KONJAC: FROM ANCIENT STAPLE TO MODERN SUPERFOOD

Rice is the star of the Filipino dining table.

- MYLENE MENDOZA-DAYRIT

Nutrifam owners Gilbert Matthew C. Go, Gerald Martin C. Go, Ludovic Lyo K. Ong accept the Robinsons Supermarket Trade Partner of The Year Award. They started the company to make healthier food substitutes more affordable.

And as the Philippines confronts surging lifestyle diseases like diabetes, a powerful shift is happening. Filipinos are seeking options that do not compromise their health.The star of the shift is shirataki rice which is derived from the konjac plant's root. This “miracle” food, virtually calorie-free and carbohydrate-free, has exploded in popularity in the last two years. This aligns with global low-carb and keto trends. Locally, Nutrifam helped fuel the shift.

The company founders, who began their own wellness journey 10 years ago, realized that the “superfoods” that changed their lives were too expensive and hard to find. They went on a clear mission: to make healthy living attainable for every Filipino household.

Here is an exclusive interview with Gilbert Matthew C. Go, president of Nutrifam, to discuss the challenges they overcame in the early days and the inspiring vision that continues to fuel their quest to redefine what's on the Filipino plate.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: Nutrifam is considered a go-to brand for healthier ingredients or food substitutions. How early did you start, and what were the hurdles in terms of market acceptance?