SHANGHAI – Consul General Josel F. Ignacio led the three-agency Philippine Country Team in Shanghai on a visit to the Shanghai headquarters of Filipino food giant Liwayway China Co. Ltd., in Qingpu District on 19 August.

In China and other parts of Asia and Africa, Liwayway is synonymous with the highly popular Oishi and Shanghaojia snack lines.

Liwayway China Chairman Mr. Larry A. Chan led the company’s Filipino staff in warmly receiving personnel of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), and the Philippine Department of Tourism Office (PDOT).

The affable and highly esteemed executive personally led the factory and office walkthrough. The tour showcases Liwayway’s highly automated and state-of-the-art snack manufacturing processes, many self-developed, which are optimized for its multiple product lines.

A sit-down briefing followed, delving on the corporate history of Liwayway, including its venture in China in the 1990s, as well as its many laudable CSR activities which have been geared towards promoting mutual appreciation and amity between the Philippines and China.

Known in China as Oishi-Shanghaojia (上好佳), the company’s early entry in the early days of Shanghai’s “opening up and reform” earned it an important foothold in the psyche of Chinese consumers. Love for the Oishi-Shanghaojia brand is such that it won official recognition as “Shanghai Famous Brand” and “Shanghai Famous Trademark” in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Liwayway now has an extensive network of factories and distributors across China. These are the spearhead of the company’s overseas expansion into Southeast and South Asia, Africa and Central Asia.

Liwayway has been one of the staunchest supporters and promoters of Philippines-China ties, sister city relationships, and the PCG’s activities and initiatives.

During the Great Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown in April-May 2022, Liwayway contributed goods and logistical support for the PCG’s “Ayuda” drive that provided generous emergency food packages to 535 Filipinos running short on provisions.

Attesting to their contributions, family patriarch Mr. Carlos Chan and current President Larry have both earned the city’s prestigious Magnolia Award and have been conferred the title of “Honorary Shanghai Citizen”.

Light reflecting off the good repute of Liwayway helps illuminate and grow Philippines-China friendship”, said Consul General Ignacio. “The PCG celebrates Liwayway’s successes and will lend its utmost support under its economic diplomacy mandate”. END