How Jollibee’s Signature Taste Is Winning Hearts Across Borders

Monday, December 29, 2025


For many Filipinos, Jollibee is more than a fast-food brand. It is comfort food after a long day, a reward after exams, and a familiar stop wherever life takes us. That sense of joy is now resonating strongly beyond Philippine shores, as Jollibee Hong Kong earns major food and corporate awards that highlight the brand’s growing global appeal.

As of December 2025, Jollibee’s Hong Kong operations have received multiple recognitions celebrating both customer love and business excellence. These awards reinforce a simple truth Filipinos have always known. Jollibee’s taste, warmth, and sense of community travel well, no matter the country.

Big Wins at Hong Kong’s Leading Food and Business Awards

Jollibee Hong Kong capped the year with a series of prestigious honors from respected local institutions. Among the most notable are two voters’ choice awards, which reflect direct consumer preference in a highly competitive food scene.

The brand was named My Favourite Fast-Food Shop at the U Food Favourite Food Awards 2025, a recognition based on public voting and consumer trust. It also received Best-Ever American Cuisine 2025 at the Weekend Weekly Food Awards, another consumer-driven accolade that highlights Jollibee’s strong connection with local diners.

Beyond food recognition, Jollibee Hong Kong was also awarded Outstanding Food Corporate of the Year at the Hong Kong Commercial Times Business Awards 2025. This honor acknowledges not just taste, but operational excellence, leadership, and sustained growth in the Hong Kong market.

Leadership Behind Jollibee Hong Kong’s Growing Success

The corporate award was received by Jollibee Hong Kong Managing Director Rose Lam and Senior Brand Marketing Manager Charmaine Leung, representing a team that has successfully adapted the brand’s joyful identity to a diverse and fast-moving market.

Their leadership highlights how Jollibee’s global strategy balances consistency with localization. While the core of the brand remains rooted in joy and great taste, local teams play a key role in understanding consumer preferences, dining habits, and cultural nuances in each market.

Taste That Crosses Cultures and Communities

For Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of the Jollibee Group, the awards represent something deeper than recognition.

“These awards show us that the taste of Jollibee truly crosses borders and cultures, bringing joy to families and communities in Hong Kong,” Tanmantiong said. He described the honors as a reaffirmation of both the Hong Kong team’s efforts and the brand’s global strength, built on superior taste.

That emphasis on taste has always been central to Jollibee’s success. From its signature Chickenjoy, known for its crispy skin and juicy bite, to menu items adapted for local palates, the brand continues to focus on food that feels indulgent, comforting, and memorable.

Why Jollibee Works So Well in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of Asia’s most competitive dining markets, with consumers who are both adventurous and discerning. Jollibee’s success there offers insight into how Filipino brands can thrive internationally.

One key factor is localization. While Chickenjoy remains a star, Jollibee Hong Kong has introduced offerings that reflect local tastes, making the menu feel familiar yet exciting. Another is the brand’s emphasis on warmth and hospitality. In a fast-paced city, Jollibee stores provide a welcoming space that appeals to families, overseas Filipinos, and local diners alike.

Carl Tancaktiong, Jollibee Group China Chairman, shared that the continued trust of Hong Kong consumers motivates the brand to keep expanding. He noted that these recognitions encourage Jollibee to become more accessible, not just in Hong Kong, but globally.

A Filipino Brand With Growing Global Credibility

The Hong Kong awards add to Jollibee’s expanding list of international recognitions. In the United States, Chickenjoy was named the Number One Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken for two consecutive years by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also been recognized by Ad Age as one of the world’s hottest brands.

Together, these accolades strengthen Jollibee’s reputation as a global food brand that competes not just on nostalgia, but on quality, innovation, and relevance.

For Filipinos, this global recognition carries a sense of pride. Seeing a homegrown brand succeed in international markets reinforces the idea that Filipino flavors, values, and creativity can stand alongside the world’s best.

What This Means for Filipino Consumers

Jollibee’s success in Hong Kong reflects a larger trend. Filipino brands are increasingly finding their place on the global stage by staying true to their identity while embracing local cultures.

For consumers, this means continued innovation, higher standards, and a stronger global presence for brands they already love. It also signals new opportunities for Filipino food, talent, and storytelling to reach wider audiences.

As Jollibee continues to expand, each award becomes more than a trophy. It becomes a reminder that joy, when paired with quality and care, truly knows no borders.

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