In the competitive world of franchising, standing out often requires a unique blend of passion, resilience, and innovation. Few brands embody these qualities quite like Avocadoria, the trailblazing avocado-based dessert franchise that has captured the hearts and taste buds of health-conscious individuals across the Philippines. Behind this vibrant brand is Czarina Jagto, a visionary entrepreneur whose journey from small business ventures to franchise success is both inspiring and motivating.
In an exclusive interview with World Franchise Associates, Czarina opens up about her early influences, the inspiration behind Avocadoria, and how she navigated the challenges of scaling a franchise during the global pandemic. From her commitment to supporting avocado farmers to her ambitious vision for the future, Czarina’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Join us as we delve into the mind of the Most Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur of 2024 and explore what makes Avocadoria a standout brand in the dessert franchise landscape.
How did you enter the franchise business?
I ventured into the franchise business with the assistance of my sister, Ate Kath. She oversees the Marketing aspects while I handle conceptualization and production. Together, we worked closely to select the ideal franchising partner, Francorp Philippines, with the unwavering support of my dear family and my caring husband, Marvin.
Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?
My inspiration for my concept stems from my lifelong love for avocados my childhood, I have enjoyed eating avocados with milk. Witnessing my involvement in various small business ventures as I grew up greatly impacted me. It was at that point that I made a decision and a promise to myself that one day, I would create my own brand centered around the avocado concept. I can still remember the day we started I only had 2 cups for my first sale, the first was bought by a jeepney barker and the 2nd was bought by me I will never forget that day and the rest was history.
What inspired the brand name?
The Avocadoria.ph represents Avocado itself and the ria comes from the last letters of my name RINA, i just omitted the letter N to form Avocadoria.
What is the story behind the brand’s logo?
Our brand’s logo beautifully encapsulates the essence of our commitment to natural and nourishing products. The avocado concept at the core of our logo symbolizes more than just a trendy ingredient; it represents the heart and soul of our brand. As our products are predominantly crafted from the wholesome avocado fruit, the logo serves as a visual embodiment of our dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients in everything we offer.
The vibrant green hue of the avocado in our logo reflects our focus on freshness, health, and sustainability. Every item on our menu, carefully curated and crafted, carries the essence of this versatile and nutrient-rich fruit. Whether it’s our creamy avocado shake, best selling avocado lover ice cream and other indulgent avocado desserts in our menu, each creation is a celebration of the avocado’s natural goodness.
Just like the avocado fruit itself, our logo stands as a symbol of growth, health, and well-being. It represents our belief in providing customers with wholesome, delicious options that not only satisfy their taste buds but also nourish their bodies. With every scoop, we invite you to experience the pure, unadulterated joy of avocado in its most delightful forms.
What makes your brand different from your competitors?
If It’s Avocado? It’s definitely Avocadoria! We serve purely avocado ice cream and we are not using any preservatives.
We are the very first Avocado-based dessert franchise. We offer guilt-free desserts and snacks for health-conscious and adventurous individuals. Living their life to the fullest.
What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?
It is crucial for a franchisee to appreciate the core values of franchising. We emphasize the importance of their ability to effectively run their business while also demonstrating respect for and adherence to the policies and regulations set by the franchisor.
How long does it take, on average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?
Across the three distinct Franchise Packages we offer at Avocadoria, franchisees can typically expect to see a return on their investment within an estimated timeline of 15 to 22 months. This timeline accounts for various factors such as operational efficiency, market conditions, location influence, and the commitment of the franchisee to adhere to our proven business model.
Our experienced team at Avocadoria works closely with franchisees to ensure a smooth and efficient onboarding process, providing comprehensive training, ongoing support, and strategic guidance to help optimize business performance and accelerate the path to profitability. By leveraging our established brand reputation, unique product offerings, and operational expertise, franchisees are well-positioned to attract and retain customers, driving revenue growth and maximizing their return on investment within the projected timeline.
What was the major challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
It was the year 2019 when a lot of people franchised with us. Due to time constraints, the key to overcoming this challenge was by maintaining focus. It was important for everyone, including yourself and your staff, to understand their roles and responsibilities. In fact, even on my wedding day, I was still attending to orders and receiving calls from franchisees.
The pandemic presented additional challenges, but surprisingly, it also brought certain advantages for our business.
During the influx of franchise applications in 2019, the company experienced a surge in growth that required heightened focus and dedication to manage effectively. Understanding the importance of clear communication and delegation of responsibilities among team members was crucial in navigating the increased workload.
Despite the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic, Avocadoria was able to leverage its unique position in the market to adapt and innovate during uncertain times. The company’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity ultimately led to new opportunities and strengthened the brand’s presence in the industry.
What is your best achievement?
My greatest achievement has been the impact we’ve made through Avocadoria in supporting avocado farmers and establishing our brand as a leader in avocado-based concepts. Being a channel to uplift avocado farmers and serving as an inspiration to the youth have been significant milestones for us.
The commitment to supporting avocado farmers and promoting sustainable practices within the industry has been a core value of Avocadoria. By prioritizing partnerships with avocado growers and suppliers, the brand has not only created a unique market for avocado-based products but also contributed to the growth and development of the agricultural community.
Furthermore, apart from realizing the dream of our family and building a successful business, Avocadoria has enabled me to achieve personal fulfillment.
How does your business day start?
Balancing the demands of work and family life is a significant aspect of my daily routine. My mornings begin with precious moments spent with my family, where I prioritize being a hands-on mom and wife. These early hours set a positive tone for the rest of the day and enable me to cherish the special bond I share with my loved ones.
As the day progresses, I immerse myself in work, often dedicating long hours to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Working around the clock is not uncommon, but the support and collaboration of my dedicated team have played a crucial role in enhancing my productivity and effectiveness in juggling both professional and personal responsibilities.
The assistance and synergy within my team have allowed me to delegate tasks, streamline processes, and achieve a better work-life balance. Their support empowers me to focus on strategic decisions, creative endeavors, and meaningful contributions while knowing that I have a reliable team backing me up.
What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?
Upon receiving such prestigious recognition last March, 2024, I felt a profound sense of validation for the hard work and dedication poured into Avocadoria. The acknowledgment as the Most Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur fueled my passion to continue innovating, inspiring others, and making a positive impact in the entrepreneurial landscape. This milestone not only reinforced my commitment to excellence but also served as a reminder of the limitless possibilities that perseverance and vision can bring to realization.
Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?
We see ourselves as having 10 Master Franchisees in 10 different territories.
Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?
Choosing franchising as the pathway for business expansion offers significant advantages. Selecting the correct franchisee is crucial as it establishes a lasting business partnership. It is essential for franchisees to adhere to the franchisor’s system and policies for mutual success. As fellow franchisors, it is imperative to prioritize the care and value placed on our franchisees for sustained growth and prosperity.
To know more about Avocadoria, visit https://worldfranchisecentre.com/franchise/avocadoria/
