NutriAsia Leaders Honored at 2026 Mansmith Market Masters Awards
NutriAsia Inc. (NAI), makers of the Philippines’ best condiments and sauces, celebrated yet another round of recognition as two of its marketing leaders were honored at the prestigious Mansmith Market Masters Awards last Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City.
NutriAsia Chief Marketing Officer and incoming General Manager Ampy Rio was one of the recipients of the Mansmith Market Master Mentors Award (MMMA) while Senior Consumer Engagement Manager Joana Marie Lagurin was among this year’s Young Mansmith Market Masters awardees.
A Legacy of Mentorship – A Transfer of Courage
The MMMA celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing the next generation of Filipino market masters. It is the only recognition in the Philippines that honors the mentors nominated by their mentees who are themselves previous Young Mansmith Market Masters Awards (YMMMA) winners.
Rio, one of the driving forces behind Nutriasia’s consistent growth, was nominated by her mentee and 2016 YMMMA recipient, Gretchen King. In her capacity as Chief Marketing Officer, Rio set the standards for marketing excellence and built a strong pipeline of talent through the NutriAsia Marketing Academy, the integrated Corporate Marketing and Communications Team and the Culinary Innovation Center – all of which linked products, content, and consumer engagement anchored and sustained by rigorous talent development.
In her acceptance speech, Rio thanked her own mentors, including 2023 MMMA recipient, NutriAsia President and Chief Operating Officer Angie Flaminiano and explained that mentorship is not just a transfer of skills and knowledge but is also a transfer of courage.
“To my mentors—thank you for tearing up my maps, using friction to bring out my courage, and for allowing me to walk with you. For those early in your career: be brave. Let your maps be torn up. Embrace friction. And don’t just seek answers—seek those willing to one day walk beside you as their equals… because the courage you are given today is the courage you will one day pass on.”
Redefining Growth and Strengthening the Future
As a recipient of the YMMMA, Lagurin is recognized as an outstanding marketer under the age of 35 who drives significant business results through strategic thinking and values-based leadership. She is the third talent from NutriAsia to receive this honor.
Lagurin has been instrumental in further growing heritage megabrands that already dominate their respective categories. She helped elevate vinegar from a simple cooking ingredient into a daily household essential through the Happy Home Hacks Community. She also launched the creator-led “Kusina ni Joshua” campaign, making the brand more relevant to younger homemakers and driving Datu Puti to its highest-ever volume performance.
Beyond product marketing, she has strengthened NutriAsia’s corporate identity through sustainability platforms such as the multi-awarded Bring Your Own Bote (BYOB) campaign and led the digital transformation of The Catsup Museum. These efforts contributed to a record-high 94% corporate trust rating.
Reflecting on her career shift and her work in expanding the footprint of NutriAsia’s most beloved brands, Lagurin noted, “There is always room for growth—just not always in the same room.”
These accolades are tangible proof of NutriAsia’s steadfast commitment to honing world-class talent by fostering an environment rooted in its core values and a relentless passion for excellence. By empowering leaders like Rio and Lagurin to push boundaries and redefine categories, NutriAsia continues to strengthen its mission of creating Masarap, Masaya moments for consumers everywhere.
