R. Lapid’s Premium Chicharon is a household name in the Philippines’ snack food industry, renowned for its high-quality pork chicharon and barbecue products. Founded in 1974, the company has grown from a modest food cart into a nationwide brand with numerous branches, franchise operations, and a loyal consumer base. Headquartered in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, R. Lapid’s is recognized as a pioneering force in commercial chicharon production in the country.
Core Products and Offerings
R. Lapid’s offers an extensive array of savory meat snacks and grilled food products. Its core product categories include:
- Classic Chicharon (Bilog) – The traditional pork rind chicharon with crunchy texture and bold flavor.
- Prime Chicharon (with Laman) – Pork rind with meat, offering a rich, juicy snack alternative.
- Lite Chicharon (Cocktail Size) – Bite-sized chicharon ideal for lighter snacking.
- Chicharon Bits – Packaged in small portions with flavor variants such as garlic, spicy, and BBQ.
- Manila Fries Chicharon – Thinly sliced pork strips fried to a crispy texture.
- Grilled Pork Barbecue – Charcoal-grilled skewered pork, marinated in the company’s signature sauce.
- Grilled Chicken Wings – A complement to their grilled meat offerings available at retail stores and franchises.
Specializations and Core USP
R. Lapid’s distinguishes itself through:
- Heritage and Authenticity – Over four decades of recipe development using traditional Filipino techniques.
- Quality-Controlled Manufacturing – Maintains stringent hygiene and production standards in its main processing plant.
- Multiple Product Formats – From bulk packs for retail to ready-to-eat portions for dine-in or takeout.
- Franchise Model – Offers franchise packages, contributing to their wide geographic footprint across Luzon and select areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
Market Reach and Distribution
R. Lapid’s operates a hybrid retail and franchise model that ensures broad market access:
- Over 100 Retail Outlets and Franchise Branches – Located in malls, major thoroughfares, and commercial centers.
- National Distribution – Products are available in pasalubong (souvenir) centers, supermarkets, and dedicated kiosks.
- Export Capabilities – Limited exports of vacuum-packed chicharon products targeting OFW communities in the U.S. and Middle East.
Their strong brand equity is reflected in their continued expansion and the popularity of their products across multiple generations of Filipino consumers.
Capabilities
- Own Processing Plant – Handles production from raw material preparation to packing and distribution.
- In-House Logistics – Maintains cold-chain delivery for grilled food and fresh products.
- Product R&D – Constantly innovating with new snack variants and improved preservation techniques.
- Marketing and Branding – Strong social media presence and in-store marketing campaigns.
Certifications and Compliance
- Philippine FDA-Registered Facility
- Certified under Sanitary and Food Safety Standards of Valenzuela LGU and Metro Manila municipalities
- HACCP-compliant production protocols in processing meat products
Testimonials
“No other chicharon brand comes close to the balance of crunch and flavor that R. Lapid’s delivers. It’s my go-to pasalubong.”
— OFW Customer, Los Angeles
“Their franchising support was comprehensive. We’ve been running a profitable branch in Quezon City for 6 years.”
— Franchisee, Metro Manila
Achievements
- Consistently awarded as Top Brand in Chicharon Category in local food expos
- Franchisee satisfaction rate over 90% as of 2022
- Expanded to over 100 branches nationwide since inception
- Featured in national media including GMA’s "Pinas Sarap" and ABS-CBN’s "Swak na Swak"
R. Lapid’s Premium Chicharon continues to uphold its legacy as a champion of Filipino snack food culture, delivering high-quality, affordable, and authentic pork-based products to both traditional and modern consumers.
