Gut to believe
Four students from Benguet State University in the Philippines founded M.R. Yogheart, a yogurt drink brand that sources fresh milk locally and donates a portion of its proceeds to charity. This venture is part of a rising wave of "student-preneurs" emerging from the K-12 curriculum's Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) strand.
M.R. Yogheart illustrates how the Philippine educational system, particularly the K-12 ABM strand and Commission on Higher Education-mandated entrepreneurship degrees, is moving students beyond theoretical business concepts. By requiring "business simulations" that face real market pressures, the curriculum aims to provide practical experience, preparing students for the challenges of launching and operating a venture.
The brand's market entry aligns with a reported shift in Philippine consumer behavior post-pandemic, where demand for functional beverages like yogurt has grown at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 7 percent over the last three years. This trend suggests a move away from high-sugar soft drinks towards healthier options, which M.R. Yogheart addresses by offering a portable yogurt drink format suitable for an "on-the-go" lifestyle.
A distinguishing feature of M.R. Yogheart is its commitment to local sourcing and social responsibility. By using fresh milk from the Baguio Animal Breeding and Research Center instead of imported milk solids, the students support local production and reduce their carbon footprint. The brand's "heart" branding reflects its social mission, as a portion of sales proceeds is donated to charitable organizations, demonstrating a model where commercial activity is linked to community benefit.
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