DHL Supply Chain Philippines recently expanded its collaboration with Universal Robina Corporation, aiming to enhance the food and beverage company's logistics operations. The partnership focuses on managing URC's warehouse facility located in Calamba, Laguna, and providing transport services.
The warehouse site in Laguna holds a pallet space capacity exceeding 22,000. Under the extended agreement, DHL Supply Chain Philippines will oversee the day-to-day management and optimization of activities within this facility.
Representatives from both organizations attended a contract signing ceremony on March 17, 2025, formalizing the agreement. DHL's delegation included Bevan Williams, managing director for DHL Supply Chain Philippines, Gilbert Abogado, Operations director for JG and Consumer, and Brigette Cias, Operations excellence director.
URC was represented by Jesselyn Panis, vice president for Integrated Supply Chain, Joannie Festejo, director of Planning and Logistics, along with members of the URC Operations Management team.
The partnership is intended to support URC in preparing for growth in the Philippine market. DHL referenced a BMI report projecting the country's gross domestic product to grow by 6.3% this year, driven partly by household consumption. Household spending is projected to increase by 5.3% in 2025.
DHL Supply Chain Philippines plans to implement several strategies to optimize URC's logistics. These include standardizing processes for consistency, digitalizing workflows to automate tasks and improve tracking, and automating tasks to boost productivity and scale operations. Information regarding the partnership is available on various platforms, including discussions on 3PL/4PL logistics.
Furthermore, DHL will offer end-to-end transport services to URC through its division, DHL Summit Solutions, Inc. This aims to facilitate efficient movement of goods from the warehouse through distribution channels.
The collaboration comes as efficiency in supply chains becomes important for companies looking to capitalize on market demand. Local manufacturers are also prioritizing sustainability and production agility in their operations.
Universal Robina Corporation is recognized as a leading food and beverage company in the Philippines. Its product portfolio includes popular brands such as Great Taste coffee, C2 Cool & Clean tea, Piattos snacks, Maxx candy, and Cream-O cookies. URC also maintains a presence across ASEAN countries with regional brands like Lexus and Tivoli. Information related to broader logistics developments is available, such as DHL inaugurates its biggest logistics facility in PH.
Bevan Williams commented on the market conditions. “The Philippines’ consumer goods industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for efficiency and innovation in supply chain operations,” Williams said. “By leveraging our expertise in warehouse management, we aim to establish a strong foundation for the future of the consumer industry in the Philippines.”