Claims of links between SMC and Calata are false

We write in reference to the article titled “Joseph Calata gets so far so fast,” written by Marge C. Enriquez (SundayBiz, 6/22/14).

In the article, the following false and inaccurate claims were made: “The soya and the corn that Calata carries are then sent to the feed mills of San Miguel Corp. to produce B-Meg… In the processing phase, these feeds are given to hogs and chickens, many of which are raised by Calata’s contract growers for Magnolia and Monterey.”

We would like to state for the record that San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI), the San Miguel Corporation subsidiary engaged in the business of animal feeds production, has not and does not procure soya, corn or any other raw material, for that matter, from Calata Corporation or any known company associated therewith. Further, all feeds used by SMFI’s growers in Magnolia and Monterey farms are produced exclusively by SMFI.

In this connection, we have requested Joseph Calata to refrain from mentioning the San Miguel name in future interviews or press releases, or otherwise misleading the public into believing that there is any association  between Calata Corporation and any of the companies within the San Miguel Group.

—RITA IMELDA B. PALABYAB,

president, San Miguel Foods Inc.