Webstore SariSuki and Ayala Group’s listed energy platform ACEN have successfully harvested Japanese cucumbers at ACEN’s 81-megawatt North Luzon Renewables site in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The harvest, part of their Agro-Circularity in Renewable Energy (ACRE) program, exceeded expectations, yielding 850 grams per plant, compared to the usual 500 grams.
The cucumbers are now supplied to Standard Hospitality Group (SHG), which operates Yabu, Ippudo, and Kiwami. The project aims to connect local farmers with larger markets, strengthening the agricultural supply chain.
“By leveraging advanced farming techniques like reusable plastic molds to shape the Japanese cucumbers, we ensured that the cucumbers met SHG’s exact size specifications, delivering high-quality, locally grown produce,” said Brian Cu, co-founder and CEO of SariSuki. “Our alliance with ACEN equips farmers with the skills needed to meet the demands of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HORECA) industry while boosting local food security.”
“Through SariSuki’s ACRE project, the production of Japanese cucumbers has become a reliable source of excellent produce,” said Nicole Concepcion, product manager, SHG Group.
The ACRE initiative supports farmers by providing modern techniques and access to stable markets, allowing them to become “agripreneurs.” The partnership also creates a circular economy by linking ACEN’s renewable energy farms with Ayala mall tenants like SHG.
“The ACRE program demonstrates how agriculture and renewable energy can drive sustainable growth, uplift farmers, and improve the country’s food security,” said Irene Maranan, senior vice president and head of corporate communications and sustainability at ACEN.
SariSuki and ACEN plan to expand the initiative by growing more crops and increasing market access for farmers.