Pocofino Hong Kong expansion under way
By Aubrey Rose A. Inosante
PHILIPPINE coffee brand Pocofino said it has line up several store expansions this year, including one in Hong Kong store and the delayed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) project last year.
“We’re also considering ourselves as an international company, so we’re also looking to expand in Hong Kong, which has already started,” Pocofino Director Tuesday S. Angliongto told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of an event on Friday.
Pocofino has major brands in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Greenhills Promenade and Wack Wack Road in Mandaluyong City.
In line with its aggressive push for expansion, Ms. Angliongto said the company’s next locations will be at Ellis condominium in Makati City, Eastwood and Gateway Mall.
There are kiosk-like Pocofino branches at Greenhills and NAIA called Chiosco Pocofino.
Ms. Angliongto said Pocofino is considering setting up a branch on Boracay Island in Aklan province, but they would focus on Metro Manila in the first half while operations are still small.
“We had some inquiries already for outside Manila,” she said. “We just need to get our backend ready to support these new businesses and partnerships.”
Ms. Angliongto said last year’s performance was positive even if several expansion plans did not proceed due to “external circumstances.”
Pocofino is in partnership with restaurants such as Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings, Raintree Hospitality, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen and more.
Ms. Angliongto said Pocofino has considered an initial public offering but is “not yet there.”
Its first brick-and-mortar shop in BGC runs 24 hours and sees people on night shifts, students studying late and business process outsourcing workers.
She also said Pocofino is eyeing a price increase this year.
“And especially since we work with imported coffee, the shipping is up this year because of the conflicts in the area,” she said.
Pocofino is known for its espresso shots and use of authentic Italian blends.
