Lotte GRS, the restaurant service arm of the Lotte Group, is preparing to launch its flagship brand “Lotteria” in the Philippines targeting at least 30 store openings in five years.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with the giant retailer along with other South Korean conglomerates on May 16, 2025 in Seoul.
Roque said that Lotte’s plan for the Philippine expansion has a strong focus on local sourcing and workforce development.
Other leading South Korean conglomerates and retailers also outlined plans to introduce modern convenience store formats tailored to the urban Filipino lifestyle, building on their success in markets such as Vietnam and Mongolia through partnerships with local operators.
According to Roque, the South Korean companies underlined their commitment to local sourcing, with over 95 percent of the products offered in their overseas stores sourced within the host country. These include fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and salads.
The discussions also covered initiatives to integrate digital commerce platforms and strengthen last-mile delivery services, enabling technology-driven retail experiences in the Philippines. In addition to food service and retail ventures, South Korean firms are also exploring opportunities in restaurant expansion and import-export channels for Philippine agricultural and seafood products.
Also central to the discussion were the South Korean firms’ plans to leverage their operational expertise and advanced retail models to contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth. These companies aim to invest in joint ventures, master franchise agreements, and localized operations that will generate employment, strengthen supply chains, and modernize retail distribution in the country, progressing beyond exporting their brands.
Roque expressed appreciation for the continued confidence of the South Korean firms in the Philippine market, while underscoring the country’s young, and dynamic population of over 115 million. She also highlighted the country’s strategic position in ASEAN, while trumpeting the government’s efforts to foster a competitive and investor friendly business environment.
“With the CREATE MORE law in place, our partners enjoy one of the most competitive and forward-looking incentive systems today— through smarter incentives, streamlined processes, and a vibrant consumer base ready for innovation,” Roque said.
