Malaysia-based cafe chain OldTown White Coffee is ramping up its presence in the Philippines with a P400 million expansion plan that will see 20 new outlets open across Visayas and Mindanao in the next five years.
The plan, announced by its Philippine licensee Del Mundo Group over the weekend, follows the recent opening of the popular chain’s first branch in Zamboanga City on Oct. 3.
‘We are optimistic about our continued expansion in Visayas and Mindanao especially in Zamboanga which we see as a growing hub for business and tourism,’ said Del Mundo Group chief executive officer Nelson del Mundo.
‘The strong local economy combined with the region’s rich culture and emerging consumer market makes it an ideal location for our brands to thrive. We believe that bringing our trusted restaurant concepts here will not only create jobs and opportunities for local communities but also contribute to the area’s vibrant dining landscape,’ he added.
Located along Pasonanca Road in Tumaga, the new store is the company’s 11th in the country and its first in Western Mindanao.
The company executive said the expansion reflects their optimism about opportunities outside Metro Manila.
OldTown White Coffee, a halal-certified brand that originated in Ipoh, Malaysia is best known for its roasted white coffee and traditional Malaysian comfort dishes.
The brand currently operates more than 200 outlets in Malaysia and has expanded to Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
It first entered the Philippine market in May 2023 with a store in Caloocan City under the Del Mundo Group, which also operates several food and beverage brands including Mesa Filipino Moderne, Ramen Bari Uma, Buchiton, Hayashi Yakiniku and Cravy.
The Zamboanga outlet is owned and managed by local entrepreneurs Pherhan and Jhulie Saiddi who said they hope the cafe will add to the city’s emerging food scene.
‘Our dream is to bring a global brand to Zamboanga that reflects both quality and cultural authenticity. OldTown White Coffee is exactly that,’ they said.
‘We believe Zamboangueños will appreciate not just the coffee but the entire dining experience that pays homage to Malaysian culinary heritage.’
Del Mundo Group chief operating officer Matt Ablis said the company’s next phase of growth will focus on provincial markets where dining options are expanding alongside local economies.
‘We’re thrilled to bring OldTown to the heart of Zamboanga. This expansion represents more than just growth; it’s about sharing a beloved cafe experience that blends heritage, comfort and community,’ Ablis said.