Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH), the Japanese retail powerhouse behind the popular Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains, mull the inclusion of Philippine products in the company’s global supply chain.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque held a strategic meeting on May 19, 2024 with executives of PPIH in Tokyo in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to deepen trade and investment ties with key global partners,
The meeting centered on expanding the sourcing of Philippine products for inclusion in PPIH’s global store network, particularly in Japan, the United States, and other Asian markets.
Roque said that PPIH expressed strong interest in increasing the visibility of Filipino-made goods in their retail ecosystem, both as standalone Philippine-branded products and as ingredients or components for Japanese-packaged offerings tailored to local markets.
PPIH identified food and wellness items, natural and sustainable home goods, and unique lifestyle products as key areas of sourcing interest.
The Japanese retail giant also expressed a desire to connect directly with more Philippine exporters and manufacturers, beyond current intermediaries, to gain better access to new and trending products.
In addition, the iconic Japanese brand also expressed interest in sourcing quality goods that reflect both value and cultural appeal presents promising prospects for Philippine exporters.
“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world—especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence,” said Roque. “As we work toward a more dynamic and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas, engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises.”
Roque emphasized the Philippines’ growing export capabilities and affirmed the government’s readiness to assist Japanese partners in identifying and onboarding suppliers that meet international standards. The discussions also explored collaborative solutions to address regulatory and packaging requirements, facilitating smoother entry of Philippine products into foreign retail markets.
While PPIH noted that opening a Donki store in the Philippines remains a long-term consideration, executives acknowledged that a successful sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and exporters could play a significant role in including the Philippines in future regional expansion plans.
