women sari-preneurs in the Philippines. They are the heart of their communities, and by supporting them, we are strengthening the social fabric of the nation,” said Packworks CEO Bing Tan. “At Packworks, we are driven by our mission to provide advanced business tools and services that allow these women to not only succeed in business but also to become leaders and change-makers within their communities," he added.

The study surveyed hundreds of female sari-sari store owners in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Region IV-A (CALABARZON) between May and June 2024. The majority of those surveyed (90%) are married with dependents, while smaller percentages are single (7%), and the remaining as separated or widowed (3%). Additionally, 78% of the respondents contribute to their household income, 16% serve as breadwinners, and 6% are single mothers.

“This reinforces our previous findings, which revealed that 75% of sari-sari stores are owned by women. Through our business intelligence tool Sari IQ, we can highlight that Filipinas hold significant control over the local economy through these micro-retail enterprises,” said Packworks Lead Data Scientist Joanne Diaz.

A Filipino startup that provides a business-to-business (B2B) open platform to sari-sari stores, Packworks empowers its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide by digitizing their daily operations with tools for pricing, inventory management, and sales tracking while also providing access to working capital, product promotions, and rewards.

Learn more about how Packworks transforms grassroots retail and empowers sari-sari store owners across the Philippines by visiting http://packworks.io/.

“Pabili Po NG Cadbury?” Pinoys Turn To Sari-Sari Stores for Premium Chocolates During Valentine’s Day - Packworks Study

February 2025 Manila, Philippines — Gone are the days when Filipinos only go to sari-sari stores for everyday essentials: now, they're increasingly becoming a go-to destination for special occasion treats, such as premium chocolates for Valentine's Day.

Tech startup Packworks, through its mobile sari-sari store app and business intelligence tool Sari IQ, has found that sari-sari stores made significant sales of premium chocolates, specifically Swiss brand Toblerone and British confectionary brand Cadbury, for Valentine’s Day based on data collected from February 1, 2022 to February 17, 2025 from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide.

According to Packworks’ data of sari-sari store sales transactions, Toblerone enjoyed nearly a 3,000% spike in sales between February 13 and 15, compared to the same days in other months. Meanwhile, Cadbury saw approximately a 500% increase in sales for the same period.

This trend was consistent across Packworks’ active user base of sari-sari stores nationwide with some notable regional spikes observed in sari-sari stores based in Region IV-A (CALABARZON) which recorded the highest sales for these chocolate brands with almost a quarter of total sales, followed by Region II (Cagayan Valley) and Region III (Central Luzon) accounting for 12% each in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). Meanwhile, the National Capital Region (NCR) was ranked 5th overall with 7% GMV.

Packworks' Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel emphasized the role of sari-sari stores as their community's extended pantry, adjusting their inventory based on seasonal demand and consumer preferences:

"Our data shows that the conventional notion that sari-sari stores only sell cheap products might be outdated. These insights suggest that these neighborhood stores can also be the source of more premium products, exemplifying how versatile they can be, evolving to the needs of their communities and fulfilling specific consumer demands, capitalizing on every opportunity, even for occasional indulgences such as these. This adaptability makes these local businesses an integral part of our Filipino social fabric, acting as a true extension of the family pantry."

Overall, Packworks recorded more than PHP 60M in sales for the total chocolate category for the peak months of February.

“This finding illustrates that sari-sari stores can be a source of premium items, not just the cheapest products, depending on the occasion and seasonal needs of their communities,” Montiel adds.

Packworks Chief Executive Officer Bing Tan shares that the data from its network of stores demonstrates Filipinos' passion and affection for loved ones during this special day, splurging on premium items like chocolates despite the rising prices of essential commodities.

"Even with rising prices, we see that Filipinos make an effort to prioritize celebrating special occasions and showing their love for family and friends. This resilience and commitment to connection are truly inspiring, and sari-sari stores play a key role in making these celebrations possible,” says Tan.

