Iloilo City dried fish up for national markets

ILOILO CITY – Talk of dried fish from this southern city continues to amuse consumers in areas outside of Iloilo especially in Metro Manila and the name Ninfel Dried Fish of Iloilo City almost always prevails.

Small scale entrepreneur Ninfa Buñe never dreamed her business of selling dried fish at the Iloilo City central market and city terminal “super” market would reach national recognition in the markets of Manila, Cebu and Davao.

Ninfel dried fish, culled from her name Ninfa and husband Felix, formally started operation of dried fish trading in 1992 at the terminal “super” market in this city with dried fish stocks from northern Iloilo, especially in the coastal town of Estancia known as the Alaska of the Philippines, from Roxas City in Capiz province and even from the province of Antique and southern towns of Iloilo.

Five years later, a new stall was opened at the Iloilo Central Market along Ma. Clara. But Typhoon Frank in 2008 almost wiped out her stock inventories by the flood that caused damage to her business.

Ninfa started participating in trade fairs showing her unique fish packaging that surely entices buyers. She participated in several Iloilo trade fairs, Davao trade expo and international food exhibition in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

Her slow but sure move brought the lucrative business back in due time and Ninfel dried fish became a household name for tasty and clean dried fish.

Assistance was given by the Department of Trade and Industry on improving the business label. In 2010, Ninfel opened a pasalubong center at the Iloilo airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo to widen its marketing base.

Similarly, the Department of Science and Technology assisted Ninfel through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program. Ninfel was able to acquire DOST equipment to enhance the working area for packaging and labeling.

Retail selling of dried fish is Ninfel’s main strength and has 13 full-time employees to man their two main stores. Her products comprise of dried danggit, pinakas of different fish species, kalkag or dried small shrimps, ginamos or shrimp paste, dried dilis, dried squid, dried slice fish and many more.

Iloilo dried fish is now a main ingredient in the Ilonggo eating table even if they are in Europe, the United States or in any Asian country. (Sunnex)