Milk remains a staple in many Filipino households, whether poured into a glass to start the day, stirred into champorado, or enjoyed as a chocolate drink. Yet access to fresh, locally produced dairy has long been limited, especially for consumers with busy schedules.

Carmen’s Best, the Filipino brand known for its gourmet ice cream made from 100 percent fresh milk, is expanding its dairy offerings through a new exclusive partnership with convenience store chain 7-Eleven. The collaboration introduces single-serve bottles of Carmen’s Best fresh milk in selected stores, offering a convenient option for consumers on the go.

The initiative also addresses a broader gap in the local dairy market. According to the company, only about 1 percent of milk consumed in the Philippines is fresh and locally produced, while roughly 99 percent comes from imported or powdered sources. By placing fresh milk in neighborhood convenience stores, the brand aims to make locally sourced dairy more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Because the product contains 100 percent fresh milk with no additives or preservatives, the company advises that it be consumed promptly after purchase. The product differs from many processed or powdered milk drinks commonly sold in convenience stores.

The 300-milliliter bottles are currently available in selected 7-Eleven outlets in Metro Manila and Rizal. Distribution is expected to expand to Pampanga and Batangas, as well as key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. Wider nationwide availability is planned in the coming months.

“Our goal has always been to elevate the Filipino dairy experience. This journey began with a commitment to 100 percent real milk, but our mission has grown to ensure that fresh, local dairy is accessible to every Filipino,” said Toby Gatchalian, chief commercial officer of Metro Pacific Agro Ventures and Carmen’s Best.

“To make this possible, we’ve aggressively expanded our operations, growing our herd to 400 cows across farms in Luzon and Vismin, while increasing our yield from 11 liters to an impressive 28 liters per cow, per day. By partnering with 7-Eleven, we are completing that farm-to-table circle, ensuring that pure, locally produced milk is finally within reach for everyone.”

The Carmen’s Best 300-milliliter milk line is offered in several variants designed to suit different preferences.

Whole Milk (P60 SRP) delivers a rich and creamy profile made with 100 percent fresh milk.

Low-Fat Milk (P60 SRP) offers the same freshness with reduced fat content.

Low-Fat Chocolate Milk (P65 SRP) combines fresh milk with real cocoa for a lighter chocolate drink.

Salted Caramel Milk (P70 SRP), a new flavor inspired by the brand’s best-selling ice cream, features a sweet-and-salty profile.

Since introducing its fresh milk line in January 2025, Carmen’s Best has expanded its dairy portfolio with several new products.

The brand recently introduced Milk Bar, a snack made with fresh milk and premium ingredients. The product is currently available through the company’s website and major supermarkets in Luzon, with nationwide distribution planned.

For coffee enthusiasts, the company has also launched Barista Fresh Milk, which features standardized fat content designed to produce stable foam for espresso-based drinks.

New ice cream flavors have also been added to the lineup, including Ube Halaya and Tiramisu. Developed in collaboration with HOPE, each pint purchased supports the construction of classrooms.

Carmen’s Best has also expanded its physical presence with two scooping stations in Cebu, located at The Mall at Nustar and SM City J Mall. These mark the brand’s first scoop shops outside Luzon.

The company has likewise introduced its own version of kesong puti, made using 100 percent fresh milk sourced from local farms. The cheese is intended for a range of culinary uses, from traditional Filipino breakfasts to pizzas and pasta dishes.