COMPANY PROFILE

INTRODUCTION

J.K. Mercado initially ventured into production and distribution of Cavendish bananas in 1971. With the skilled and motivated work force, the company later ventured into Hog farming which has grown steadily over the years with its allied businesses such as cut flowers, crocodile farming and ostrich farming. With these developments, JK Mercado is now aggressively participating with ever-growing initiatives to source sustainable production of Bananas & Hogs; support the local community and protect the environment through conservation and education.

HISTORY

Founded in 1971 as a Philippine-based company with interests in the Agri-business, Hog Farming, Flori-culture and Tourism. The company traces its roots to Dr. Jesus Keyser Mercado, born & raised in Sasmuan, Pampanga and finished Medicine in 1937 at the University of Sto. Tomas. In 1946, after serving in the United States Army of the Far East as a medical officer, he was assigned in Kapalong, Davao as the Municipal Maternity and Charity Physician. A Medical Doctor by profession, but his love for farming encouraged him to venture into abacca, logging & eventually to enter the banana plantation business which he then called J.K. Mercado & Sons Agricultural Enterprises, Inc. He was the Chairman, President & CEO of the company from 1971 until his retirement, when he relinquished the chair to his son, Vicente P. Mercado.

In 1982, Severino P. Mercado, the eldest son of Dr. Jesus K. Mercado took over the banana plantation and became the company’s President & General Manager. In the same year, the company expanded into Hog farming business with just 2 boars and 10 finishers. At present the swine farm has an average population of about 12,000 animals . Pag-Asa Farms serves local markets in Butuan City and some other abattoirs in Davao City. It has secured a market niche in its immediate areas of influence in Caraga Region, Davao del Norte & Davao City where it assumes its bulk of sales at a frequency of 2-3 times a week.

In the late 1980’s, orchids that were planted within the farmhouse vicinity in Pag-Asa, Kapalong as a mere hobby was transformed into a full-pledged business. What was then a 50 square meter orchid farm is now a 5 hectare cut flower (4.5 hectares) and ornamentals (.5 hectare) plantation.

In the year 2000, the crocodile and ostrich business was started. It has a current population of about 2,000 Crocodylus porosus species and 80 ostriches. J.K. Mercado is planning to venture into the international market for the rising demand in ostrich feathers, ostrich and crocodile leather and its by-products. JKM interacts with the Crocodile Specialists Group (CSG), which is a worldwide network of biologists, wildlife managers, government officials, independent researchers, NGO representatives, farmers, traders, tanners, fashion leaders, and private companies actively involved in the conservation of the world's 23 living species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials in the wild. In particular, J.K. Mercado has recently acquired 10 Crocodylus mindorensis from CFI, and 2 from Silliman University in its joint efforts to conserve these endangered species.

J.K. Mercado is committed to the conservation of the Crocodylus mindorensis. For more information, please refer to the "CONSERVATION" link located at the top of the home page.

In 2004, the private animal collection was turned into a mini-zoo and wildlife rescue center which was later accredited by the DENR. About 300 individuals of 10 different species are in the animal collection. The mini-zoo offers educational awareness to elementary school children as well as tourists of the environmental significance of the endemic animals found in the collection, some of which are surrendered to the institution because of illegal poaching and habitat destruction. The place also offers a peaceful setting for tourists to enjoy nature and to experience the neighboring local communities.

J.K. Mercado has built a strong reputation for growing and delivering export-quality fresh produce, primarily Cavendish bananas and has a solid place in the local pig industry where it has built a network of clients over the years that have allowed it to generate enough income to continue its expansion projects.

MISSION and VISION

Our Mission
• Provides brighter future
J.K. Mercado is involved in the many programs and projects designed to strengthen the local community. These include agricultural & housing assistance, financial support to charities, education and training, donations & employment.

Our Vision
• Provider of Quality Products
Our goal, therefore, is to provide superior value in every product category and market sector in which we compete.

Our Core Values
• Excellence
• Teamwork
• Innovativeness
• Commitment
• Professionalism

J.K. Mercado today holds a portfolio of diverse business interests. Aside from agriculture, hog farming, Tourism and Flori-culture, the company has expanded into meat processing business. Driven by its commitment to its buyers, J.K. Mercado will undertake more expansion projects in the future.