Paris Baguette, the renowned global bakery chain established in 1988 under the SPC Group, a leading South Korean food and confectionery conglomerate, has proudly introduced its inaugural bakery café in the Philippines. Situated in the iconic SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA), this marks the brand’s initial foray into the Philippine market.
The grand opening of this French-inspired bakery café, celebrated as the number one of its kind in South Korea, was graced by esteemed dignitaries. Among the notable attendees were His Excellency Mr. Lee Sang-Hwa, the Ambassador of South Korea to the Philippines, Mr. Hur Jin-soo, President and CEO of SPC Group, Dato’ Sydney Quays, Chairman of Berjaya Paris Baguette Philippines, Mr. Frederick Siy, Vice Chairman of Berjaya Paris Baguette Philippines, Ms. Hana Lee, CEO of Paris Baguette Southeast Asia, and Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls.
Guests were treated to a delightful array of Paris Baguette’s globally acclaimed favorites, including the signature silky roll, strawberry yoghurt cake, and their renowned flakey-buttery croissants. The event also showcased the unveiling of the Philippines-exclusive Ube Series, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to catering to local Filipino tastes while fostering innovation.
The origins of Paris Baguette can be traced back to South Korea in 1945, rooted in the spirit of “Sangmidang”, a commitment to never leaving a piece of bread unchecked. This commitment was further solidified in 1988 with the opening of the first Paris Baguette Bakery Café in South Korea.
Mr. Frederick Siy, Vice Chairman of Berjaya Paris Baguette Philippines, expressed optimism about the Filipino reception of their artisanal delights. He highlighted the significance of the flagship store at SM Mall of Asia and eagerly anticipated sharing their culinary craftsmanship with the Philippines.
Paris Baguette currently boasts a presence with over 3400 stores in its homeland, making it the leading bakery chain in South Korea. With expansions in various countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, and now the Philippines, the brand’s global footprint is nearly 4000 locations strong.
Dato’ Sydney Quays, Chairman of Berjaya Paris Baguette Philippines, announced ambitious expansion plans for the year, aiming to open four additional stores across strategic locations in the Philippines. Starting with SM malls, the brand aims to bring Paris Baguette’s renowned offerings closer to more Filipino communities.
During the event, Mr. Hur Jin-Soo, President and CEO of SPC Group, expressed excitement about the journey ahead with the first store in the Philippines. He emphasized the commitment to quality and customer experience, anticipating a promising prospect for the brand in the Philippines.
Each new Paris Baguette location has become a beloved destination for locals, offering exceptional French-inspired baked goods and an ambiance that reflects the brand’s theme. Debuting in the Philippines, a nation with a deep appreciation for South Korean culture and culinary excellence, Paris Baguette is poised to captivate the hearts and taste buds of Filipinos.
His Excellency Mr. Lee Sang-Hwa, the Ambassador of South Korea to the Philippines, highlighted the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and South Korea. He expressed hope that the introduction of Paris Baguette Bakery Café, often portrayed in popular Korean dramas, would further strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations.
“The Philippines and South Korea share a longstanding friendship,” remarked His Excellency Mr. Lee Sang-Hwa. “With the recent signing of the Korea-Philippines FTA, we embark on a new chapter of economic cooperation, propelled by mutual prosperity and shared aspirations.”