Welch’s celebrates 150 years of ‘sharing what’s good’ and advocating for healthier nutritional choices

For 150 years, Welch’s has brought to millions of homes around the world the natural goodness of grape juice. In the Philippines, the Welch’s brand is synonymous to sharing to loved ones – from parents to kids, from grandparents to grandkids, from friends to neighbors – only the best that nature can offer.

In celebration of this milestone, Welch’s once again reminds consumers – especially the moms – the value of making better choices at home and how wise decisions on nutrition can impact the family’s overall health and well-being.

“Welch’s is an advocate of better nutritional choices for families all over the world. To celebrate its 150 years, we continue the tradition of encouraging more people to lead a healthy lifestyle, and it starts with the food and beverage that we consume,” says Erika Rodriguez, VP for Marketing of Gemco, the Philippine marketing agent of Welch’s International.  “Even amidst our busy lifestyle, moms must make sure that our family – especially the growing kids – only get the best when it comes to nutrition.”

On the part of its Philippine distributor, Fly Ace Corporation, President Lucio ‘Jun’ Cochanco Jr. said that they are proud to carry Welch’s as it is not only a heritage brand but also one that is popular among Filipino families.  “We celebrate with Welch’s as it marks 150 years. It is a product that we are proud of since it is well loved because of its nutritional values and the natural goodness that it gives to consumers. Moving forward, we want more Filipinos to share in the joy of drinking Welch’s together especially during special occasions and family moments.”

Over 900 family farmer-owned vineyards across America put their heart into the product. As such, opening a bottle of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice is like unleashing the power of ‘purple’ in every sip.  Unlike other beverages that contain huge amounts of sugar and artificial coloring, Welch’s is vitamin-packed and 100% natural.

Scientific studies show that grape juice made from Concord grapes contain natural sugars but compared with other forms of sugar, sugars in grapes are considered to be low in the glycemic index. Thus, grape (or grape juice in this case) is unlikely to raise one’s blood sugar significantly. Moms need not worry as the nutritional benefits of consuming grapes is made more convenient by just consuming a glass of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice.

“Each bottle of Welch’s is made from Concord grapes, assuring moms that they give their kids a large, concentrated amount of polyphenols which a natural plant nutrient that plays a key role in supporting a healthy heart.  These same polyphenols contribute to the antioxidant power of 100% grape juice,” adds Erika. 

To illustrate, Welch’s juice uses the entire Concord grape – skin, seeds and all – to release the plant’s true polyphenol power. In fact, at least 20 grapes are squeezed into each 4-ounce glass.  Imagine the vitamins and minerals in each glass of Welch’s that has nurtured generations of families not only in the Philippines but all over the world.

For more information about the 150 years of Welch’s and how to know the different ways to enjoy 100% natural grape juice, visit http://www.welchs.com or follow Welch’s PH in Facebook and IG. Welch’s fruit drinks and snacks are distributed by Fly Ace Corporation and available in leading retail stores nationwide.

Save the Children Philippines urges communities and parents to step up drive against dengue

Save the Children Philippines has raised concern against the drastic increase in the number of dengue cases, most of them children aged 6 to 9.

Lawyer Albert Muyot, Save the Children Philippines chief executive officer, called on local health authorities to intensify the information campaigns about dengue and lead regular cleanliness drives in schools, communities, and places where people congregate.

“We appeal to local governments to strengthen measures to prevent spread of dengue virus in their communities through clean-up drives and raising awareness of parents on early signs of dengue, particularly among children,” said Muyot.

Between January to June this year, the reported dengue cases increased by 85 percent year on year to 106,630, with a total of 456 deaths. Most affected were children aged 6 to 9.

The group raised concern on the increase of cases by more than 280 percent in Western Visayas or Region 6, as compared to last year, while provinces in Albay and Zamboanga City also reported drastic increases in the number of dengue cases.

Muyot said children are the most affected by the dengue virus because they are physically fragile and exposed to mosquitoes carrying dengue virus while in schools and at play in communities.

The group works with health officers in deprived communities in Caloocan, Navotas and Malabon to improve health and nutrition of children. Similar programs are also being implemented in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

Dr. Amado Parawan, health and nutrition advisor of Save the Children Philippines advised mothers and parents not to ignore early signs of dengue including high fever.

“Any cases of fever should be reported,” said Dr. Parawan. He emphasized that “early consultation is the key to saving lives during a dengue outbreak.”

Dr. Parawan advised the public to follow the 4-S campaign of Department of Health to prevent dengue virus. These are: Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

To prevent dengue virus from affecting children, Dr. Parawan gave health tips to mothers:

1.     Bring your child who has a fever for two days to the nearest health center or clinic immediate consultation, management and referral.

2.     Do not insist on home care or self-medication.

3.     Avoid crowded places.

4.     If you must visit a friend or relative in the hospitals, please do not bring your children

5.     Children must wear long pants and long sleeves shirt including those in schools

6.     Use mosquito repellent everyday

7.     Support spraying/fogging in the community