WINNING | Jollibee’s TIME as fried chicken phenom goes global

Insider Spotlight

  • TIME cites company’s international growth and market leadership
  • Jollibee Group now operates across 33 countries
  • North America expansion gains momentum after U.S. franchising launch


Jollibee Group is accelerating its international expansion as the Philippine fast-food giant strengthens its foothold in key overseas markets, particularly North America, where it has surpassed 100 stores.

The company said it continues to expand across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East while scaling operations through a portfolio of 20 brands that now collectively operate more than 10,400 stores and cafés worldwide.

Why it matters

Jollibee’s overseas push reflects the growing ability of Philippine consumer brands to compete globally in highly competitive restaurant markets.

The company’s international momentum recently drew recognition from TIME, which included Jollibee Group in its “100 Most Influential Companies of 2026” and named it among the Top 10 Food & Drink Companies in the inaugural TIME100 Industry Leaders list, according to a company release. 

TIME described the company as a “fried-chicken phenom,” pointing to its dominance in the Philippine market and accelerating international growth.

“We are honored to be named to TIME’s Top 100 Most Influential Companies list,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, global president and CEO, Jollibee Group.

“Being included among companies making an extraordinary impact around the world is a meaningful recognition of the passion and dedication of our teams who bring our purpose of spreading joy through superior taste to life every day.”

Ernesto Tanmantiong
Global president and CEO, Jollibee Group

By the numbers

Jollibee Group’s portfolio spans four major categories — chicken, Chinese cuisine, premium burgers, and coffee and tea — through brands including Jollibee, Tim Ho Wan, Smashburger, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

The company launched its first franchising program in the United States in 2025 as part of efforts to accelerate global expansion and deepen market penetration overseas.

“We are equally proud to be recognized as among the Top 10 Food and Drinks Companies in the world, which reflects the growing global relevance of our brands and the strength of our business across markets,” Tanmantiong added. “As we continue to grow in the Philippines and internationally, we remain focused on building strong brands, serving our customers with excellence, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

The bottom line

Jollibee Group is leveraging its scale, diversified brand portfolio, and overseas expansion strategy to strengthen its standing as one of Asia’s fastest-growing restaurant companies. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

Featured News
Explore the latest news from InsiderPH
Monday, 18 May 2026
Insight to the one percent
© 2024 InsiderPH, All Rights Reserved.