Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the Gokongwei Group’s food and beverage unit, expects its growth to accelerate as rising consumer confidence leads to higher sales.

“We are starting the year on a high note, delivering impressive volume growth across our key branded businesses in the first quarter of 2025,” said URC President and CEO Irwin Lee.

He noted that, “As overall consumer confidence and sentiment improve, we look forward to accelerating our forward momentum and continuously improving URC’s performance.”

URC disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its core net income improved by four percent to ₱4.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, due to lower finance costs early in the year.

Net income from continuing operations closed at ₱4.3 billion, slightly behind last year by two percent, due to higher forex gains in the first quarter of 2024.

The firm posted sales of ₱45.3 billion for the three months ending March 31, 2025, up seven percent versus. the same period last year, and started the fiscal year with strong volume-led growth across most of its divisions.

Total operating income for the first quarter of 2025 ended at ₱5.5 billion, growing by one percent from last year and in line with expectations.

The total Branded Consumer Foods (BCF) business delivered high single-digit operating income growth, aided by a sterling performance from URC International.

This offset expected declines in Agro-Industrial Commodities (AIC) profits against its higher base early last year.

Sales for the BCF group ended at ₱29.7 billion for the first quarter, up six percent from the same period last year.

BCF Philippines sales closed at ₱20.1 billion, growing four percent against the peak quarterly sales recorded last year, and delivering strong double-digit volume growth in Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Beverages, Snacks, and Confectionery.

BCF International recorded sales of Php9.6 billion, up 10 percent from the same period last year. Vietnam led the way with strong double-digit growth, while Malaysia and Indonesia showed steady topline improvements.

The international business continued to sustain its momentum and deliver above-market growth despite the weak ASEAN sentiment and tariff uncertainties in export-oriented economies.

The AIC group recorded ₱15.6 billion in sales for the first quarter, growing eight percent against last year’s period.

Higher sales volumes from the sugar and flour businesses helped offset weaker animal feed sales, which were affected by lower sales volumes as Philippine hog populations declined from the middle of last year.

“We will continue to create and sell trusted products that people love, with the best innovations at the best prices, while staying true to our mission: to delight our customers and consumers with good food choices,” said Lee.