MANILA, Philippines — Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) remains cautiously optimistic about sustaining double-digit growth in revenues and core profits next year, even as the company braces for the potential impacts of El Niño.
Chief Financial Officer Richard Manapat noted that the firm is looking to build on its progress moving into 2027 through capacity expansion, continued brand investments, and disciplined cost management.
“As 2027 approaches, we plan to build on this year’s progress. With additional capacity coming online and continued investments in our brands and operations, we remain cautiously optimistic about our growth prospects. Ultimately, we aim to sustain this momentum,” Manapat said.
“While much uncertainty remains, we aspire to close the year with our double-digit growth trajectory intact for our topline, with core bottom-line growth trailing,” he added.
The company’s financial results for the first nine months of the year were tempered by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck General Santos City last June, where CNPF operates key production facilities. The incident resulted in ₱1.2 billion in non-recurring earthquake-related losses, causing an 11% drop in consolidated net income to ₱5.2 billion and holding headline operating income growth to 4% year-on-year.
Operations fully resumed by the start of the third quarter with no permanent damage to facilities, and insurance recoveries are expected in future periods.
Despite these hurdles—compounded by higher effective tax rates, finance costs, and broader macroeconomic challenges—CNPF’s core net income still grew by 10% year-on-year during the nine-month period.
“This year has been an uphill climb, marked by geopolitical uncertainties, inflationary pressures, subdued consumer sentiment, and natural calamities. All things considered, we remain grateful for the results we have achieved thus far,” Manapat remarked.
“Our diverse portfolio and healthy balance sheet have kept us resilient, allowing us to maneuver through headwinds while continuing to invest in our long-term growth,” he continued.
Unaudited consolidated revenues climbed 14% year-on-year to ₱70.5 billion. The company’s growth was largely driven by its branded segment—consisting of marine, meat, milk, coconut, and other emerging lines—which delivered a volume-led growth of 12%.
Meanwhile, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) export business bounced back with a 21% increase supported by long-term contracts and steady foreign demand, acting as a natural currency hedge against imported inputs.
To support its expansion, CNPF allocated approximately ₱8 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, deploying ₱5 billion by the end of September primarily to scale its coconut facilities, dairy, and pet food segments.