Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Baken Philippines Inc. is a dynamic food innovation company headquartered in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines. Established in 2020 by entrepreneurs Rachel Carrasco and Kelly Parreño, Baken has quickly emerged as a trendsetter in the Filipino snack market with its inventive bacon-based product line. Through its flagship brand “Baken,” the company fuses indulgence, culinary creativity, and premium snacking into a bold consumer experience.

Company History and Background

Founded amid the early COVID-19 pandemic, Baken was born out of a desire to introduce high-quality, bacon-focused snacks into the local and international markets. With a bold, pop-inspired branding ethos, the company turned the traditional Filipino love for bacon into an innovative lifestyle food brand. Baken’s initial product launch—Real Bacon Crisps—quickly captured attention across digital platforms and e-commerce channels.

From its beginnings as a direct-to-consumer business, Baken expanded into physical retail partnerships and international trade events, positioning itself as a modern, scalable Filipino snack food manufacturer.

Core Business and Offerings

Baken Philippines Inc. focuses on developing bacon-centric food products that combine indulgent flavors with artisanal craftsmanship. Its product portfolio includes:

• Real Bacon Crisps: Signature crunchy bacon snacks made from 100% real pork belly
• Bacon Cookies: Sweet-and-savory fusion treats blending chocolate chips and bacon bits
• Bacon Jam: A gourmet spread featuring slow-cooked bacon, onions, and spices
• Snack Bundles and Gift Sets: Themed packages curated for holidays and special events

Each product is developed in-house and manufactured under FDA-certified protocols in the company’s Muntinlupa production facility.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition

Baken’s core USP is its unique brand positioning: it is the first and only Filipino snack brand to revolve entirely around bacon as a hero ingredient. The company stands out through:

• Use of real pork belly, not bacon flavoring
• Distinctive pop-art inspired branding and packaging
• Limited-edition product drops, creating scarcity and buzz in the snack community

Baken also leverages collaborations with influencers and lifestyle brands, integrating itself into pop culture narratives.

Financial and Commercial Insights

While Baken is a privately held company and financials are undisclosed, the brand has demonstrated significant traction across key performance indicators:

• Online growth: Over 10,000 units sold via e-commerce in its first full year
• Retail expansion: Products available through specialty food retailers and premium grocers in Metro Manila
• Reorder rate: High customer retention and repeat order rates as noted through online store analytics

The brand’s pricing places it in the premium snack category, targeting middle to upper-income consumers.

Export and Shipment Data

Baken has participated in international food trade exhibitions including IFEX Philippines and Gulfood, indicating strong export ambitions. The company is in the process of expanding its footprint into:

• Singapore and Malaysia through boutique gourmet importers
• Middle Eastern markets, tapping into the growing demand for artisanal snacks
• US and Canada via Filipino-American retail platforms

Packaging complies with FDA and international export labeling standards, and Baken has completed pilot export runs to test shelf life and logistics in warm climates.

Target Markets

• Young professionals and millennials seeking premium, indulgent snacks
• Filipino diaspora communities abroad with nostalgia for Filipino flavors
• Boutique food retailers and gourmet stores
• Gift and specialty event markets

Capabilities and Infrastructure

Baken operates a registered food manufacturing facility in Muntinlupa, supported by:

• FDA License to Operate (LTO)
• Custom-designed production equipment for bacon handling and processing
• Chilled storage and cold chain logistics
• Dedicated teams for R&D, e-commerce fulfillment, and brand partnerships

Certifications and Compliance

• Registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Ongoing compliance with DTI food export and labeling regulations
• Participated in Philippine Export Development programs through DTI and CITEM

Customer and Market Reputation

Baken has cultivated a cult following among bacon enthusiasts, foodies, and pop culture fans. Its visual identity and quirky product concepts have resonated widely on Instagram and TikTok. A feature in BusinessMirror Philippines noted:

“Baken’s bacon crisps are not just a snack—they’re an experience. The brand has created a fun, irreverent approach to gourmet snacking.”

Customer reviews consistently highlight product quality, flavor intensity, and creative packaging.

Major Achievements

• Launched during the 2020 pandemic and reached breakeven in under 18 months
• Featured in top food and lifestyle publications including Spot.ph, Metro.Style, and Preview
• Exhibited at IFEX Philippines 2023, expanding B2B exposure
• Secured institutional clients including corporate gifting partners and hotel gift shops

With its trailblazing bacon-first concept, strong brand equity, and expanding export pipeline, Baken Philippines Inc. stands as a vanguard in the premium snack segment, transforming bacon from a breakfast item into a lifestyle indulgence.