FEL Bakeshop: A SETUP success story
Since its
establishment in 2010, Fel Bakeshop has flourished as a sole proprietorship
business under the dedicated ownership and management of Jonrel Madelo and his
wife, Adafel Madelo. In their early twenties, they worked together at a modest
bakeshop in Surigao City. Fueled by their passion for baking and a fervent
desire to have a bakeshop of their own, Jonrel, the skilled head baker, and
Adefel, who served diligently as a cashier, seized the opportunity to purchase
the bakeshop where they had tirelessly worked in and renamed it Fel Bakeshop.
Operating around the clock, Fel Bakeshop initially relied on a humble oven as
its primary equipment, reflecting the determination and resourcefulness of its
founders during its formative years.
Recognizing the
potential for expansion and the imperative to enhance production capabilities,
Adefel sought the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
– Surigao del Norte in 2017 through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading
Program (SETUP). With the innovation fund, they were able to acquire new
digital gas oven, planetary mixer, loaf bread slice, and spiral kneader. The
upgraded equipment played a pivotal role in propelling the business forward,
effectively doubling its production capacity from nine trays to an impressive
18 trays. This notable increase can be attributed to the reduced reliance on
manual labor and the incorporation of automated processes. Notably, the
equipment provided by DOST also proved to be cost-effective, resulting in lower
gas consumption.
As a testament to the positive impact of these improvements, Fel Bakeshop achieved remarkable success in 2018, witnessing substantial growth in gross sales generated and surpassing the previous year's performance.
Through DOST
SETUP, Fel Bakeshop availed of a range of Science and Technology (S&T)
services, including equipment upgrading, packaging and labelling assistance,
technology trainings on product development and sensory evaluation, and
consultancy programs such as the Manufacturing, Productivity, and Extension
Program (MPEX) and Food Safety. These technology interventions played a pivotal
role in enhancing the overall operations, product offerings, and marketing
strategies of the business.
Following the
SETUP assistance, Fel Bakeshop demonstrated exceptional resilience and
unwavering determination, successfully expanding its operations despite the
challenging circumstances posed by the pandemic. Remarkably, the company
established six branches across the province, further solidifying its presence
and catering to a wider customer base. In addition to these physical branches,
Fel Bakeshop also took an innovative step forward by setting up two mobile
bakery trucks, capable of efficiently serving bakery products in diverse
settings, such as festivals and public celebrations. This strategic move
enables the business to extend its reach to previously untapped areas within
the city and throughout Surigao del Norte, ensuring that their delectable
bakery delights can now reach a broader clientele.
From its humble
beginnings with just five personnel, Fel Bakeshop has grown exponentially, now
proudly offering employment opportunities to a dedicated team of over 50
employees. Adafel attributes the success of the business to the essential
virtues of patience, hard work, and perseverance, which she believes to be key
ingredients for a thriving enterprise.
For more
information about Fel Bakeshop and their delightful range of products, we
invite you to follow them on their Facebook page FEL BAKESHOPE. You can also browse their website https://fel-bakeshop.business.
