DTI in talks to put PH products on Don Quijote shelves

From Left to right: PPIH Executive Officer for Domestic Business Mitsuharu Namikawa; PPIH Managing Executive Officer Toshiya Hatsuyama, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, DTI-PTIC Tokyo Senior Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay, PPIH Executive Officer for Overseas Operations MD Support Kazuhiro Watanabe, and PPIH Acting Manager for Overseas Operations MD Support Rei Yasuda. —DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in talks to put more Filipino-made products on the shelves of Japanese retail chains Don Quijote and Don Don Donki across Japan, the United States and other key Asian markets.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met on May 19 with executives of Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. (PPIH), the Japanese retail giant behind the popular store chains, to make this happen.

“We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world, especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion and excellence,” Roque said in a statement.

“As we work toward a more dynamic and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas, engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises,” she added.

More income

The move could lead to greater global visibility for Philippine products, open new export opportunities for local businesses, and potentially generate more jobs and income for local producers.

For overseas Filipinos, it may also mean easier access to familiar, homegrown products abroad.

The DTI said that the Japanese firm expressed strong interest in sourcing food and wellness products, natural and sustainable home essentials, and distinctive lifestyle items from the Philippines.

It added that the company also signaled a preference for working directly with more local exporters and manufacturers, beyond existing intermediaries, to tap into fresh, on-trend offerings.

Expansion

DTI added that this interest in culturally rich, high-quality products highlights promising export opportunities for Filipino businesses seeking a wider global footprint.

The dialogue also covered potential collaborations to streamline regulatory and packaging processes, aimed at easing the entry of Philippine products into global retail markets.

Although PPIH considers opening a Donki store in the Philippines a long-term prospect, the DTI said that a strong sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and local exporters could prompt the retail giant to include the Philippines in future regional expansion plans.