Tropical fruit wine processing: An approach to nurturing the entrepreneurial culture among students

Abstract

This project sought the significance of several less valued tropical fruits that can be processed into wine such as makopa, mabolo, duhat, banana, tomato and bignay. Wine processing in Quirino State University. The product’s name is JAVEZ. The wines are packaged in bottles with attractive and innovative labels. Initial produce was very limited in volume due to the very limited source of capital which is out of the student’s money. During the group’s various displays and product exhibits in provincial and regional events, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sought the business plan of the product thus providing the group with additional fund amounting to Php 216,000.00 for the enhancement of the entrepreneurship laboratory, provision of the processing equipment, packaging materials, labels and other materials thereby making the enterprise self-sufficient. Moreover, the laboratory is utilized as a training ground of students taking up entrepreneurship and marketing courses to further develop their skills in wine processing and related activities. The group was able to generate a Return on Investment (ROI) of 50% from the estimated cost depending on the kind of fruit used. Continuous monitoring and evaluation is done by the project management and adviser. A financial journal and income statement is to the auditor and advisers to assure sustainability of the project through profit sharing. All sales are deposited in the bank, in the name of the association care of the president and the treasurer wherein 70% is divided among its members, 20% goes to savings and 10% for maintenance. The QYEA continuously operates as a successful business enterprise, developing future entrepreneurs who create employment contributory to economic development. Wine products produced have been acknowledged by the Department of Science and Technology and the primary producer of local wines in Quirino and nearby provinces. Marketing strategy employed includes the integration of wine’s health benefits through word-of mouth, fliers, bulletin advertisements, displaying at “pasalubong” centers and participating in different product exhibits in the country.