UFC (brand) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
UFC

Owner	NutriAsia
Introduced	1969
Markets	Philippines
Previous owners	Universal Foods Corporation

Former logo

UFC is a brand of banana ketchup owned by Nutri-Asia, Inc. The brand was first introduced in the Philippines in 1969 by Universal Foods Corporation.

History

Banana ketchup was deemed a cheaper alternative than tomato ketchup since bananas were abundant in the Philippines. Philippine food technologist Maria Y. Orosa (1893–1945) is credited with inventing the banana ketchup recipe.

Coincidentally, Magdalo V. Francisco came up with his own method of making ketchup using bananas in 1938. In 1942, he began commercial production of banana ketchup under the brand name Mafran, a portmanteau derived from the first syllables of his first name and surname. He registered Mafran as a trademark with the Bureau of Patents in the Philippines.

Years later, Francisco approached Tirso T. Reyes for funding to expand his business. This led to the establishment of the Universal Foods Corporation in 1960. Francisco soon left the company due to internal conflicts. Francisco established Jufran Food Industries and launched Jufran Banana Catsup. The name Jufran was derived from Francisco's son and namesake, Magdalo "Jun" Francisco Jr.

In 1969, Universal Foods Corporation launched UFC Tamis Anghang Banana Catsup, made from a unique recipe which combines the sweetness preferred by the Filipino palate with a spicy aftertaste, hence, tamis-anghang (Tagalog for sweet-spicy).

In 1974, Universal Foods Corporation was acquired by Bancom Development Corporation.

In 1996, Southeast Asia Food, Inc. (SAFI, now NutriAsia) acquired Universal Foods Corporation. SAFI had also acquired the Mafran and Jufran brands. SAFI evolved into what is now Nutri-Asia, Inc.

Products

• UFC Tamis Anghang Banana Ketchup Regular
• UFC Tamis Anghang Hot and Spicy
• UFC Sweet Chili Sauce
• UFC Hot Sauce
• UFC Spaghetti Sauce
• UFC Tomato Sauce
• UFC Tomato Sauce Guisado
• UFC Tomato Sauce Ready Recipes
  • Caldereta
  • Afritada
  • Mechado
• UFC Ready Recipes
  • Curry Mix
  • Menudo/Afritada Mix
  • Palabok Mix
  • Caldereta Mix
  • Gata Mix
  • Kare-Kare Mix
• UFC Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix
• UFC Hapi Fiesta Cooking Oil
• UFC Gravy Sa Sarap Ready-To-Use Gravy
• UFC Spices
  • Chili Powder
  • Curry Powder
  • Ground Pepper
  • Whole Pepper
  • Iodized Salt
  • Achuete
  • Bay Leaves
  • Chili Flakes
  • Cracked Pepper
  • Garlic Powder
• UFC Fresh Selections
  • Green Peas
  • Whole Mushroom
  • Pieces & Stem Mushroom
  • Whole Kernel Corn
  • Sliced Young Corn