URC unveils new R&D center in Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — Gokongwei-led food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) is setting the pace in snack innovation across Southeast Asia with a new research and development center under its Malaysian subsidiary, URMunchy’s.

URC president and CEO Irwin Lee said the new research and development center accelerates URMunchy’s innovation pipeline, drives forward-thinking solutions and strengthens the group’s ambition to lead in snack innovation across the region.

“This center is not just a facility; it’s a strategic asset,” Lee said.

Located in Malaysia’s southern Johor state, the center features advanced product testing and development technologies that accelerate the production of high-quality snacks.

URC said that over 50 product samples and more than 10 packaging innovations were showcased during the research and development center’s official opening.

“The launch of the R&D center in Pasir Gudang marks a significant leap forward for URMunchy’s, ushering in a new era of innovation, collaboration and excellence,” Lee said.

Lee said the facility allows cross-functional teams to co-create, test and scale new product ideas more efficiently.

He said this will enable the company to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences.

“It reinforces URMunchy’s mission to craft delightful, high-quality snacks while continuously pushing the boundaries of product development,” Lee said.

URMunchy’s produces popular Munchy’s biscuit brands LEXUS and Oat Krunch, as well as URC’s well-loved snacks and confectionary brands such as Roller Coaster, Potato Chips, Cloud 9, Nips and Dynamite.

In the Philippines, URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades.

As one of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has a significant and growing presence in ASEAN.