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Importer and distributor search
We introduce importers and distributors with the reach your brand needs, in Manila and across the islands.
Markets / Philippines
Taking a Drinks Brand into the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of the largest spirits markets in Asia, with a young population, a strong social drinking culture and growing appetite for imported brands. Its scale and geography make it a market where the right distributor makes all the difference.
The Market.
Local brandy and gin lead spirits consumption, and local brewers dominate beer. Imported whisky, wine, premium spirits and craft beer are growing, driven by urban consumers and a strong hospitality sector.
Metro Manila is the centre of the market, with Cebu, Davao and the main tourist destinations following. Modern retail, convenience stores, restaurants and bars all play a role, and reaching beyond Manila needs a distributor with real national coverage.
We assess every opportunity through local knowledge and our own experience of developing new markets, backed by market statistics, so our advice on where a brand fits reflects what is really happening on the ground.
How to Enter.
Imported alcohol needs a licensed importer and product registration with the food and drug authority before sale. Getting registration under way early is key to a realistic launch date.
Excise applies to alcohol and has been rising over time, alongside import duty and value added tax, so price planning from ex cellar to shelf is essential.
Distribution across an archipelago is complex and costly. The distributor's reach outside Metro Manila often decides how far a brand can grow.
How We Help in the Philippines.
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Pricing and route to market
A full price build for each channel, including excise and logistics costs across the country.
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Registration and launch planning
A clear plan for product registration, labelling and first orders.
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Activation on the ground
A retained team that works your distributor and drives activation in the on trade and modern retail.
Common Questions.
What sells best in the Philippines?
Local brandy and gin lead spirits, and beer is dominated by local brewers. Imported whisky, wine and premium spirits are the fastest growing opportunities for foreign brands.
Do imported drinks need registration in the Philippines?
Yes. Products need registration with the food and drug authority, through a licensed importer, before they can be sold.
Is one distributor enough for the whole country?
Sometimes, if it has genuine national coverage. Many brands start in Metro Manila and expand as the brand builds, and we help find the right partner for each stage.
Does Bukit Strategy Group work in the Philippines?
Yes. We work with local partners to ensure that we have consistent coverage in the market and regularly visit the market to ensure we maintain all the necessary relationships.