Korean fast food chain Lotteria eyes Philippines expansion

The group plans to open 30 restaurants in five years

Korean fast-food chain Lotteria is planning to expand to the Philippines, according to a press release from the Philippine government.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, Lotteria has planned investments and expansion in the market, particularly in the areas of food service, franchising, and retail modernisation.

This was discussed during a meeting between government officials and Lotte GRS, the restaurant service arm of the Lotte Group, which owns the Lotteria brand, on 16 May.

The discussions include ways for the Philippine government and the South Korean conglomerates to collaborate on joint ventures, master franchise agreements, and localised operations that will generate employment, strengthen supply chains, and modernise retail distribution in the country, progressing beyond exporting their brands.

Other firms outlined plans to introduce modern convenience store formats tailored to the urban Filipino lifestyle, building on their success in markets such as Vietnam and Mongolia through partnerships with local operators. The companies underlined their commitment to local sourcing, with over 95% of the products offered in their overseas stores sourced within the host country. These include fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and salads.

The discussions also covered initiatives to integrate digital commerce platforms and strengthen last-mile delivery services, enabling technology-driven retail experiences in the Philippines.

In addition to food service and retail ventures, South Korean firms are also exploring opportunities in restaurant expansion and import-export channels for Philippine agricultural and seafood products. One company, which recently signed a partnership with a Philippine firm, is set to open its first store in Manila by August 2025.