ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Business trends

Japan's Calbee admits mistake in Philippine JV partner

Snack-maker now looks to expand in China and Indonesia

Calbee said that it was hard to differentiate its premium products from mass-market products in the Philippines. (Photo by Kimberly Dela Cruz)

TOKYO -- Japanese snack producer Calbee admitted that it made a mistake in choosing rival Universal Robina as partner for its failed Philippines potato chip joint venture, but said it would now focus on Indonesia and China to build on its presence in the region.

 "Universal Robina has its own brand, with the same salesmen dealing with both labels," Makoto Ehara, executive vice president of Calbee, told the Nikkei Asian Review. "It sells its own product rather than the combined brands. It is difficult to fully count on a player in the same industry which has similar products." This resulted in both brands competing in the same market, he said.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more