Packworks’ Sari IQ service is an innovative tool that leverages data analytics to provide valuable insights into sari-sari store selling behavior and buying patterns of sari-sari store consumers. With its ability to filter information to a per-brand or per-stock keeping unit (SKU) level, Sari IQ gathers data from sari-sari stores nationwide to discover valuable insights so that its users can make better data-driven decisions and expand their businesses for growth.

For info about Sari IQ and to uncover more seasonal data trends in sari-sari stores, you may visit http://packworks.io/ or Packworks’ Facebook page to learn more.

Packworks, dGT.asia to Spotlight Crucial Digital Transformation in Sari-Sari Stores at DigiCon 2024

October 2024 Manila, Philippines — As the backbone of the Philippines' retail economy, over 1.3 million sari-sari stores are now at the heart of the country's digital transformation, a key driver for sustained economic growth.

This critical shift will take center stage when Packworks, a Filipino startup that offers a business-to-business (B2B) FMCG marketplace for sari-sari stores, and boutique consultancy firm dGT.asia lead the discussion at the annual Digital Congress (DigiCon) organized by the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) on October 15 to 16, 2024, in Newport City, Metro Manila.

Packworks co-founder and Chief Platform Officer Hubert Yap, Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel, and dGT.asia Managing Partner Micole Bautista will participate in the panel discussion, "The distribution business evolution down to the sari-sari store," under the event track ‘From Digital Transformation to Business Evolution.’ The session will highlight the growing role of technology in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) trade and explore how it can empower sari-sari stores to thrive in a digital economy.

The Philippines' digital transformation is capable of unlocking up to PHP 5 trillion in annual economic value by 2030. However, low digital adoption among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which make up the majority of the country’s businesses, remains a significant barrier. The panel will emphasize the urgency of digital inclusion for micro-retailers like sari-sari stores, which supply daily essentials to approximately 94% of Filipinos.

Yap, with over two decades of retail experience, has long been an advocate for inclusive digital transformation in the Philippines. His vision is to democratize access to technology for underserved micro-retailers.

“Our mission has always been to drive inclusive digital transformation that empowers the most vital yet underserved segment of the retail ecosystem. We are excited to amplify this mission at DigiCon 2024 and showcase how technology can revolutionize sari-sari stores, bridging the digital gap in the Philippines and driving economic progress across communities,” said Yap.

Montiel brings 20 years of experience in the information technology (IT) sector, overseeing Packworks' data-driven platform, including the Sari IQ business tool, which allows retailers and multinational brands to gain deep visibility into sari-sari store operations, optimizing their product distribution and unlocking new customer opportunities.

Bautista, a customer leadership expert, has designed programs for leading brands across Asia, Australia, Western Europe, and the US. With extensive experience in sales, marketing, and HR across FMCG and other key industries, he uses his expertise to help businesses achieve rapid digital transformation through dGT.asia.

Packworks has been at the forefront of providing sari-sari stores with accessible technology tools to enhance their daily operations. Through the Packworks platform, over 270,000 micro-retail stores can digitize tasks such as pricing, inventory management, and revenue tracking. These stores also gain access to working capital loans and benefit from discounted products offered by partner FMCG companies. With 75% of sari-sari stores owned by women, Packworks is committed to empowering female entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and increase income.

With this year’s theme, “REVOLUTION,” DigiCon 2024 will gather over 2,000 participants, including global and local industry experts, thought leaders, and technology pioneers. Attendees from across marketing, advertising, business, academia, media, and innovation sectors will come together to explore the latest advancements and strategies for thriving in a rapidly digitizing world. Other key tracks attendees can explore during this year’s event include: 'From Ecommerce to Digitally Enabled Commerce' (Ecommerce), 'From IMC to Customer-Centric Campaigns' (Brand Building in AI Age), 'From Data Driven to Insight Driven' (Analytics RPA and Data Science), and 'From I to AI' (Innovation Labs on AI).

For more information about Packworks and its mission to empower sari-sari stores nationwide, you may visit http://packworks.io/.