URC cited for employer branding initiatives

MANILA, Philippines — Gokongwei-led Universal Robina Corp. (URC) has been recognized for its initiatives in fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented workplace.

The food and beverage company received the Silver Award for Excellence in Employer Branding at the 2025 Economic Times Human Capital Awards Southeast Asia.

“This affirms our ongoing efforts to be an employer of choice by placing people at the center of URC’s success,” URC president and CEO Irwin Lee said.

“This award highlights the strength of our culture – where people are empowered to lead, grow and succeed with purpose,” he said.

URC said that central to its employee growth initiatives is the company’s “Grow Beyond UR Job” program, a collaboration among human resources representatives from its Philippine and international business units.

“What started as a message has become a mindset. Grow Beyond UR Job has become a cultural foundation that drives how we build careers, celebrate potential and grow leaders from within,” Lee said.
“It reflects our belief that growth happens when people are trusted to lead, equipped to stretch and inspired to make a difference,” he said.

URC was earlier named by Time magazine and online data firm Statista as among the Asia-Pacific’s best 500 companies of 2025 for, among others, its robust employee satisfaction program

In compiling its list of Asia-Pacific’s best companies, Time and Statista used a 2023 survey data of over 50,000 employees across Asia-Pacific to measure employee satisfaction.

URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies.

It also has significant and growing presence in ASEAN, with leading regional brands such as Lexus, Tivoli and
Fun-O.