128 years of San Miguel Corporation

Summary

The video script narrates the rich history of San Miguel Corporation, deeply intertwined with the Filipino people. From its 19th-century beginnings as a brewery founded by Enrique Maria Barredo, the company has grown into a major conglomerate. It faced challenges like prohibition and World War II, but emerged stronger, diversifying into food, beverages, and even infrastructure. Today, San Miguel is a symbol of Filipino identity, with a legacy of innovation and resilience.

Takeaways

• 🏭 The story of San Miguel Corporation is deeply intertwined with the history of the Philippines, reflecting a shared past.
• 🏛️ Enrique Maria Barredo, the founder of San Miguel, started the first brewery in the Philippines, originally scheduled to open on September 29 but opened on October 4 due to a storm.
• 🍺 San Miguel Brewery was Southeast Asia's first brewery and began exporting beer as early as 1891.
• 🔄 The company expanded under new leadership by 1912, acquiring the Oriental Brewery and an ice company, marking its first steps into the food and beverage industry beyond beer.
• 🍦 San Miguel purchased the Magnolia ice cream plant, which was a pioneer in sanitary manufacturing techniques, and expanded into dairy products like milk and cottage cheese.
• 🥤 During Prohibition in the United States, San Miguel explored non-alcoholic beverages, successfully bottling Royal Tru-Orange and becoming the first bottler of Coca-Cola outside the mainland U.S.
• 🏗️ World War II brought significant challenges for San Miguel, with its facilities seized by the Japanese Imperial Army and later destroyed, necessitating post-war rebuilding efforts led by Andre Soriano.
• 🔄 Post-war, San Miguel made strategic acquisitions, such as the Balintawak beer company, and ventured into new industries, becoming more integrated into Filipino daily life.
• 🌐 San Miguel Corporation has grown into one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with diverse interests including oil, petrochemicals, power, and infrastructure.
• 🚀 The company's history, which began with a single beer product, has evolved to contribute significantly to the Filipino identity and the nation's development.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of San Miguel Corporation in the Philippines?

San Miguel Corporation is intertwined with the history of the Philippines, representing a shared history with the Filipino people. It has been a part of the nation's development and is seen as an integral part of Filipino identity.

Where was the first San Miguel brewery located?

The first San Miguel brewery, 'la fábrica de cerveza de San Miguel', was located in Intramuros, Manila, near the summer home of the Spanish governors-general and the church dedicated to San Miguel Archangel.

Why was the initial opening of the brewery postponed?

The initial opening of the brewery was scheduled for September 29, but due to a storm, it had to be postponed and eventually opened on October 4.

Who was the founder of San Miguel Corporation and what was his profession?

Enrique Maria Barredo was the founder of San Miguel Corporation. He was a well-known businessman and the owner of a photo studio.

What was the role of Pedro Pablo Rojas in the early years of San Miguel Corporation?

Pedro Pablo Rojas was hired to manage the enterprise and he adopted the latest European standards in brewing, ensuring the quality of the beer and the adoption of modern technologies.

When did San Miguel Corporation start exporting its beer?

San Miguel Corporation started exporting its beer, 'cerveza de San Miguel', barely a year from its foundation in 1890.

Why did San Miguel Corporation acquire the Oriental Brewery and an ice company?

San Miguel Corporation acquired the Oriental Brewery and an ice company in 1919 as part of its expansion strategy and to meet the growing demand for ice, which was essential for brewing and maintaining the quality of beers.

What was the significance of the Magnolia brand for San Miguel Corporation?

The Magnolia brand was significant as it marked San Miguel's entry into the food and beverage industry beyond beer. It started with an ice cream plant and expanded to include milk and cottage cheese.

How did the Prohibition in the United States affect San Miguel Corporation?

Although Prohibition in the United States did not extend to the Philippines, it prompted San Miguel Corporation to explore other options such as producing carbonated drinks like Royal Tru Orange.

What challenges did San Miguel Corporation face during World War II?

During World War II, San Miguel Corporation faced significant challenges as its facilities were seized by the Japanese Imperial Army, and its plants for Royal Tru Orange, Magnolia dairy products, and cold storage were ruined.

Who led San Miguel Corporation during the post-war reconstruction period?

Andre Soriano, also known as Colonel Soriano, led San Miguel Corporation during the post-war reconstruction period, overseeing the rebuilding of the company's infrastructure and business.