Spreading Smiles Across the Philippines with PepsiCo
The joy of the holiday season is in the air—and in the Philippines, it’s been that way since September. Known as the country with the world’s longest Christmas season, Filipinos revel in nearly a third of the year filled with festive music and holiday spirit in malls, restaurants, and cafés. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that the Philippines is often cited as one of the happiest nations. Around this time of year, families and friends gather to reflect on the past, express gratitude, and look ahead with fresh hopes for the new year. The Philippine Christmas season truly embodies smiles and laughter.
For PepsiCo, Christmas is a time to celebrate with the Filipino people and reflect on our 72-year relationship with this vibrant nation. Since 1946, PepsiCo has become a beloved brand in the Philippines, woven into the fabric of family gatherings, fiestas, and weekly meals, sharing smiles with every sip and bite.
Smiles for Customers
At PepsiCo, creating smiles is our mission, one that we fulfill over a billion times daily across 200 countries. From breakfast to evening gatherings, we offer products that fit seamlessly into the lives of Filipinos. We start the day with Quaker oats, providing an energy boost, and offer snacks like Lay’s, Cheetos, Doritos, or PopCorners for a midday pick-me-up. Need an extra lift? Sting and Gatorade are there to recharge, while Pepsi Zero Lime or Mountain Dew pairs perfectly with a favorite meal.
Driven by consumer-centric innovation, we continuously adapt our products to the evolving tastes and lifestyles of our customers. This year, Filipinos expressed a demand for healthier options, more crunch, and more presence during social occasions. In response, we introduced zero-sugar options across our beverage range—Pepsi Zero Sugar Lime, Mountain Dew Zero, Gatorade Zero, and Lipton Iced Tea Zero—appealing to those looking for reduced sugar intake.
For those craving an extra crunch, we launched Lay’s Double Crunch in three exciting flavors: Cheese, Barbecue, and Seaweed. And for the social night scene, we debuted Hard Mountain Dew, a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage that delivers the iconic Mountain Dew flavor with a spirited twist.
Our customers are our reason for being, and we remain committed to delivering products that make them smile while keeping pace with their changing preferences.
Smiles for Sustainability
Creating smiles for the long term means ensuring our business practices are sustainable and forward-looking. In 2021, we launched our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) strategy, an end-to-end sustainability framework that aligns our core operations with social value, environmental responsibility, and local impact. For PepsiCo Philippines, pep+ is a blueprint for growth that strengthens our bond with Filipino communities rather than straining it.
The pep+ strategy is built around three pillars:
- Positive Agriculture: This pillar focuses on sourcing ingredients sustainably and promoting regenerative farming practices. This not only strengthens PepsiCo’s supply chain but also supports local agriculture in countries where farming is integral to culture and economy.
- Positive Value Chains: PepsiCo is committed to reducing emissions and waste globally, promoting a circular economy wherever we operate.
- Positive Choices: Our product portfolio is evolving to offer healthier, more sustainable options that meet the changing needs of consumers.
In the Philippines, these pillars translate into tangible impacts that balance our corporate goals with contributions to social and environmental resilience, allowing us to continue creating smiles for generations to come.
Our commitment to pep+ comes to life through various initiatives. For instance, the Aling Tindera Program, launched in partnership with the Hope Foundation, is a waste-to-cash initiative that empowers local communities. This program equips local “alings” (women entrepreneurs) with tools to collect and recycle plastic waste, converting waste into income. PepsiCo has supported the creation of 91 Aling Tindera collection sites, diverting nearly 3 million kilograms of plastic from nature in 2023 and generating approximately PHP 8 million in community income.
Additionally, through our Greenhouse Accelerator Program, we support early-stage startups developing innovative sustainability solutions. This year’s Philippines-based finalist, Takachar, is pioneering technology to convert crop waste into biochar, reducing smoke emissions and supporting sustainable agriculture. By supporting innovators like Takachar, we reinforce our commitment to environmental progress through collaboration, driving meaningful local impact.
PepsiCo will continue to explore ways to expand the reach of our pep+ agenda in the Philippines, contributing to a sustainable future for all.
Smiles for Communities
Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our dedication to the communities we serve. Over the years, PepsiCo Philippines has brought smiles to countless communities by supporting social causes that matter.
Our One Smile At A Time program enables PepsiCo employees to volunteer across a range of initiatives, including outreach to underprivileged students, disaster relief, and coastal clean-up drives. In 2024, PepsiCo employees logged over 500 volunteer hours, with support from the PepsiCo Foundation to amplify the impact. This program fosters a culture of service and solidarity within PepsiCo Philippines, emphasizing our commitment to community well-being beyond profits.
Through our brands, we also contribute to community upliftment. For example, Gatorade’s Fueled Liga program sponsors basketball and volleyball leagues across 150 barangays (neighborhoods) in Luzon. Beyond fostering sportsmanship, the program educates young athletes on hydration and nutrition, promoting a foundation of health and well-being in Filipino sports.
Communities are the heartbeat of any society, and PepsiCo is proud to support the vibrant communities that define the Philippines’ 7,641 islands.
Smiles for the Season
As we look back on the year, we’re reminded of the challenges and triumphs we’ve shared. This holiday season, we’re grateful to celebrate alongside 115 million Filipinos, reflecting on the journey of 2024 and looking forward to what 2025 will bring.
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