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That strategy has earned the Philippine-founded company the Global Growth Champion title at the inaugural Globie Awards, the awards program of the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference. Jollibee Group was selected from 12 brand nominees after receiving more than 74 percent of votes from the award’s advisory panel.
The big picture
Jollibee now has 20 brands across owned, franchised and invested businesses, giving the group exposure to different restaurant categories and consumer markets. Its network comprises more than 10,700 stores and cafés globally.
“Jollibee Group’s win as our 2026 Global Growth Champion is both decisive and well-deserved. Among several outstanding nominees, Jollibee’s dominance was clear. They’ve transformed from a beloved Filipino brand into a true global restaurant powerhouse, and their strategic portfolio diversification demonstrates they’re playing the long game in international growth,” said Jonathan Maze, editor in chief, Restaurant Business.
“What sets the Jollibee Group apart is how they’ve redefined international restaurant expansion—not just through rapid growth, but through thoughtful, community-driven strategies that honor local cultures while building a diversified portfolio of brands,” Maze added.
Why it matters
Rather than relying solely on one flagship brand to carry its international ambitions, Jollibee’s strategy combines portfolio strength, market growth and operational agility with brands positioned for different customers and geographies.
The approach reflects its broader push to develop a global restaurant business while retaining relevance in individual markets.
The company said in a release that its international expansion is supported by strong operating teams, franchisees and partners, alongside consistent execution across different geographies.
“This award recognizes not only the scale of Jollibee Group’s international expansion, but also the strength and discipline behind it. Growing across markets requires more than opening stores; it takes brands that are relevant to local customers, strong operating teams, committed franchisees and partners, and the ability to execute consistently across different geographies,” said David Beal, global chief marketing officer and head of digital marketing of Jollibee Group.
“That is the foundation we continue to build as we grow Jollibee Group into a truly global restaurant company,” he added.
What’s next
The Globie Award will be formally presented during the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference in November 2026. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
