Marikina Food Corporation (MFC), the proud manufacturer of HOBE® Noodles, is one of the Philippines’ leading producers and exporters of dried rice noodles and snack products. Based in Marikina City, Metro Manila, the company operates with a vision to provide quality, affordable, and export-ready Filipino food products for both local and global markets.
Company Overview
Established in the early 2000s, Marikina Food Corporation quickly rose to prominence through its flagship brand HOBE, which has become synonymous with high-quality bihon (dried rice noodles) across the Philippines. Under the leadership of Antonio Hui (CEO) and Marcelo Co (Managing Director), the company has expanded its operations from domestic retail to full-scale international exports and toll manufacturing services.
As of 2023, MFC operates modern manufacturing facilities compliant with international food safety standards, supplying both institutional and retail clients in over 20 countries.
Core Products
MFC maintains a wide portfolio of Filipino staple foods and snacks under various brand labels:
1. Rice Noodles (HOBE Brand)
- Hobe Special Bihon
- Hobe Express Bihon (Quick Cook)
- Hobe Golden Bihon
- Rice Sticks (Misua, Miki)
2. Instant Noodles
- Pancit Canton with Calamansi, Spicy, and Original Flavors
3. Snack Foods (Chickboy and Tochi Brands)
- Chickboy Pop-Nik
- Chickboy Corn Chips
- Tochi Onion Rings
- Tochi Peas & Crunchy Snacks
4. Condiments and Preserves
- Bagoong (Shrimp Paste)
- Fruit Preserves (Langka, Mango, Ube)
5. Bakery and Specialty Food Products
- Local Filipino delicacies under "Tita Dely’s"
These products are marketed in diverse SKUs ranging from single-serve to bulk catering sizes, making them suitable for home cooks, retailers, and institutional buyers.
Unique Value Proposition
Marikina Food Corporation differentiates itself through:
- Top-Market Noodle Brand: HOBE is consistently ranked among the top bihon brands in the Philippines.
- In-House R&D: Continuous innovation for new flavor profiles and cooking formats (e.g., Quick Cook noodles).
- Flexible Manufacturing: Offers toll manufacturing for private label clients globally.
- Export-Focused Strategy: Well-established export division with compliant packaging and labeling for various markets.
Its vertically integrated supply chain ensures competitive pricing and consistency in quality and delivery.
Production and Infrastructure
- Main Facility: Marikina City, Metro Manila
- Production Volume: Over 15,000 MT annual output of noodles and snacks
- Certifications:
- Philippine FDA License to Operate
- Halal Certification (for select products)
- HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Export Accreditation (Bureau of Customs, DA, DTI)
The facilities are equipped with advanced drying, extrusion, and packaging lines capable of scaling to high-volume export orders.
Market Reach and Export Footprint
MFC exports products to over 20 international markets, including:
- United States
- Canada
- United Arab Emirates
- Japan
- Saudi Arabia
- Australia
- Hong Kong and Singapore
HOBE and Chickboy products are widely distributed through Asian grocery chains, mainstream supermarkets, and online platforms in these countries.
The company also regularly participates in international trade fairs such as Gulfood (Dubai) and IFEX Philippines, where it has been consistently featured as a top-performing Filipino brand.
Financial and Operational Insights
- Annual Revenue: Estimated in the multi-million USD range
- Employee Count: Over 200 across production, logistics, and administration
- Private Label Exports: Over 30% of export volume through OEM contracts
This allows MFC to operate flexibly between branded and B2B contract manufacturing.
Media Presence and Recognition
- Hobe Bihon Commercials: Broadcast on major TV channels and featured on YouTube
- DTI and PTIC Recognition: For consistent export performance and contribution to MSME development
- Consumer Awards: Voted as “Most Trusted Rice Noodle Brand” in multiple retail surveys
Major Achievements
- Expanded from domestic to 20+ global markets in under two decades
- Developed over 30 product SKUs under 4 major brands
- Recognized for Quality Excellence by IFEX and DTI
- Achieved sustained growth through pandemic via e-commerce expansion
- Gulfood and SIAL exhibitor under Philippine national pavilion
Marikina Food Corporation, through its flagship brands HOBE, Chickboy, and Tochi, continues to elevate Filipino food staples on the global stage with quality, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in manufacturing.
