As sister companies under the Gokongwei Group, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI) have more than a shared history—they are part of a dynamic ecosystem that thrives on synergy. By combining their expertise in food manufacturing and retail, the two companies can amplify their collective strengths to innovate, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities in the competitive Philippine market.
This relationship was highlighted during a retail-focused event on October 8, 2024, where leaders from RRHI visited URC’s head office for a day of insightful discussions centered on industry trends, consumer behaviors, and actionable strategies for growth.
Setting the tone for the day's discussion, Robinsons Retail Holdings President and CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe's presentation focused on the shared history and values of URC and RRHI. IMAGE URC
The event began with RRHI President and CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe revisiting URC's storied history, connecting its early successes to the entrepreneurial spirit of Gokongwei Group founder John Gokongwei Jr. She reminded attendees of the values that built the conglomerate, encapsulated by her father’s inspirational words: “Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the small successes achieved day by day that build a company.”
This perspective set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of steady innovation and building strong partnerships.
RRHI Chief Operating Officer Stanley C. Co provided a forward-looking analysis of the retail landscape, noting the intensifying competition in the sector. As part of his talk, Co highlighted the need to stay attuned to emerging trends and to stand out from competing brands. To achieve this in both RRHI and URC, the challenge is to elicit a consistent and strong performance across all banners, innovate and develop skills in different domains, and create reasons for shoppers to shop.
Next, Christine “Tin” Tueres, RRHI Managing Director for Food Segment (Big Formats), turned the spotlight on the coffee category, sharing insights on shifting consumer preferences. With health and wellness becoming integral to purchasing decisions, coffee can be viewed not just as a mere commodity or product, but as a lifestyle, turning “bitter cups” into “better cups.”
Shifting to another retail category, Erneliza “Lyn” L. de Jesus, RRHI Group General Manager for Food Segment (Small Formats), explored the rise of bite-sized products and the power of cultural connections. To fully capitalize on this trend, de Jesus emphasizes the need for agility, sharing that the challenge now is to adapt quickly in an environment shaped by a young, dynamic, and powerful generation.
The session concluded with a panel discussion led by Oscar “Oca” Villamora, URC Managing Director for BCFG (Philippines) Beverages. Here, the event’s main speakers were joined by Kerwin L. Legarde, Group General Manager of Robinsons Supermarket; Donna Rhia Miranda-Leoncio, Group Manager of Uncle’s John’s; and Mai Magleo, General Manager of Robinsons Easymart. Together, the panel explored various ways URC could enhance its partnership with RRHI. Suggestions ranged from improving stock availability and overall supply chain efficiency to designing consumer-focused promotions, to investing in groundbreaking promotions and further expanding in Visayas and Mindanao.
The event was valuable learning experience for all attendees, as it highlighted the unique potential of collaboration between URC and RRHI, and showcased how shared expertise and aligned strategies can drive innovation and growth. By building on each other’s strengths, the sister companies are well-positioned to enhance customer experiences, address evolving market trends, and strengthen their leadership in their respective industries. Such partnerships reinforce the Gokongwei Group’s commitment to delivering value to its stakeholders while staying ahead in the competitive and ever-changing worlds of FMCG manufacturing and retail.
