MANILA, Philippines — Century Pacific Food Inc. is trying to prove that its future can be much bigger than canned tuna and corned beef.
The food manufacturer behind Century Tuna, 555, Argentina, Birch Tree and other household brands is accelerating its push into dairy, coconut and other emerging food categories after posting another double-digit increase in sales during the first half of 2026.
Century Pacific, listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker CNPF, generated ₱45.8 billion in consolidated revenue in the first six months of 2026, up 15% from a year earlier, according to its financial disclosures.
The figures suggest that the company’s diversification strategy is beginning to do more than simply reduce its dependence on its traditional canned-food businesses.
Century Pacific’s predominantly domestic branded business grew 13% in the first half, while its original equipment manufacturing, or OEM, tuna and coconut export operations surged 26% year on year. Milk, coconut and other emerging businesses were among the strongest contributors within the branded division.
That gives Century Pacific two growth engines at a time when Filipino consumers remain sensitive to food prices and manufacturers face volatile fuel, commodity and logistics costs.
From Century Tuna and Argentina to a much wider food portfolio
For decades, Century Pacific has been closely associated with canned tuna, sardines and meat products through brands such as Century Tuna, 555 and Argentina.
But the company has steadily widened its portfolio to include dairy products, coconut-based products, refrigerated food, pet food and plant-based alternatives.
Its dairy business includes Birch Tree and Angel, while the coconut operation spans products such as coconut water, milk, oil and other derivatives. The company also operates OEM export businesses serving overseas customers in tuna and coconut products.
That broader portfolio has become increasingly important.
The Manila Times reported that Century Pacific is positioning dairy, coconut and emerging food categories as additional long-term growth platforms, with production expansion in Mindanao expected to support more than 4,000 manufacturing jobs.
The strategy also gives Century Pacific greater exposure to international demand for coconut products while keeping its large Philippine branded-food operation as the foundation of the business.
Exports make a comeback
One of the biggest changes in 2026 has come from Century Pacific’s OEM export division.
After growing only 2% in 2025, OEM export sales rebounded sharply in the first half of 2026, increasing 26% as tuna export markets improved and global demand for coconut products remained strong.
The export rebound complements a branded division that represents the majority of Century Pacific’s sales and includes marine, meat, milk, coconut and newer product categories.
In the second quarter alone, branded revenue grew 14% year on year, while OEM exports increased 21%, according to the company.
But the numbers came despite a major disruption.
The General Santos earthquake hit a key production hub
Century Pacific’s manufacturing operations were affected by the June 2026 earthquake in General Santos City, where several of its major production facilities are located.
The disruption damaged inventory and facilities and resulted in one-time provisions that weighed on reported earnings.
Century Pacific recorded ₱4.1 billion in first-half net income after tax, up 6% year on year. Excluding earthquake-related provisions that remain subject to insurance claims, the company said core net income grew 10%, while core operating income increased 18%.
The Philippine Star reported in July that the company’s General Santos plants had returned to close to full capacity after temporarily shutting down following the earthquake.
The episode highlights both the importance of Mindanao to Century Pacific’s operations and the risks involved as it puts more manufacturing capacity in the region.
Century Pacific is doubling its usual investment
The company is not slowing its expansion.
Century Pacific has earmarked approximately ₱8 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, roughly double what management described as its typical annual investment.
The spending is intended to support capacity expansion across its businesses while management builds inventories, protects business continuity and continues developing value-for-money products.
That investment comes even as operating conditions remain difficult.
Century Pacific said higher fuel prices pressured both household spending and its own costs during the first half. The company responded by tightening expenses and implementing measured price increases that it said remained below inflation. First-half gross margin nevertheless improved slightly to 25.9%, while operating income rose 15%.
Executive Chairman Christopher Po told The Philippine Star that Century Pacific was targeting double-digit growth in both revenue and profit for full-year 2026, supported by restored production capacity, brand investment and sustained demand.
FinanceAsia recognition puts the strategy in the spotlight
Century Pacific’s expansion comes as the company gained fresh recognition from the investment community.
FinanceAsia named Century Pacific the Gold winner for Best Managed Company in Consumer Staples in the Philippines in its Asia’s Best Companies 2026 poll. FinanceAsia said the awards were based on nominations from investors and financial analysts evaluating Asian companies.
The award does not guarantee future performance, but it arrives as the company attempts a significant transition: using mature, cash-generating pantry staples to finance businesses that could provide its next stage of growth.
Century Pacific reported ₱83.3 billion in revenue and ₱7.1 billion in net income in 2025, increases of 10% and 11%, respectively. Its first-half 2026 numbers show that top-line growth has accelerated even as earthquakes, higher costs and taxes complicated the earnings picture.
The bigger question is whether dairy, coconut and other newer categories can eventually become pillars as durable as Century Tuna, 555 and Argentina.
For now, Century Pacific’s numbers suggest the diversification bet is gaining traction — and the company is putting considerably more capital behind it.
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