Philippine fast food giant Jollibee Foods Corp (JFC) is continuing its aggressive expansion in overseas market, with plans to acquire Norang Food Co, operator of the popular Korean fried chicken chain Norang Tongdak.
This move follows JFC’s acquisition of Compose Coffee in July 2024, which marked the company’s entry into South Korea competitive food and beverage industry.
JFC’s Korean subsidiary has been chosen as the preferred bidder to acquire a 100% stake in Norang Food from private equity firms Corstone Asia and Q Capital Partners. The deal, estimated between USD 96 and USD 118 million is expected to be finalized by end-2025.
Strategic acquisition
JFC has a history of acquiring well-established brands with strong market presence. Norang Tongdak has grown steadily increasing its franchise locations from 400 in 2019 to over 750 this year. Its revenue doubled from USD 37 million to USD 78 million in 2024, making it an attractive prospect.
Norang Tondak is known for its signature yellow color, which comes from a special better mix containing turmeric powder that also enhances its flavor and crispiness. It comes in various flavors including spicy, garlic, and green onion varieties.
Growing international business
JFC’s international business saw significant growth in Q1 2025 with system-wide sales rising 29.5%, outpacing its 11.9% growth in the Philippines. This expansion was largely fueled by the acquisition of Compose Coffee and Tim Ho Wan.
Meanwhile, across various global markets, the Jollibee brand, with its flagship Chickenjoy product, maintained strong momentum for the period. System-wide sales grew in China (12.9%), North America (10.9%), Southeast Asia (27.8%), the Middle East (12.9%), Europe (10.9%), and Ocenia (20.2%).
Jollibee Group CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong noted that these results highlight the brand’s increasing foothold in international markets and its ability to resonate with diverse consumer bases worldwide.