STRAWBERRY FARMER’S INNOVATION ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS PAY-OFF

March 8, 2025 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Passion, hard work and innovation lead to entrepreneurial expertise. More income. With a deep passion for
innovation and a love for unique food and beverages, local entrepreneur Lourdine Joyce Masing has introduced a new product to the market, it is the strawberry vinegar. Interviewed at the sideline of Strawberry Lane , one of the
major activities in this year Strawberry Festival, Masing, a member of the La Trinidad Micro Entrepreneurs Club
(LATMEC), was inspired to show her product- strawberry vinegar.

Encouraged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), she realized that despite the abundance of strawberry-based products , strawberry vinegar was nowhere to be found. Thus, prompted Msing to take on the challenge of
bringing something new to the table. What started as a small-scale idea quickly turned into a growing business venture. Masing launched her strawberry vinegar enterprise with an initial capital of just P3K.

While developing the product, Masing increased allocate more pesos , specifically for the production of strawberry vinegar, pairing it with cucumber vinegar to test market demand. To her surprise, the cucumber vinegar sold out
quickly, likely due to consumer curiosity. Like any budding entrepreneur, Masing faced several problems to include –
sourcing high-quality raw materials, seasonal nature of strawberries, and packaging since there are no local
manufacturers of glass bottles in La Trinidad, Masing had to source her packaging materials online.

To address the issues, she decided to incorporate freeze-dried strawberries in her production process. This method allows her to produce strawberry vinegar year-round without compromising quality. Beyond its unique flavor, strawberry vinegar also boasts a range of health benefits.-rich in antioxidants, it helps combat free radicals in the body, promoting overall well-being. It also aids in digestion and metabolism, making it a beneficial addition to a healthy diet. Furthermore, strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health.

With these health benefits in mind, Masing hopes to introduce her product to a broader market. She envisions her strawberry vinegar being used not just as a culinary ingredient but also as a health supplement, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for natural and nutritious alternatives. Masing’s strawberry vinegar venture is still in its early stages, but she sees great potential for growth.

As demand for organic and natural food products continues to rise, she believes her vinegar can find a strong market not only within La Trinidad but also in other parts of the country. She vowed to sustain efforts in collaborating with local farmers and entrepreneurs to create a sustainable supply chain. By working together, they can maximize the use of locally grown strawberries, support small businesses, and strengthen the province’s reputation as a hub for innovative strawberry products.

Von Rick P. Angway/UB-Intern