URC Snacks Abroad

If you are Filipino, then you know that it’s difficult to imagine a life without the Universal Robina Corporation. Even if you are unaware of the company, you are likely familiar with its products. Does Jack ’n Jill ring a bell? 

Run by one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, URC's success has stretched globally. In 2019, it formed the Global Exports business, which facilitates the worldwide distribution of URC products. By December 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry selected URC as the Philippines' top exporter at the National Export Congress. 

You may have munched on Piattos and Mang Juan, but check out these other URC products that are making waves across the globe.

URC Snacks Abroad

• One could say that the origins of URC began with a milling plant called Universal Corn Products. In the 1950s, then budding entrepreneur John Gokongwei, Jr. wanted to produce items that consumers could easily understand and purchase.
• Eventually, competition became fierce and his ambition more so. John wanted to become the first Filipino multinational company. 
• The business moved from strength to strength, expanding and producing more products, from coffee to chocolate candy to poultry. 
• By 1966, he established the Universal Robina Corporation. Its Jack ’n Jill brand peddled salty snacks that have become ingrained in Filipino culture.
• Come the 21st Century, URC is a global label, beloved in various countries where it is available. URC products are a staple in Filipino households, but some items are only available in international markets.

Seaweed and Teriyaki Piattos (Indonesia)

• These hexagon-shaped crisps are revered locally for their crisp texture and classic flavors such as cheese, barbecue, sour cream, and roast beef.
• In Indonesia, however, two extra flavors are available: Asian-inspired seaweed and teriyaki.
• Nori (seaweed) is a popular snack in itself so it makes sense to combine it with chips. As for teriyaki? That bold, sweet taste translates well against the paper-thin chip.

Dewberry Cake (Thailand)

• Filipinos love Dewberry, addictive thumbprint cookies that come in berry flavors.
• Thailand takes it a step further with Dewberry Cake. 
• They’re puff cakes filled with orange, strawberry, or blueberry cream.

Rong Do (Vietnam)

• This energy drink is also called “Red Dragon.”
• It has taurine, inositol, and Vitamin B3—a combination that was designed to stir your inner dragon.
• It comes in strawberry, mixed fruit, and grape flavors.

Cloud 9 Wafrets (Malaysia)

• Instead of that creamy chocolate-nougat candy combination, Cloud 9 in Malaysia comes as small wafer squares.
• The crunch is a welcome textural shift from the chewy original.
• It comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
• Malaysia also has Cloud 9 Crispies, which are topped with rice krispies.

Chiz King (Indonesia)

• These are crunchy corn snacks in the shape of a triangle ring.
• They’re delectably cheesy and dusted with cheese powder that sticks to your fingers—like every self-respecting cheesy snack.

Roller Coaster Flat Chips (Thailand)

• Think of Roller Coaster and Filipinos imagine cheesy potato rings that they dangled on their fingers as children.
• In Thailand, this childhood favorite gets a face-lift.
• They are flat versions in original, barbecue, and seaweed flavors. 

Chikki (Vietnam)

• There is no better way to convey chicken-flavored chips than with the chicken leg-shaped Chikki.
• These addictive munchies mimic the flavors of Buffalo wings—but they’re just spicy enough to keep you picking at the bag for more.

Nips Peanut & Raisin (Malaysia)

• Nips in the Philippines only come in plain milk chocolate and peanut.
• In Malaysia, however, you get those varieties as well as Cookies & Cream and Peanut & Raisin.
• Raisin lovers will love that sweet-tart bite underneath the candy-coated chocolate.