Universal Robina Corporation (URC), a leading food and beverage company in the Philippines, is set to commence operations at its new production plant in Malvar, Batangas, with an investment of at least P10 billion.

JG Summit president and CEO Lance Gokongwei announced that the plant is expected to be operational before the end of the year.

URC initiated the construction of the Malvar mega plant last year, which will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies aimed at demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability.

The facility will include solar panels for energy generation and systems designed to maximize rainwater recovery and wastewater reuse.

The development plan for the plant includes a prolonged expansion period of 10 to 15 years, ultimately expanding its footprint to 30.7 hectares.

This expansion is projected to create approximately 3,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.

In addition to this new facility, URC recently enhanced its production capacity for quality flour with the launch of a P5.4 billion mill in Sariaya, Quezon province.

This investment has increased URC Flour’s production capacity from 2,180 metric tons (MT) daily to 3,500 MT.

URC is recognized as one of the largest food and beverage manufacturers in the Philippines, renowned for its popular brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy, and Cream-O cookies.

The company also has a significant presence in the ASEAN region, marketing brands like Lexus, Tivoli, and Fun-O.

Currently, URC is experiencing favorable consumer sentiment in the Philippines due to a decline in inflation rates.

Gokongwei has noted a resurgence in consumer spending linked to the easing of inflation and has expressed that this positively impacts consumer confidence.

He emphasized the company's strategic focus on driving growth through marketing, distribution, and innovations in response to the evolving market dynamics.