BLUGRE Coffee continues to expand its franchises outside its comfort zone, with its several branches nationwide and soon outside the country.
Blugre owner Benjamin M. Cuaresma Jr. said they have agreed with their partners to open a branch in New Zealand by second-third quarter in 2018.
Cuaresma said the New Zealand branch is estimated to be a 130-square meters area. He added that the logo of the shop and coffees will be the same, but it would have a little different setup in construction.
"We are just finalizing everything, particularly the food to serve, since New Zealand is another country. But definitely we will bring Davao there as we’re still going to offer what we have here," Cuaresma said.
Aside from New Zealand, Blugre co-owner Judilyn Pagulayan said, Blugre will also open branches in Gaisano-Buhangin, Barangay Mintal in Tugbok District, and Toril District, all in Davao City in 2019.
Pagulayan said they will also open another shop in Baguio City and Palawan.
Aside from branches in Davao City, the coffee shop also has branches at the Malacañang Complex, Taguig City, Taytay in Rizal, Cebu City, Iligan City, Zamboanga City, Koronadal City, General Santos City, and Kidapawan City.
Blugre Coffee was founded 1998 by Gatchi and wife Larcy Gatchalian, both Manilenos who considered themselves as Dabawenyos by heart, before Cuaresma couple bought it from them in November 2011.
Its first branch was mounted at Landco Corporate Center in Bajada, Davao City, followed with another branch at Matina Town Square. Now, it has branches at Davao SM City, Gaisano Mall, and SM Lanang.
Blugre Coffee has been making waves in Davao for its signature drink the Durian Coffeeccino. The native Durian, dubbed as the "King of Fruit," is mixed with pure Arabica coffee, a coffee that is exceptionally tasty and popular, and provides health benefits to its consumers.
Cuaresma said Blugre and its products captured the discriminating taste not only of the locals but also the international market. He added that the coffeeshop is a go-to destination of both Dabawenyos and tourists following its exceptional products, relaxing ambiance, and services.
To improve the distribution of products and growing demand, the Blugre Global Franchising, Inc. entered into an agreement with TR Ikonomical Consultants (TRIC) to use the Ikonomikal Cloud ERP, a world class quality software made by Filipinos using the latest cloud technology.
"We're happy that we were able to bring the Blugre Coffee experience to other places. This development is in response to the customers who have been clamoring for us to expand not only in Davao City," Benjamin said.
Blugre has been bestowed awards by National Shopper’s Choice Awards (where it is a Hall of Famer), Asia-Pacific Shopper’s Institute which named it Best Coffee Shop in Davao, Shopper’s Choice Magazine, Essence Privilege Card, and the Asian Philippine Association of Marketing Professionals.