UFC Catsup

UFC Banana Catsup is a brand of ketchup owned by Nutri-Asia, Inc. The brand was first introduced in the Philippines in 1969 by Universal Foods Corporation (now Nutri-Asia, Inc.).

History

Magdalo V. Francisco came up with a method of making catsup using bananas in 1938. Banana catsup was deemed a cheaper alternative than tomato catsup since bananas were abundant in the Philippines.^[1] In 1942, Francisco began commercial production of banana ketchup under the name Mafran, which was derived from the first syllable of his first name and his surname. He registered the name as a trademark with the Bureau of Patents in the Philippines.

Years later, Francisco approached Tirso T. Reyes to ask for funding to expand his business. This led to the establishment of the Universal Foods Corporation in 1960.^[1] Due to internal conflicts, Francisco soon left the company to establish Jufran Food Industries and launched Jufran Banana Catsup. The name Jufran was derived from Francisco's son and namesake, Magdalo Jr. (Jun Francisco).

In 1969, Universal Foods Corporation launched UFC Tamis Anghang Banana Catsup, made from a unique recipe which combines the sweetness preferred by the Filipino palate with a spicy aftertaste, hence, tamis-anghang (Tagalog for sweet-spicy).

In 1974, Universal Foods Corporation was acquired by Bancom Development Corporation.

In 1996, Southeast Asia Foods, Inc. (SAFI) acquired Universal Foods Corporation. SAFI had also acquired the Mafran and Jufran brands.^[1] SAFI evolved into what is now Nutri-Asia, Inc.

Varieties

• UFC Tamis Anghang Banana Catsup
• UFC Hot & Spicy Banana Catsup
• UFC Color Crazee Banana Catsup

Other UFC-branded products

• UFC Tomato Sauce
• UFC Spaghetti Sauce
• UFC Ready Recipes (sauces)
• UFC Sweet Chili Sauce
• UFC Noodles (Canton, Misua, Bihon, Sotanghon)
• UFC Golden Fiesta Cooking Oil (Corn, Palm, Soya, Canola)
• UFC Hapi Fiesta Cooking Oil

See also

• Banana ketchup

References