ACX Holdings Corporation, the retail arm of leading Filipino conglomerate Ayala Corporation, and Spinneys, the premier fresh food supermarket chain in the United Arab Emirates, will open 12 stores across Metro Manila beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Photo: Ayala Malls
This follows their September 2025 signing of a strategic partnership to bring Spinneys to the Philippines.
“Spinneys is a valuable addition to the Philippine grocery landscape,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director of Ayala Corporation and head of leasing and hospitality at Ayala Land. “Premium grocery retail today is about more than what’s on the shelves—it’s about curation, service, and the joy of discovery. The entry of Spinneys brings a new dimension to grocery shopping, expanding the range of choices available locally and further enriching our dynamic retail landscape.”
Under the joint venture, Spinneys will open its first locations at Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center in Quezon City and San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Makati City. These stores will serve as key anchors for Ayala Malls, offering differentiated, premium grocery retail that complements the broader mall experience.
Photo: Ayala Malls
This move underscores Ayala Malls’ deep understanding of evolving Filipino consumer behavior. As the country’s affluent segment expands, shoppers are becoming more sophisticated, globally exposed, and discerning—shaped by their travel experiences and familiarity with international retail standards. Many now seek the same premium grocery experiences they enjoy abroad, valuing high quality, a well-selected assortment, and a relaxed, refined atmosphere that transforms grocery shopping into a lifestyle experience. By introducing Spinneys, Ayala Malls meets these expectations with a globally benchmarked offering for an increasingly diverse, internationally influenced community.
Ayala Malls COO Paul Birkett shared, “Having spent many years in Dubai, I’ve seen how Spinneys has become a benchmark for premium grocery experiences. We’re thrilled to bring this globally best-in-class model to Ayala Malls, giving our customers access to the same high-quality, internationally inspired offerings here in the Philippines.
“Our aim is to deliver a thoughtfully curated grocery experience that reflects global standards, while remaining firmly grounded in local tastes and preferences.”
Spinneys brings to the Philippines the full strength of its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) operations, known for superior-quality imported goods, carefully developed private label products, and next-generation store experiences. The Spinneys experience is characterized by:
- A diverse, well-considered assortment, blending curated imported items with high-quality private labels tailored to local tastes
- Fresh, artisanal, and specialty selections reflecting global sourcing standards
- Contemporary store layouts and service models designed to make shopping seamless, engaging, and enjoyable, drawing on Spinneys’ experience across Dubai and other GCC markets
- Discovery-led experiences, including personalized service and in-store education on food, nutrition, and everyday cooking
The partnership also builds on Spinneys’ long-standing connection with the Philippines, where over 1,300 Filipinos already form part of its GCC workforce. The venture both strengthens opportunities for Filipinos seeking work abroad and creates pathways for overseas workers to return home and contribute to the growth of the local industry.
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