Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

Phenomenon Group Inc., operating under its flagship brand Que Rica, is an innovative Filipino food company specializing in premium, locally-inspired gourmet products. Based in Biñan, Laguna, Philippines, the company was established with a mission to elevate Philippine culinary traditions and make them globally competitive through product innovation, ethical sourcing, and world-class branding.

Core Business

The core focus of Phenomenon Group Inc. is to process, package, and export value-added Filipino food products, with a strong emphasis on regional ingredients such as pili nuts, coconut, and native spices. Under the brand Que Rica, the company brings gourmet interpretations of classic Filipino recipes and ingredients into contemporary, export-ready formats.

Product and Service Offerings

Phenomenon Group Inc. has built a diverse portfolio of gourmet food products primarily centered around premium pili nuts and traditional Bicolano cuisine. The offerings are divided into the following product categories:

• Pili Nuts (Under Que Rica):

  • Flavors include Plain, Salted, Truffle Pecorino, Coffee, Chocolate, Ube, Asin Tibuok, Miso Salted Caramel, and Matcha.
  • Known for artisanal roasting and gourmet seasoning.

• Pili Butter:

  • A creamy, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional nut butters, sold in 250 g jars.

• Ready-to-Eat Bottled Meals (Flordeli by Que Rica):

  • Vegan Laing
  • Tinutungan Chicken
  • Chicken Tocino (pineapple-cured)
  • Laing Longganisa
  • Bicol Express (Vegan and Meat options)
  • Sinantolan

These offerings cater to health-conscious and gourmet food consumers, as well as international Filipino markets looking for shelf-stable, traditional yet upscale food products.

Specialization and Core USP

The company’s unique value proposition lies in its premium take on Filipino indigenous ingredients, especially pili nuts, which are sustainably sourced from Bicol farmers. The emphasis on gourmet craftsmanship, fair trade practices, and regional culinary authenticity sets Que Rica apart from mass-market Filipino food brands. Their use of Asin Tibuok (Philippine artisanal salt) and other heritage ingredients showcases a commitment to preserving culinary traditions while innovating for the modern palate.

Financial Performance

While specific financial figures for Phenomenon Group Inc. are undisclosed due to its private nature, the brand’s presence in global gourmet fairs and listings in premium retail platforms (including Rustan’s and online gourmet stores) suggests solid revenue growth. The company’s upscale positioning allows for premium pricing, contributing to healthier margins compared to commodity food manufacturers.

Shipment Records

Export activity has been verified through digital storefronts and specialty importers catering to Filipino expatriate communities in the U.S., Japan, and parts of Europe. Que Rica products are featured on various platforms that specialize in Southeast Asian gourmet items. According to trade listings and product directories, exports began in earnest around 2022, with volumes scaling incrementally to serve boutique grocery and gourmet retail stores abroad.

Target Market

Phenomenon Group Inc. targets several key customer segments:

• High-income Filipino households seeking gourmet renditions of local dishes.
• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and second-generation Filipinos abroad.
• Gourmet and organic retailers in North America, Japan, UAE, and Australia.
• Restaurants and cafés seeking Filipino ingredients with premium branding.

Capabilities

• Ethical sourcing from local Bicolano farmers (especially for pili nuts).
• Product innovation capabilities for gourmet food and shelf-stable RTE meals.
• Small-batch production to ensure quality and flavor consistency.
• Cold-chain and export-compliant packaging technologies.
• Strong brand-building and marketing across digital platforms.

Certifications and Compliance

Que Rica's production processes comply with FDA Philippines food manufacturing regulations. The brand’s products are labeled in accordance with international standards, and export documentation is managed to meet market-specific compliance (particularly for Japan and the U.S.).

Customer Testimonials

Que Rica has received high praise from food critics and influencers. A notable quote:

“The truffle pecorino pili nuts are one of the best local gourmet snacks I’ve had. It feels like something you'd find in a boutique shop in Europe — but it's proudly Filipino.” — (Food Blogger, Metro Manila)

Major Achievements

• Featured brand in Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines exhibitions.
• Partnered with Rustan’s Supermarket and Landers for retail visibility.
• Recognized by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as a brand with high export potential.
• Developed over 10 unique pili nut variants, making it the most diverse line in the category.
• Launched Flordeli by Que Rica, a successful sub-brand of bottled, gourmet Filipino viands in 2023.

Phenomenon Group Inc. and its brand Que Rica represent the future of Filipino food — one that honors heritage while embracing innovation, offering the world a taste of Philippine pride in every bite.