Innovation

Mega Global Corporation launched Mega Sardines in 2000, highlighting their innovative Catch-to-Canning Process. Operating from their fishing fleet in Zamboanga, Philippines, the sardines are caught using purse seine nets, which are environmentally friendly and ensure sustainable fishing practices. These sardines are immediately stored in refrigerated seawater tanks onboard the fishing vessels. Upon reaching the canning facility, they are transferred to the processing plant using insulated containers to maintain their freshness. The processing begins with cleaning, sorting, pre-cooking, packing, sealing, and sterilising.

The 12-hour Catch-to-Canning process ensures that Mega Sardines are the freshest sardines available to Filipinos. This rapid processing preserves the sardines' natural flavour and texture and retains essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins.

In addition to its efficient catch-to-canning process, Mega Global actively engages in ocean cleanup drives, leveraging its fleet's presence in the middle of the ocean. They also implement various practices to protect marine ecosystems, ensuring a steady supply of sardines for future generations.

The classic easy-open can of Mega Sardines

Inspiration

"When Mega was introduced, there were a lot of manufacturing companies already, so when they entered, they needed to make it different."

Mr William Tiu Lim began his business by selling fresh catch fish to canning companies. However, he soon faced significant challenges with leftover produce because many manufacturing companies preferred to buy at cheaper prices from other sellers. To overcome this issue and leverage the high quality of his fish, Mr. William strategically decided to manufacture his sardines. He believed that he could offer the best quality fish to the market by doing so.

In the early 2000s, when Mega Sardines was introduced, the market was already saturated with well-established sardine brands. The competition was fierce, making it difficult to penetrate the market. During this time, Mr. William and his team noticed that none of the existing brands communicated the process behind their products. While some brands emphasised taste, they never highlighted the process of how their sardines were made.

Mr. William saw this as an opportunity to differentiate Mega Sardines from its competitors. He highlighted their unique "12 hours from catching to canning" system, which ensured the freshest and highest quality sardines. This commitment to quality and transparency in their process helped Mega Sardines stand out in the crowded market, appealing to consumers who valued both taste and the quality of the production process.

Overall impact

"In 2015, we became number 1 sardines in the Philippines."

Despite entering the market relatively late, with some other brands in the industry for over 50 years, Mega Sardines became the number-one sardine brand in just 15 years. Their continuous innovations since launching have been critical to their success. One of the significant innovations they introduced was the easy-open can, a first among canning brands.

The decision to implement easy-open cans was not just a business move, but a testament to the brand's commitment to addressing practical challenges their consumers face. During unfortunate events like typhoons, when Filipino families often need to evacuate to shelters, finding a can opener can be tricky. By offering easy-open cans, Mega Sardines reassured people that they could still access their product without additional tools, even in emergencies. This development marked a significant milestone for the brand, enhancing convenience for consumers and further solidifying Mega Sardines' commitment to quality and innovation. This innovation contributed significantly to the brand's growing popularity and market presence.

Since the launch of their product, Mega Sardines has consistently provided quality products at an affordable price. While they acknowledge that they may not be the cheapest option in the market, they emphasize that their quality far surpasses that of their competitors. Their freshness is unmatched, setting a high standard in the industry. In the long term, this focus on quality has helped establish a consumer perception that quality should be a crucial factor in purchasing decisions. Mega Sardines' unwavering dedication to maintaining high standards has built trust among consumers and positioned them as a leader in the sardine market.

Business benefit

Mega Global, the parent company of Mega Sardines, has experienced significant growth and success due to its innovative strategies and commitment to quality. By implementing the "12 hours from catching to canning" system, Mega Sardines ensured their sardines' freshness and superior quality, setting them apart from competitors. This focus on quality helped the brand quickly gain market share and become the number one sardine brand within 15 years, despite entering the market relatively late.

Due to its dedication to quality and continuous innovation, Mega Global has seen substantial revenue growth. The company's success with Mega Sardines laid the foundation for further expansion into new markets and product lines. It introduced Mega Tuna, catering to consumers looking for high-quality tuna products. Additionally, Mega Prime Canned Vegetables, including kernel corn, green peas, and mushrooms, have become popular among consumers seeking convenient, nutritious options.

Mega Global's expansion has not only led to significant growth in revenue but also a substantial increase in employment opportunities. With its workforce of over 5,000 people, the company has been a key contributor to economic growth and job creation in various regions. By engaging local fishermen from Zamboanga, Batangas, and Bicol, Mega Global not only ensures a steady supply of fresh fish for their products but also supports local communities. This local employment strategy not only boosts the company's operations but also enhances the livelihoods of many families in these areas, a fact that we are immensely proud of.

Social and environmental benefit

"We make sure that we don't spoil the resources that we have "

At Mega Global, our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and community welfare is at the core of everything we do. We implement a range of interconnected initiatives that benefit both society and the environment. A cornerstone of our approach is our strict adherence to regulations and policies regarding natural resources. For instance, we comply with the local government-imposed fishing season in Zamboanga, which runs only from March to November. This practice helps prevent overfishing and ensures the sustainability of fish populations. Additionally, we use only approved vessels and nets that meet regulatory standards, prohibiting the use of small, non-compliant nets. These sustainable fishing practices protect marine ecosystems and ensure a stable supply of quality fish for future generations.

Supporting local communities is another integral part of Mega Global's operations. The company's plants hire employees from the surrounding areas, providing much-needed jobs and stimulating the local economy. By employing local fishermen from Zamboanga, Batangas, and Bicol, Mega Global fosters sustainable fishing practices while offering these fishermen a stable income. Furthermore, the company runs feeding programs, giving back to their communities and enhancing overall welfare. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of their business operations extend beyond economic gains to include social improvements.

At Mega Global, we firmly commit to environmental sustainability. We use renewable energy and effective waste management to reduce our environmental impact. Our plants are powered by solar systems, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. We have implemented a zero-waste management system, including treatment plants within our facilities, to ensure that waste is appropriately managed and treated. Fish waste, such as heads and tails, is sold and processed in a fish mill, minimising waste and creating additional value from by-products. These measures highlight our dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency.

In addition to these initiatives, Mega Global actively participates in ocean clean-up efforts. They use carriers equipped with net wings that collect garbage from fishing grounds as they return to port. This accumulated waste is then segregated and adequately disposed of, contributing to cleaner oceans and reducing marine pollution. By integrating these practices into their operations, Mega Global enhances environmental stewardship and supports broader efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Overall, Mega Global's interconnected initiatives in sustainable fishing, local employment, renewable energy, waste management, and ocean clean-ups demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Through these efforts, the company sets a strong example for corporate responsibility, showing that business success can go hand-in-hand with positive social and environmental impact.

Interview

Elenn Manalang, Corporate Communications Manager