San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has received recognition from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for importing nearly USD370 million worth of American agricultural products in 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ importance as a market for US farm exports.
The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, said SMC was among 11 companies worldwide honored at the inaugural Global Friends of American Agriculture–Trade Excellence Awards in Marshallville, Georgia, on October 14.
SMC Foundation Executive Director Kin Lichauco accepted the award on behalf of Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, citing the conglomerate’s purchases of American soybean meal, wheat, corn, dairy and meat products.
Lichauco said SMC continued sourcing these commodities from the United States because of their quality, consistency and reliability. US suppliers account for the bulk of SMC’s import requirements for several commodities, according to the statement, underscoring the role of American agricultural inputs in supporting its food and beverage operations.
US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg led the awarding ceremony. Other recipients represented Australia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
Agriculture Counsellor Lupiño Lazaro Jr. represented the Philippine Embassy and the Department of Agriculture at the event.
Beyond the corporate recognition, the award underscores the commercial links between US agricultural producers and Philippine food manufacturers. SMC’s substantial purchases illustrate how demand from major overseas buyers can support American agricultural exports while supplying key inputs to the Philippines’ domestic food and beverage industries.
