Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has secured supplies of key packaging materials through the third quarter and into early fourth quarter of 2026, reinforcing efforts to shield operations from global supply chain disruptions and market uncertainty.
Speaking during the Philippine Stock Exchange STAR Investor Day, Jose Miguel Manalang, URC director for corporate strategy and investor relations, said the food and beverage giant moved early to stabilize access to critical materials as geopolitical tensions and logistics concerns pressured global supply networks.
According to Manalang, URC typically maintains three to six months’ worth of inventory on hand to support uninterrupted manufacturing and product distribution across its markets.
The company closely monitored the availability of essential packaging inputs, particularly PET resins, HDPE films, and other packaging components that could be affected by disruptions tied to international conflicts and trade volatility.
“As soon as we could lock in supply, we have locked in up to Q3, early Q4,” Manalang said, referring to procurement agreements finalized during the height of uncertainty.
He added that URC immediately activated internal crisis-response measures when early signs of supply risks emerged, allowing the company to assess vulnerabilities and secure inventory before shortages intensified.
Manalang also addressed the possibility of packaging adjustments similar to measures adopted by some Japanese manufacturers, including simplified black-and-white packaging designs intended to reduce production costs by minimizing the use of colored inks and other materials.
While such measures remain under consideration industry-wide, Manalang said market conditions have eased in recent months, helping improve visibility and confidence in the company’s near-term outlook.
URC, one of the Philippines’ largest branded food and beverage manufacturers, continues to prioritize supply resilience and cost management as companies navigate persistent global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
