Phoenix inks LPG distribution deal with retailer

A UNIT of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. has tied up with Grainsmart Corp. to exclusively market, distribute and sell the independent oil company’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products in the rice retailers’ stores nationwide.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the listed company said a memorandum of agreement between Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. and Grainsmart Corp. was signed on Wednesday.
The Phoenix Super LPG products will be available in Grainsmart stores “soon,” the company said.
“Our combined network will benefit the most those who are already using and those who would like to try our brand but does not have easy access to it yet,” said Julgin Anthony G. Villanueva, Phoenix LPG general manager for Luzon.
Phoenix Petroleum, the listed independent oil company led by Davao City businessman Dennis A. Uy, described Grainsmart as “the leading special rice grains retail chain store in the Philippines with over 300 stores nationwide.”
The partnership with Grainsmart is expected “to further amplify the availability and accessibility of Phoenix SUPER LPG in the country.”
Start-up business owners who are interested in adding complementary products in their portfolio may avail of the “4-in-1” package to be offered by Grainsmart that will include the Phoenix Super LPG and Posible, a digital transaction device, along with their rice and water product offerings.
“The partnership with Grainsmart will provide our business partners a new option on how they can grow their businesses, expand their reach, and provide Filipinos with complementary products at the best value,” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert R. Fadullon said.
Phoenix Petroleum said since last year, Phoenix Super LPG has been aggressively expanding its foothold nationwide by opening Phoenix Super Hub, which it called a “stand-alone community-focused store.”
The store offers Phoenix Super LPG cylinders available for pickup and delivery as well as product installation and handling assistance for clients. The expansion includes forging strategic partnerships with industries that use LPG as an alternative power source.
Phoenix Super LPG is “the improved and re-branded” Gas Petronas, the new addition to Phoenix Petroleum’s portfolio that was acquired in 2017.
Sought to comment on the arrangement with Grainsmart store owners, Phoenix Petroleum Vice-President for External Affairs Raymond T. Zorrilla said: “Grainsmart does not carry any other LPG or payment center brands. Phoenix is Grainsmart’s only and exclusive partner.”
Grainsmart is owned by Benjamin B. Batac, who is also the company’s chief executive officer.
Phoenix Petroleum has previously acquired the Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart. It has also ventured into the asphalt business with PhilAsphalt Development Corp. and Thailand’s Tipco Asphalt Public Co. Ltd.
The company has ongoing talks on a potential liquefied natural gas (LNG) business in the country with China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) Gas and Power Group Co. Ltd.
On Wednesday, shares in Phoenix Petroleum were unchanged at P11.80 each. — Victor V. Saulon