Jollibee in Lumut, Brunei, when it opened in 2024 | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
NEW YORK — The Jollibee Group has been named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2026, marking the first time a Philippine‑based food conglomerate has earned a place on the global list. TIME cited the company’s rapid international expansion, strong financial rebound, and growing cultural influence as key factors behind its selection.
The recognition places Jollibee alongside multinational giants in retail, technology, and food service, underscoring the brand’s transformation from a homegrown Filipino chain into a global restaurant powerhouse.
TIME Cites Global Expansion and Strong Financial Performance
In its profile, TIME highlighted Jollibee’s “aggressive global footprint and resilient growth strategy,” noting that the company now operates over 6,800 stores worldwide across its portfolio of brands, including Jollibee, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Smashburger, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Tim Ho Wan.
The Jollibee Group reported ₱212 billion in systemwide sales in 2025, up from ₱179 billion in 2022, reflecting a steady four‑year climb driven by overseas expansion and digital transformation. Net income rose from ₱7.3 billion in 2022 to ₱11.5 billion in 2025, according to JFC’s audited financial statements.
TIME also noted that Jollibee’s international business now accounts for over 40% of total revenue, a dramatic shift from a decade ago when the company was still largely domestic.
Independent and Franchise Stores Continue to Grow
As of the end of 2025, Jollibee Foods Corporation operated 1,600+ Jollibee stores worldwide, split between Company‑owned stores (approximately 45%) and franchised stores (approximately 55%).
Across all brands, JFC manages a network of 6,800+ stores, with more than 3,500 franchised locations globally. The company has consistently expanded through a mix of strategic acquisitions and franchise partnerships, particularly in North America and Southeast Asia.
The United States remains Jollibee’s fastest‑growing foreign market, with over 70 stores and more openings planned in New York, Texas, California, and Florida.
Jollibee’s Reaction: A Milestone for Filipino Global Brands
In a statement responding to the TIME recognition, Jollibee Group CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong said the company was “deeply honored to represent the Philippines on the global stage,” adding that the award “reflects the hard work of our teams worldwide and the love of our customers across cultures.”
TIME’s editors noted that Jollibee’s rise reflects a broader trend of Asian brands gaining global influence, writing that the company “has become a cultural ambassador for Filipino cuisine while competing head‑to‑head with Western fast‑food giants.”
A Win for Filipino Pride and Global Visibility
For Filipino communities abroad — especially in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East — Jollibee’s inclusion in TIME’s list is seen as a point of cultural pride. The brand has become a home away from home for millions of overseas Filipinos while attracting a growing non‑Filipino customer base.
With continued expansion, strong financial performance, and global recognition, the Jollibee Group’s inclusion in TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2026 signals not only the company’s rising global stature but also the increasing visibility of Filipino enterprises on the world stage.
