Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
Metro Manila remains the country’s biggest consumption hub, but access is often limited to large brands and distributors.
By embedding local sourcing into its growth strategy, Fisher Mall is positioning itself as a platform that can scale regional livelihoods while keeping essentials affordable for urban households.
The big picture
As it closes 2025, Fisher Mall debuted Fisher’s Best Sardines, a private-label product sourced directly from Zamboanga fishermen and sold at P22 per can.
The launch reconnects the mall to its fishing roots while demonstrating how retail infrastructure can be used to open new distribution channels for small producers .
What they’re saying
"Fisher Mall has always been a reflection of our roots," Raymond del Rosario, president of Fisher Mall Group of Companies, said in a press release on Dec. 15, 2025.
"With Fisher’s Best Sardines, we are celebrating the hardworking fisherfolk whose dedication makes this possible, while innovating to create products that support their livelihoods and meet the evolving needs of our customers."
Between the lines
The sardine line is more than a new grocery item. It is a proof point for a broader strategy where the mall uses its tenant mix, foot traffic, and private-label capabilities to help local suppliers compete alongside multinational brands.
Easy-open packaging, affordability, and everyday positioning are designed to meet Metro Manila demand without diluting the value of regional sourcing.
Zoom in
In 2025, Fisher Mall expanded its retail lineup with international brands such as HLA, Planet Sports, Skechers, and Converse.
Even as global names grow their presence, management says local and Filipino-made products remain central to the mall’s identity, balancing international variety with community-driven offerings .
What’s next
Looking ahead to its planned Quezon City expansion in 2026, Fisher Mall says added space and improved accessibility will be used to give local suppliers—including Zamboanga fisherfolk—greater exposure across Metro Manila. Community events and shared spaces are also expected to support MSMEs and homegrown merchants as part of the mall’s social impact agenda .
The bottom line
By pairing expansion with intentional local sourcing, Fisher Mall is betting that stronger links between regional producers and urban consumers can deliver both commercial growth and inclusive economic impact—turning mall shelves into a pathway for fisherfolk to reach the country’s largest market. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
