BIZ BUZZ: URC expands footprint in Southeast Asia

Although it seems that we have enough snacks in the world, there always seems to be room for new flavors of our favorite treats or new products entirely.

In the case of Universal Robina Corp. (URC)—the local genius behind merienda favorites V-cut potato chips, Piattos and Cream-O cookies—the key is expanding its footprint and exploring opportunities elsewhere.

The Gokongwei-led snack maker on Thursday launched a new research and development center in Malaysia, under the care of its URMunchy’s subsidiary.

“This center is not just a facility: It’s a strategic asset,” URC president and CEO Irwin Lee says in a statement. The center is also seen to accelerate “URMunchy’s innovation pipeline, drive forward-thinking solutions and strengthen our ambition to lead in snack innovation across the region.”

As one would expect for a snack maker, 50 product samples were showcased at the opening of the R&D center in Pasir Gudang.

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At least 10 “packaging innovations” were likewise scrutinized.

Everything’s already there—product testing and development tech—it’s just a matter of producing a new snack that sets URC apart from what it already is now.