Insider Spotlight
The Gokongwei-led food and beverage maker said core net income attributable to the parent slipped 2 percent year on year to P3.80 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, broadly in line with operating performance.
Reported net income from continuing operations fell 4 percent to P4.1 billion, while consolidated sales rose 6 percent to P47.9 billion on broad-based, volume-led growth across its branded consumer foods operations.
Operating income edged down 2 percent to P5.4 billion as lower sugar selling prices pressured commodities earnings, offsetting gains from higher consumer food volumes and stronger flour operations, according to a company disclosure.
By the numbers
Branded consumer foods remained the company’s main growth driver, with sales climbing 9 percent to P32.20 billion.
Its Philippine branded food business expanded 10 percent to P22 billion, supported by broad-based volume growth and the carryover impact of prior pricing actions.
International branded consumer foods sales increased 6 percent to P10.20 billion, led by Malaysia due to sustained demand for the Munchy’s brand.
Meanwhile, agro-industrial and commodities sales were flat at P15.70 billion.
Animal nutrition and health revenues jumped 22 percent, while flour sales rose 17 percent as URC ramped up production at its Sariaya flour mill. The gains were partly offset by weaker contributions from the sugar and renewables business due to lower distillery utilization rates.
What they’re saying
“We started the year with strong, volume-led growth, led by BCF Philippines, reflecting accelerating momentum and continued excellence in execution,” URC president and CEO Irwin Lee said.
Lee said the company remains alert to possible inflationary spillovers from the Middle East conflict that could dampen consumer demand, adding that URC would continue managing pricing, product mix, and costs carefully to sustain growth and support margins. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
