The global business world is incredibly competitive, with companies navigating unfamiliar cultures, immense amounts of capital, and constantly evolving entrepreneurship. Success in the local market doesn’t always translate to success abroad, and when companies fail in their international ventures, the financial losses can be staggering, sometimes reaching billions of dollars. When we look at the Philippines, we often wonder: Can Filipino companies compete on the world stage? Do they have the capital and entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in the global market? Surprisingly, several Filipino companies have not only ventured abroad but have also achieved significant success. Unlike other global companies in industries like technology or finance, the international success of Filipino companies is mostly found in the food and beverage sector. Yes, Filipino brands that started as small local businesses have grown into global phenomena. You’ve probably heard of Jollibee Foods Corporation, but Jollibee is just one part of the story. We’ll explore other Filipino companies that have made their mark internationally, with a special focus on those in the food and beverage industry.
One of the largest Filipino companies to make a global impact is Universal Robina Corporation (URC). While the name might not be as familiar to you, URC is a giant in the food and beverage industry in the Philippines. In 2020, the company reported revenues exceeding 130 billion pesos and held assets worth over 168 billion pesos. You may recognize URC for its popular products like snacks, coffee, bottled water, and soy milk. But URC’s influence extends far beyond the Philippines, especially in the Asia Pacific region. Over the past decade, URC has made major international acquisitions, starting with New Zealand’s Griffin’s Food, a 150-year-old biscuit company, for 700 million New Zealand dollars. Then, in 2016, URC acquired Australia’s Snack Brands for 600 million Australian dollars. In 2019, they formed a joint venture called Unisnack ANZ with German company Intersnack, although they later sold their stake. URC’s most recent acquisition was in 2021, when they bought Malaysia’s Munchy’s from CVC Capital Partners for 454 million US dollars. These investments highlight the scale of URC’s international ambitions and their success in expanding beyond the Philippines.
Another major player is Monde Nissin, a company well-known for its instant noodles, biscuits, and alternative meats. Since 2000, Monde Nissin has consistently ranked among the top 50 companies in the Philippines based on gross revenue. Like URC, Monde Nissin has expanded its reach internationally. In 2015, Monde Nissin acquired several Australian companies, including Menora Foods for 55 million Australian dollars, Black Swan (the third-largest dip brand in Australia at the time) for 115 million Australian dollars, and Nudie Juice Brands. That same year, Monde Nissin made its most significant acquisition by purchasing Quorn, the leading meat alternative brand in the United Kingdom, for over 550 million Euros. These strategic moves have helped Monde Nissin establish a strong international presence.
Finally, we have Emperador, a subsidiary of Alliance Global Group. In the Philippines, Emperador is well-known for its brandy, holding over 50% of the market share. Internationally, it’s recognized as the world’s largest brandy company. Emperador’s success isn’t just about selling its products overseas; they have also acquired key brands in the global alcohol industry. In 2013, Emperador bought Bodega San Bruno, a Spanish company with a history dating back to 1942. The following year, they acquired Whyte & Mackay, a Scotch whisky producer, for 430 million Euros. By 2015, Emperador struck a deal with Beam Suntory to purchase several of its brands and production facilities for 275 million Euros. These included iconic names like Fundador Pedro Domecq, Terry Centenario, Tres Cepas, and Harveys, all leaders in their respective markets.
These companies are huge and their international success is a testament to the potential of Filipino businesses on the global stage. We haven’t even mentioned Jollibee’s success in North America or San Miguel Corporation’s extensive international operations in the food and beverage industry.