Gideon De Oro opens high tech Cebu shrimp plant, to revive exports

Insider Spotlight

• Gideon De Oro Seafood Corp. inaugurates modern shrimp plant in Toledo City, Cebu
• Facility runs on a one-megawatt solar power system to cut costs and emissions
• New plant aims to revive Philippine shrimp exports and reduce reliance on imports
  
  

Gideon De Oro Seafood Corp. has opened a state-of-the-art shrimp processing plant in Talavera, Toledo City, Cebu, positioning the company to reenter global export markets while backing national food security goals.

The facility serves as the processing arm of Aquatic Phoenix Aquaculture Group, drawing on more than 35 years of seafood production experience in Cebu and Negros.

Why it matters

The Philippines still imports thousands of metric tons of shrimp annually. By boosting local processing capacity, Gideon De Oro is targeting a larger share of the domestic market while building a platform to compete more aggressively in the international seafood trade.

Constantine Tanchan

The Gideon de Oro chief says the brand new facilities will help the firm get a leg up on its local competitors which are still using old infrastructure. 

Company president Constantine Tanchan underscored how outdated infrastructure has weighed on local processors.

“Many seafood processing facilities in the country were established decades ago, and while they have long supported the industry, technology has evolved significantly since then,” he said in a statement on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

“As a result, some older facilities now face challenges in competing in the export market. With this modern plant, we are bridging that gap and bringing world-class standards back to the local industry,” Tanchan said. “This allows us to reenter the export market, strengthen import substitution, and compete confidently on a global scale.”

Sustainability and safety edge

The Talavera plant is powered by a one-megawatt solar facility designed to trim operating costs and reduce the site’s environmental footprint, aligning the company with increasingly strict sustainability requirements from overseas buyers.

Inside the complex, advanced processing lines and strict hygiene protocols are paired with full laboratory testing. Every batch of shrimp is checked for chemicals, toxins and harmful bacteria, with full traceability to meet international food safety and export standards, according to the company.

Zoom in on regional impact

Beyond export ambitions, the plant is expected to generate stable jobs for workers in Cebu and Negros, supporting families and local economies. From preparation to packaging, the company says it is anchoring operations on its principle, “Quality You Can Trace, Taste, and Trust.” — Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma