Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. (PPIH), the Japanese retail company behind the popular Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains, expressed strong interest in increasing the visibility of Filipino-made goods in its global network of stores, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque met PPIH officials in Tokyo on May 19 to discuss how the PPIH can sell more Philippine products in its global store network, particularly in Japan, the United States, and other Asian markets, the DTI said in a statement on Tuesday.
The PPIH said it wants to put more Filipino-made goods in its stores both as standalone Philippine-branded products and as ingredients or components for Japanese-packaged offerings tailored to local markets, the DTI explained.
The PPIH identified food and wellness items, natural and sustainable home goods, and unique lifestyle products as key areas of interest, the DTI said.
As to the PPIH’s plans to open a Donki store in the Philippines, the DTI said the idea has always been part of the retail chain’s long-term planning.
The PPIH has said its successful sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and exporters could play a significant role in including the Philippines in its future regional expansion plans.
The PPIH website says the company has 28 affiliate firms led by its core, discount retail chain Don Quijote. Aside from Japan, the PPIH also operates in Hawaii and California in the United States, and in Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore and Thailand.
