The Country’s Major Processed Food Companies

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), an online data visualization and distribution platform that highlights the economic activities of nations, the Philippines has a total export value of $86.6 billion as of 2019. Of this, the sector foodstuffs, those goods produced and manufactured for consumption such as food and beverage, amounts to $2.74 billion. 

Within this category, the top ten export categories are as follows: processed fruits and nuts with 17% total share (valued at $465 million), processed fish with 16% ($438M), rolled tobacco with 10.6% ($290M), processed crustaceans with 7.49% ($205M), raw tobacco with 6.22% ($170M), baked goods with 5.83% ($160M), fruit juice with 5.69% ($156M), flavored water with 3.78% ($104M), malt extract with 3.77% ($103M), and processed tobacco with 3.64% ($99.7M) 

Other notable groups in the foodstuffs sector are the following: sauces and seasonings with 3.59% total share (valued at $98.4 million), other prepared meat with 0.55% ($15M), other processed vegetables with 0.29% ($7.81M), vinegar with 0.29% ($7.59M), sausages with 0.24% ($6.67M), and beer with 0.21% ($5.85M). 

Local food processing businesses are recognized as some of the largest companies in the Philippines. They are strategically positioned to produce in-demand food items in the region and the globe and are also well-equipped to meet varying demands. The Department of Trade and Industry named Universal Robina Corporation (URC) as the country’s top exporter for the processed food and beverage sector, based on the total value of transactions noted by the Philippine Statistics Authority for 2019. URC is the first “Philippine Pan ASEAN Multinational” and is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of branded consumer foods, including Jack ‘n Jill snacks, Great Taste instant coffee, C2 ready-to-drink tea, noodles, biscuits, and other confectionery.  

Century Pacific Food, Inc. is another top local exporter specializing in processed fish. Two main brands carry out the company’s production: Century Tuna and 555 Tuna. The former is the leading canned tuna brand in the country, producing variants ranging from original in oil and brine to hot and spicy. The latter is the more affordable line of canned tuna cooked as classic Filipino dishes.    

Goldilocks, now under the SM Investments Corporation, is a major producer of baked goods, including ensaymada, mamon, Filipino bread, and other sweets. The brand has been trusted both locally and internationally since its conception in 1966. 

Dole Philippines Inc., meanwhile, is an export leader among processed fruit producers. They are known for high-quality fresh fruits, especially pineapples, grown on its plantation in South Cotabato, Mindanao. 

Another fruit exporter is Hi-Las Marketing Corporation, whose main product is mangoes. Other products of the 45-year-old company are frozen okra, dried pineapples, and dried papaya. 

Celebes Coconut Corporation, which started in 1981, is a top exporter of coconut products in the country. Their diverse product line includes milk, cream, oil, meat, water concentrate, flour, and desiccated coconut. 

Under the sauces and seasonings category, Mama Sita's (Mama Sita's Holding Company, Inc.) banks on their esteemed family heritage in the development of products that showcase the diversity of Filipino cuisine. Every item released by the brand, from food kits and beverage mixes to vinegar blends and fruit syrups, highlights Filipino ingredients and flavors. 

Another top brand under this group is Barrio Fiesta (Prime Global Corporation). Preserving Filipino culture through their food products and making meal preparation more convenient have been the goals of Barrio Fiesta. Bestsellers include bagoong, peanut butter, breading mixes, and savory snacks.  

Two brands lead in the processed meats category. First is Purefoods (San Miguel Pure Foods Company, Inc.), a respected manufacturer of prepared and packaged foods, including luncheon meat, hotdogs, ham, and bacon. Purefoods is also recognized globally for its canned corned beef. 

CDO (CDO Foodsphere Inc.) is the other brand leader with over 40 years of experience in producing meat products. Some bestsellers include CDO Karne Norte, CDO Premium Holiday Ham, and Idol Cheesedog.  

As for the category of beers, San Miguel Beer (San Miguel Brewery Inc.) has cornered the market, establishing a strong presence both locally and abroad. First produced in Manila in 1890, San Miguel Beer has since diversified their line of beer products to include flagship brand 
San Miguel Pale Pilsen, San Miguel Light, Cerveza Negra, and San Miguel Premium All-Malt Beer.