ACX Holdings Corp., the retail arm of Ayala Corp., will open the first two Spinneys supermarkets in Manila in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking the United Arab Emirates-based chain’s debut outside the Gulf region.
The initial stores will be located at Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center in Quezon City and San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Makati. The launch forms part of a broader expansion plan to establish 12 outlets across Metro Manila over the next four years.
The rollout follows a joint venture agreement signed in September 2025, with Ayala holding a 60% stake and Spinneys retaining 40%. Through the partnership, Ayala aims to introduce a premium grocery concept centered on curated global sourcing, artisanal products, and elevated customer service.
Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director of Ayala Corp. and head of leasing and hospitality at Ayala Land Inc., described the brand as a differentiated addition to the Philippine retail landscape, noting that premium retail is increasingly defined by curation and service rather than scale alone.
The venture also reflects strong demographic ties between the Philippines and the Gulf region. Spinneys employs more than 1,300 Filipinos across its operations in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and the expansion is expected to create opportunities for returning professionals to contribute to the brand’s local operations.
According to Ayala Malls Chief Operating Officer Paul Birkett, the stores will feature contemporary layouts and a service-oriented model combining imported products with private-label offerings tailored to local preferences. Beyond groceries, the concept will incorporate experiential elements such as nutrition and cooking education.
The Spinneys launch forms part of Ayala’s broader retail diversification strategy, which has recently included partnerships with Thailand’s CP Axtra for Makro and Australia’s Anko, as the group continues to upgrade its mall and lifestyle portfolio.
(Source: Manila Bulletin)
