Here We Grow Again to Serve You Better

Written by Melchor Galeon
Saturday, 13 August 2011

It all started with a dream, a dream that turns into reality. I can still remember those times that I’m starting my business venture here in Canada. I used my skills and experiences in doing business when I was in the Philippines. I started with a small capital and used my dreams as my inspiration. Fired with hard work and humility I know that my business will succeed someday. With strong determination, a sense of responsibility , and for passion and love for work We opened a one big store located at 757 Warden Avenue serving the Filipinos and Canadians who wants to taste the different delicacies and Filipino food. It was the birth of FV Foods and Mel’s in Canada.

It was really unexpected when the demand in our products get higher and higher. It was a big success for our business. And all successful business startups eventually face the issue of handling business expansion or growth. As we know expansion is usually sees as a validation of the owner’s initial business startup idea, and of his effort to bring that vision to realization. So we decided to open up its second branch located in Mississauga, Ontario. Then years after years because of our strong marketing and product development we reached our target sales and we developed a good and harmonious relationship with our suppliers and clients. The FV Foods Family got bigger and better, we opened additional two stores located Bathurst/Wilson and St. Claire, Toronto. We hired more staff and bakers that will be our partner in giving good and quality products and services that you can only experience in our business.

The road to progress is not that easy. We had challenges and perils that dared our capacity and capabilities in the game of business. We met some problems that determined our ability as business owners. Having faith in God, skilled staffs and supportive and loyal customers we conquered every test that came in our way.

It is our hope to introduce our products to the mainstream Canadian market for people of other races and / or ethnicities to enjoy our wonderful treats and take part in our amazing tradition of giving! To all of you who are patronizing our products, Mabuhay and Maraming Salamat po (Thank You Very Much!)

Some Filipinos have referred to FV Foods as "the Filipino's Dufflet" — a homage to Dufflet Pastries, a Toronto institution. Like Dufflet's, Flor hopes FV's pastries might be sold in cafés, food shops and high-end supermarkets.

Mel was always keen in business – from a young 10 year old kid , He started a small business of renting out komiks, selling yemas and turrones cooked by his aunt in school. When he was in his 3rd year in college as a nursing student, he opened a store in his mother’s house selling pasalubong sweets, longanisang Lukban, puto seko, yema, etc.

Mel makes about 50 traditional Filipino desserts, breads and snacks. They're mostly sold wholesale in 50+ Filipino and Asian stores across Greater Toronto and in Ajax, Windsor, Hamilton, Brampton, Winnipeg and Montreal.

Mel got the idea to sell baked goods after joining a Filipino trade and tourism exhibit at the CNE in 1998. He had brought some pastries that were native to his hometown of Sariaya in Quezon, a province south of the capital, Manila, that is famous for its sweets and sausages.

Ensaymada — eaten any time of the day, either as breakfast fare or a snack, and sometimes topped with shredded cheese — is the Filipinised version of the Ensaimada de Mallorca. Culinary historians often say that about 80 per cent of Filipino food has Spanish influences.

Our Mission: To bring you quality sweets, breads and pastries that caters to your distinctive taste that makes you feel at home. After all, the homesickness and cravings of fellow Filipinos started this wonderful business. Your thoughtfulness of bringing pasalubong (treats) to your loved ones is an undeniable trademark of our heritage that stands out in our multicultural community.

Another popular treat is Food for the Gods. These moist, chewy bars often make their appearance at Christmas time in the Philippines, when Filipinos — who are known for their sweet tooths — splurge on walnuts and dates, which are imported and therefore expensive.