She urged everyone to embrace health by making smart nutrition choices such as regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially purple-colored ones like the Concord grapes used in Welch’s products.

The brand Welch’s is synonymous with grape juice. It was the first grape juice I drank when I was a kid, and it was only much later on that I got acquainted with other grape juice brands. Small wonder, because Welch’s has been around for 150 years, and it delighted juice drinkers long before other grape juice brands were even blended and bottled.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary via an afternoon of fun activities and shared learning at the Café 1771 Events Place, Welch’s has proudly brought the natural goodness of grape juice to millions of homes around the world.

“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 is 100% natural,” says Erika Rodriguez, vice president for marketing of GEMCo, during the recent event.

Incidentally, GEMCo, the Philippine marketing agent of Welch’s International, is marking its 25th year of handling the Welch’s brand in the country.

Welch’s is taking advantage of this celebration of two milestones by reminding everyone about the value of making good nutritional choices at home to ensure the family’s health and well-being.

Rodriguez adds: “Welch’s is an advocate of better nutritional choices for families. This celebration serves as an opportunity for us to pay tribute to the family farmers who actually own Welch’s and who have grown the grapes for generations, as well as the cooperatives that put their heart and soul into making the brand last for 150 years. Over 900 family farmer-owned vineyards across America worked to make this happen.”

“Fly Ace has been a partner of Welch’s since 1997. It is a product that we are proud of since it is well-loved because of its nutritional values. Moving forward, we want more Filipinos to share in the joy of drinking Welch’s together, especially during special occasions and family moments,” says Lucio ‘Jun’ Cochanco, president of Fly Ace Corporation, exclusive Philippine distributor of Welch’s products.

To broaden its offerings and keep consumers updated with industry trends, Welch’s introduces product innovations such as PET bottle containers for convenience and Welch’s Fruit Snack gummies made of real fruit.

Leading the ceremonial wine toast during the 150th anniversary event was GEMCo president Gilbert Evaristo, with Cochanco and Rodriguez joining him.

During the event, Ma. Paz Sales of the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) talked about health issues such as chronic and metabolic diseases and how these are often the sum of a person’s lifestyle habits or choices. She urged everyone to embrace health by making smart nutrition choices such as regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially purple-colored ones like the Concord grapes used in Welch’s products. After all, they are loaded with vitamins and nutrients.

According to scientific studies, grape juice made from Concord grapes contain natural sugars that are lower in glycemic index than other forms of sugar and is therefore not likely to raise a person’s blood sugar significantly.

Welch’s uses the entire Concord grape, including the skin and the seeds, to release the plant’s true polyphenol power. At least 20 grapes have been squeezed into each 4oz. glass of the grape juice.

Another highlight of the recent event was the cooking demo conducted by Chefs Peachy Mathay of PACE and Trisha Ocampo of CCA Manila. They prepared various recipes to show everyone how to maximize the health benefits that Welch’s Grape Juice could provide when used in healthy dishes and snacks. Featured recipes were Grape Salsa with Goat Cheese Crostini; Pear, Grapes, Candied Pecan, Feta Salad with Welch’s Grape Vinaigrette; and Non-Alcoholic Sangria.

1 cup seedless grapes, quartered (red, green or a mix)

In a sauce pan, pour in balsamic vinegar and Welch’s 100% Grape Juice, and reduce in half or until mixture coats the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool down.

In a mixer using the paddle attachment or a bowl, mix goat cheese, cream cheese and heavy cream together until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside in refrigerator.

In a bowl, add the quartered grapes, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and the reduced grape juice with balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside in refrigerator.

Slice baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices, and arrange on baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Flip and repeat the process. Bake in a 350˚F oven until golden, about five to eight minutes.

To assemble, spread goat cheese mixture on the crostini. Top with a spoonful of grape salsa, and garnish with cilantro.

Pear, Grape, Candied Pecan, Feta Salad with Welch’s Grape Vinaigrette.

1-1/2 cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice, reduced to 1/3 cup

Combine reduced grape juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and mustard in a small bowl.

Whisk together, and season with salt and pepper.

6-8 cups mixed greens, loosely packed (150 grams)

In a large bowl, combine salad greens, pomelo slices, grapes halves, candied pecans and cheese.

Drizzle salad with dressing, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

2-3 cups Welch’s Sparkling White Grape Juice

Put all washed and cut fruits in a glass pitcher.

Add the grape, apple, orange and lemon juice. Gently mix.

Refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably four to six hours.

Right before serving, add Welch’s Sparkling White Grape Juice. Gently mix, then serve.