Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Foodsphere, Inc., more popularly known under its flagship brand CDO, is a leading food processing company in the Philippines. With a diversified portfolio of meat and canned food products, the company has established itself as a household name and an industry leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Since its inception, CDO Foodsphere has focused on product innovation, affordability, and food accessibility, transforming the Filipino food landscape through its iconic brands and nationwide distribution.

Brief History

Founded in 1975 by Corazon Dayro Ong, Foodsphere, Inc. began as a small family-run kitchen operation. The company’s breakthrough came with the introduction of its first commercial meat product, tocino, which quickly gained consumer traction. Over the decades, CDO expanded into various product categories, built nationwide distribution networks, and launched successful brands such as Bibbo! and San Marino. Now headed by President Jerome D. Ong, the company has grown from its humble roots into a billion-peso enterprise.

Core Business

Foodsphere, Inc. is primarily engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of processed meats, canned goods, and value-added food products. The company serves retail, foodservice, and institutional channels across the Philippines, with a growing export presence in global Filipino markets.

Product and Service Offerings

CDO’s broad product portfolio includes:

• Processed Meats:

  • Hotdogs, sausages, tocino, tapa, bacon, hams, and burger patties
  • Bibbo! hotdog line and Danes cheese dogs

• Canned Goods:

  • Corned beef (CDO Highlands, Holiday brand)
  • Meatloaf, canned luncheon meat, corned tuna

• Dairy and Preserves:

  • Danes processed cheese and cheese spreads

• Canned Tuna Line:

  • San Marino tuna variants (e.g., Corned Tuna, Tuna Paella)

• Institutional & Foodservice Packs:

  • Custom-formulated products for hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses

Specialization and Core USP

CDO’s unique selling proposition is its ability to create affordable, high-quality Filipino-style food products that cater to mass-market tastes. The company is known for democratizing processed meats and canned goods, making them accessible even to low-income households. It has led the market with product formats tailored for affordability (e.g., sachet and single-serve packs) and introduced health-focused variants, such as San Marino’s Omega-3 rich tuna.

CDO also operates modern processing facilities in Valenzuela City, equipped with technology that ensures food safety and product consistency at scale.

Financial Strength

As a privately held firm, Foodsphere, Inc. does not publish detailed financial reports. However:

• Industry analysts estimate annual revenues to exceed PHP 10 billion
• It ranks among the top 5 meat processors in the Philippines
• The company operates a large nationwide logistics fleet and distribution system, reaching over 120,000 retail points

In recent years, CDO’s consistent growth has been driven by increasing demand for convenience foods and its strategic market positioning in both premium and value segments.

Shipment Data

While primarily focused on the Philippine market, Foodsphere has been expanding its export footprint:

• Export destinations include the United States, Canada, Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia
• Export products include San Marino tuna and CDO processed meats
• Participation in international trade fairs under DTI’s export promotion programs
• Export volumes grew by an estimated 15% annually over the past three years

Target Market

CDO targets a wide range of consumers and business clients:

• Mass-market households: Core customer base for hotdogs, canned goods, tocino
• Health-conscious buyers: Omega-3-rich San Marino canned tuna
• Foodservice providers: Through institutional pack sales
• Export clients: Overseas Filipino stores and Asian grocery chains

Its product pricing and packaging strategies allow it to cater to both urban and rural markets.

Capabilities

• Modern Food Manufacturing Facilities: HACCP- and GMP-compliant processing plants in Valenzuela
• Nationwide Cold Chain Logistics: For meat and dairy products
• R&D and Food Innovation: Dedicated team for new product development
• Export Packaging & Compliance: Facilities prepared for FDA and halal-certified exports

Certifications and Compliance Records

• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Compliance
• Halal Certification for select meat products
• FDA-licensed food manufacturing operations
• Member of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI)

These certifications underscore CDO’s commitment to international standards of food safety and quality.

Customer Testimonials

CDO has received consistent positive feedback for its flavor profiles, affordability, and availability. Many consumers associate the brand with value-for-money and family-friendly meals. Industry stakeholders have praised the company’s proactive adaptation to changing consumer needs, especially during crisis periods like the pandemic, where CDO ensured uninterrupted supply.

Major Achievements

• Pioneer of the San Marino corned tuna, a new category in the canned food segment
• Successfully launched the Million Meats Project, a large-scale campaign to support food security
• Recognized for its role in COVID-19 relief efforts by providing food donations nationwide
• Maintained leadership in the hotdog category in multiple regional markets
• Developed over 300 SKUs across various product categories

Foodsphere, Inc. continues to lead with its purpose-driven approach—"creating food that brings families together"—while advancing food innovation, supply chain excellence, and inclusive growth in the Philippine food industry.