For this month’s MSME Spotlight, we shine the light on Sandria’s Delicious Concept, a fast-rising culinary venture that’s redefining local food innovation in Minglanilla, Cebu. Founded with a passion for flavor and a commitment to quality, Sandria’s has quickly become a go-to name for authentic and homemade delicacies with a modern twist. 

Since its start as a small kitchen enterprise supplying canteen food on November 18, 2018, Sandria’s has grown into a thriving micro-business. Today, it offers a variety of traditional Filipino treats, including barquillos, rosquillos, egg cracklets, peanut cookies, pianono, and otap. The company is also currently preparing to launch new products, such as ready-to-eat meals and frozen delights. 

Sandria’s success is credited to using fresh ingredients and preserving traditional recipes. From signature snacks to seasonal specialties, it continues to win the hearts—and taste buds—of its growing customer base. 

“Inspired by a friend in the catering business, I began developing native snacks and expanded from school canteens to major establishments in Cebu and abroad. Despite challenges, including the pandemic, we’ve grown into a competitive food supplier with our customers,” said Ms. Sandra Rillo Cadusale, managing owner and CEO of the establishment. 

But success was not a piece of cake; it was met with challenges. Financial matters have been the toughest impediment — opportunities abounded, yet financing remained elusive. While loan applications were onerous and slow-moving, Sandria persisted, by sheer will and perseverance. 

Support came in the form of productivity training programs, introduced by RTWPB-VII personnel and through the social media. Courses like Social Media Marketing and the 7S of Good Housekeeping helped Sandria’s transform its operations, improving workspace efficiency, expanding market reach, and boosting workers productivity. 

Social Media Marketing and the 7S of Good Housekeeping are one of the productivity training programs of the NWPC and the RTWPBs under the Productivity Toolbox.  

Social Media Marketing explains the conceptsof social media and socialmedia marketing and guides the participants on how to create a social media plan. 7S of Good Housekeeping introduces a workplace organization method consisting of different approaches to maintain a tidy, clutter-free work area that fosters efficiency and improves productivity. 

Aside from being the champion in regional and national Productivity Olympics in 2021, Sandria’s has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Sugbo Negosyo Awardee and was featured in DTI’s Zero to Hero 2023. From just five staff members, the business has grown to a team of 50, while maintaining its commitment to inclusive and non-discriminatory employment. 

“One memorable milestone was joining the Propak in Bangkok, Thailand, and Hong Kong Trade Expo, where we proudly showcased our products internationally. I was also honored to share our success story during the FILCEB Summit, inspiring fellow entrepreneurs and proving that with dedication and hard work, growth is possible even for small local businesses,” said Ms. Cadusale.  

From local kitchens to global expos, Sandria’s Delicious Concept proves that MSMEs can dream big and deliver even bigger—one delicious bite at a time. Pag produktibo, aasenso! (Contributed by RTWPB-VII)