Few brands are able to carve out a name in a very competitive industry such as the food sector, much more, a local brand that has become a heritage mainstream brand known and loved by many. CDO Foodsphere, Inc. (CDO) is one such brand and through the hard work of its founders down to the latest generation, the company continues to thrive since its inception 50 years ago.
In celebration of five decades of bringing food to the table of Filipinos, the company opened the doors of its Malvar manufacturing plant to show how the company has grown from a simple operation producing processed meats from a home in Valenzuela, to a giant in the food industry.
“CDO was built on a simple dream, to serve food that brings Filipino families the taste of home. Today, 50 years later, we continue that mission — with greater purpose, broader reach, and a renewed commitment to quality, innovation, and care. What began as a family’s humble pursuit has become a shared journey with millions of Filipino households — and we’re just getting started,” president and CEO, Jerome D. Ong said.
Guests were welcomed by senior vice president Charmaine Ong-Castro, followed by a series of insightful talks from company leaders, including Bernice Jalgalado, VP for marketing, who highlighted how CDO continues to evolve its product offerings through deep consumer insight, purposeful innovation, and brand storytelling rooted in real-life mealtime moments; and Rene Hernandez, VP for plant operations, who showcased the company’s modern systems, including an FSSC certification, and expansive sustainability initiatives.
The day was designed as an “open home,” where guests moved through breakout sessions to experience the company’s manufacturing excellence firsthand and learn more about its CSR programs through the Odyssey Foundation.
Jason Ong, VP for emerging businesses and foundation president, revealed how CDO supports communities through their Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kalikasan, and Karunungan initiatives.
The event also featured the participation of the third generation of Ongs — Janna Ong-Santos and Jao Ong –who spoke about their roles in brand building and customer development, giving a glimpse into CDO’s future through fresh perspectives and youthful energy.
In her message, founder and chairperson Corazon Dayro-Ong, who started the company in 1975, recalled: “When we started CDO 50 years ago, I was just a mom cooking in our small home kitchen, hoping to share something good with others. I never imagined that our simple dream would grow into a company that would be part of so many Filipino homes. Seeing where we are now, and knowing that our food has become part of your tables and your milestones, fills me with deep joy and gratitude.”
Now with over 5,000 employees and a presence in thousands of channels and retail stores, CDO continues to invest in modernization while staying rooted in its values.
