Ofi, WNC Capital Holdings launch joint venture to expand flavor and seasoning solutions in Philippines

PHILIPPINES – Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) has formed a joint venture with WNC Capital Holdings Inc., the parent company of Wills International Sales Corporation, to establish ofi Philippines Blends, strengthening flavour and seasoning production capabilities in the Philippines’ growing food and beverage sector. 

The partnership will include a new manufacturing facility in Bulacan province, which is scheduled to be commissioned by the fourth quarter of 2026.  

The facility will focus on expanding seasoning and flavour development solutions tailored to local consumer preferences and evolving food trends. 

According to the companies, ofi Philippines Blends will produce savoury solutions including seasonings, marinades, dry mixes and related applications designed to balance cultural authenticity, affordability and changing consumer demands. 

The joint venture builds on the long-standing partnership between ofi and Wills International and combines ofi’s global ingredient sourcing, innovation expertise and manufacturing capabilities with WNC Capital Holdings’ strong domestic distribution network and customer relationships across the Philippines. 

The companies said the initiative aims to support Philippine food and beverage manufacturers and foodservice operators as they respond to shorter product development cycles, growing market competition and increasing demand for flavour innovation. 

The facility is also expected to reduce reliance on imported ingredient solutions while allowing brands to accelerate product development and commercialisation processes tailored to Filipino taste profiles. 

According to ofi’s TrendBites Asia Pacific consumer insights report released earlier this year, 86 per cent of Filipino consumers surveyed expressed interest in menu items inspired by local recipes.  

The report also found that more than eight in 10 consumers are open to international flavour influences such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine. 

At the same time, consumers continue to prioritise affordability, accessibility and authenticity in food products. 

Ramki Prasad, Head of Asia Pacific Food and Beverage Solutions at ofi, said the joint venture reflects the company’s growing commitment to the Philippine market. 

“ofi has a growing presence in the Philippines, and this joint venture marks a deliberate step forward in how we support customers locally. The Philippines is one of the most dynamic food markets in Southeast Asia,” Prasad said. 

“Being closer to customers with enhanced capabilities strengthens our ability to collaborate, shorten development cycles, and execute with confidence,” he added. 

Prasad further noted that WNC Capital Holdings brings strong knowledge of the local operating environment across the country’s geographically diverse market. 

The companies said the partnership is expected to strengthen innovation capacity in the Philippine food industry while supporting demand for locally adapted flavour solutions and scalable manufacturing capabilities. 

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