In the high-stakes world of Philippine consumer goods, the name Fly Ace Corporation carries a weight of “soul” and heritage. At the center of this success story is Lucio ‘Jun’ Cochanco Jr., the company’s President, who was recently honored as one of 12 distinguished CEOs at the Mansmith Awards. Receiving the Mansmith Entrepreneur Award, Cochanco was recognized for his pivotal role in transforming a small Binondo trading operation into a food and beverage powerhouse.
Alongside his siblings, Jun Cochanco has turned Fly Ace into a brand-building engine that manages a diverse portfolio of household names, bridging the gap between global standards and the Filipino pantry.
Building the Filipino Household Staples
Under Cochanco’s leadership, Fly Ace has become the force behind some of the most trusted brands in the country. It’s a portfolio built on a “quality first” philosophy:
- The Homegrown Giants: Familiar names like Jolly, Doña Elena, Jolly Heart Mate, Good Life, and Daily Fixare all part of the Fly Ace stable.
- Global Partnerships: The company acts as a trusted bridge for international icons, bringing brands like Lotus Biscoff, Welch’s, and Mott’s to local grocery shelves.
- New Frontiers: Not content with just the pantry, Cochanco has steered the company into chilled and frozen foods, as well as the emerging pet care category.
Leadership with a Legacy Mindset
What sets Jun Cochanco apart is his “collaborative yet empowered” leadership style. While Fly Ace remains a family-driven enterprise, Cochanco has successfully professionalized its management, inviting leaders from outside the family to take the reins of strategic decisions.
- Empowering the Next Gen: He fosters a culture of shared ownership and accountability, ensuring that the entrepreneurial spirit of Binondo is preserved even as the company scales.
- Values-Driven Culture: For Cochanco, this milestone isn’t just a trophy; it’s a testament to the collective dedication of the entire team. “It affirms our commitment to building strong brands and empowering the next generation of leaders,” he shared.
The Fly Ace Impact
Today, Fly Ace stands as one of the top F&B companies in the Philippines, acting as both a market leader and an employer of choice. With its commitment to integrity and innovation, the company continues to redefine what it means to be a “future-ready” Filipino enterprise.
