French choco, cheese firms eye Clark investment

MANILA, Philippines — Two French companies are putting up food manufacturing facilities in Clark, Pampanga which are expected to generate nearly 1,000 jobs, the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) said.

CDC president and CEO Noel Manankil said the agency would sign this month a land lease agreement with Savencia Fromage & Dairy for the latter’s planned cheese factory in Clark.

Savencia Fromage & Dairy is a French food company specializing in the production of cheeses.

Manankil said the company is investing P2 billion for the plant which is expected to require 500 workers.

Meanwhile, another company, La Rose Noire, intends to put up a P250-million chocolate factory which will employ about 400 once operational, according to CDC.

“We just approved their building permit so they can start construction anytime soon. I’m very excited about this chocolate factory because the cacao requirements they will use, 66 percent will be sourced from the Philippines,” Manankil said.

La Rose Noire in 2012 opened a state-of-the-art factory in Clark to meet the demands from over 40 countries in five continents. 

Manankil said the factory produces French macaroons.

CDC said La Rose Noire has already invested P545.7 million in the existing facility and has employed 1,733 as of end-2017. 

“Because of La Rose’s good experience here, they have decided to partner and invite firms for the cheese and chocolate factories,” Manankil said.

Manankil cited the investment climate, availability of manpower, and surrounding communities as Clark’s value propositions for foreign investors.

“In CDC, you’ll only talk to one face of government, which is one of the biggest factors especially for foreign investors,” he said.