ORGANIQUE Inc., the company behind the Organique Acai Berry health drink, has identified Thailand, Singapore, USA, China and Dubai as main markets for expansion as it eyes sustaining healthy growth in sales in the coming years. Organique Inc. vice president Catherine Salimbangon said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc presents a huge opportunity for expansion on the back of the region's over 600 million potential consumers, plus the growing global health-conscious market.

By year end, Salimbangon said, the company will start distributing Organique Acai Berry products in Thailand and will soon have its business registered in Singapore for product distribution.

Under negotiation, though, is their distribution in China. Also this year, Salimbangon said they are looking to penetrate the mainstream US market. By 2018, the company will also join an expo in Dubai to signify its strong interest to penetrate the high-income Middle East market. Organique Inc. is a US-based company with the purpose of developing trade and retail food supplements made from acai berry.

The business was conceptualized by Cebuanos Joseph and Catherine Salimbangon in 2008. The couple in the past has already sought the expertise of Prof. Enrique Soriano, a business consultant, to guide them in their regional expansion.

"More than the money, we are after spreading our advocacy on health and wellness. We want families to get into the healthier lifestyle," said Catherine, who worked previously as a nurse in the United States. Back to nature She said local sales have been doing well as consumers now realize the benefits of going back to nature—"the simpler the better." She said the prevalence of serious illnesses, even in young people, has encouraged the consumers to shift to a healthier lifestyle.

Acai berries, which originated from Brazil, are considered "superfood," a term used to describe nutrient-rich food that is good for one's health. These berries are known for having one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants.

The Salimbangons brought the Organique Acai Berry brand to the Philippines in 2009 by introducing its flagship product— Organique Acai Premium Blend, the most potent acai juice concentrate with over 12,000 milligrams of acai per 30 ml serving.

Yesterday, the company formally launched in Cebu its latest addition, the Freeze Dried Acai Caps (capsule), which are ideal for on-the-go consumers. A pack which has 10 capsules is sold at P247.50. Organique Acai Berry products are available in all leading drugstores and supermarkets.