PAANO NAGSIMULA ANG ZEST-O? | Alfredo Yao Success Story

Summary

This video delves into the inspiring story of Alfredo Yao, the Filipino-Chinese businessman behind Zest-O, one of the Philippines' most popular juice brands. From his humble beginnings as a street vendor's son, Yao built a packaging business and, after discovering a new technology abroad, launched Zest-O in 1980. The video explores his journey, the brand's growth, its impact on Filipino culture, and Yao's philanthropy, which supports underprivileged students. Viewers are encouraged to share their Zest-O memories and favorite flavors in the comments.

Takeaways

• 🥤 Zest-O juice drink has been a part of Filipino culture for nearly 40 years, popular among 90s kids and still beloved today.
• 👨‍💼 Alfredo Yao, a Filipino-Chinese businessman, is the founder of Zest-O and is known as the 'Juice King' of the Philippines.
• 💡 Alfredo Yao's story exemplifies how poverty doesn't prevent success, as he helped his family from a young age and started a business at 17.
• 🏭 Yao first ventured into the packaging business, creating his own company called Solemar Commercial Press, which lasted for nearly 20 years.
• 📦 In 1979, Yao discovered a new packaging technology called Doypack (similar to Tetrapack), which inspired him to create his own juice product after clients showed no interest in the packaging.
• 🍊 Zest-O was born in 1980, starting with an orange juice drink that used the new Doypack technology, with Mon Dellosa helping to design the iconic brand name and packaging.
• 🌍 Zest-O grew rapidly, offering various flavors like Guyabano, Mango, and Pineapple, and expanded its products to include dairy and cooking oil, becoming a household name.
• 🚍 The 'Zesto Gang' was a famous scam where juice drinks were sold on buses, catching many passengers off-guard and forcing them to pay.
• 💼 Alfredo Yao's business empire expanded to include the Philippine Business Bank, RC Cola, and Air Asia Zest, cementing his place as one of the richest people in the country.
• 🎓 Yao founded the Alfredo M. Yao Foundation to support underprivileged but intelligent students, a cause close to his heart due to his own struggle with education.

Q & A

Who is the founder of Zest-O, and what is his background?

The founder of Zest-O is Alfredo Yao, a Filipino-Chinese businessman who rose from poverty. He started working at a young age after his father died, helping his mother, who was a street vendor. Despite financial struggles, he ventured into business and eventually created the successful Zest-O brand.

How did Alfredo Yao come up with the idea of Zest-O?

Alfredo Yao got the idea for Zest-O after attending a trade show in France in 1979, where he saw a packaging technology called Doypack. After no clients were interested in using the machine he purchased for this packaging, he decided to produce his own juice drink, leading to the creation of Zest-O in 1980.

What does the name 'Zest-O' mean, and how was it created?

The name 'Zest-O' was created by Mon Dellosa, a Fine Arts professor at the University of Santo Tomas. 'Zest' refers to liveliness or excitement, and it is also the French word for orange peel, fitting for their original orange juice product. The 'O' in the name adds a playful twist.

What were some of the early challenges Alfredo Yao faced with his packaging business?

One of the early challenges Alfredo Yao faced was finding clients interested in the Doypack packaging technology he had brought to the Philippines. When no one showed interest, he decided to create his own product, which became Zest-O, turning the problem into an opportunity.

Why did Alfredo Yao grow a mustache when starting his business?

Alfredo Yao grew a mustache at a young age to appear older and more credible when dealing with business clients. He started his own printing business, Solemar Commercial Press, at just 17 years old.

How did Zest-O become successful in the Philippines?

Zest-O became successful because it was affordable, delicious, and conveniently packaged in foil packs, making it easy to refrigerate. Over time, the product became a household name, surpassing competitors and expanding to different flavors and products.

What other businesses and products are associated with Alfredo Yao?

Apart from Zest-O, Alfredo Yao's businesses include Sun-Glo juice, Dutch Maid dairy products, and ARC Refreshments Corporation, which produces RC Cola. He also founded the Philippine Business Bank and owned Zest Airways, which was later renamed AirAsia Zest.

What is the 'Zesto Gang' and how is it related to the brand?

The 'Zesto Gang' was a modus operandi in which people would sell Zest-O drinks to passengers on public buses, sometimes by tricking them into thinking the seller was the conductor. This became a notorious and humorous part of the brand's association in Filipino culture.

What philanthropic efforts has Alfredo Yao been involved in?

Alfredo Yao started the Alfredo M. Yao Foundation, which helps underprivileged but academically talented students finish their education. His personal experience of being unable to complete college due to financial difficulties inspired him to support others.

What awards has Alfredo Yao received for his business success?

Alfredo Yao was the first Filipino to win the ASEAN Business Awards in 2007 in the category of Most Admired ASEAN Enterprise for Innovation. His business success with Zest-O and other ventures has made him one of the most successful businessmen in the Philippines.