About CDO
CDO is one of the Philippines’ leading food brands, best known for its wide range of processed meat, canned food, dairy, and ready-to-cook products. It is the flagship consumer brand of Foodsphere, Inc. (formerly CDO Foodsphere, Inc.), a privately owned Filipino food manufacturing company headquartered in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila. Since its founding in 1975, CDO has become a household name in the Philippines, recognized for offering affordable, convenient, and high-quality food products for Filipino families. [1]
History
CDO traces its origins to June 25, 1975, when nutritionist-dietitian Corazon Dayro Ong and her husband Jose Ong started a small home-based meat processing business in Valenzuela. The initials “CDO” come from the founder’s name, Corazon Dayro Ong. [2]
Initially operating as CDO Food Products, the business specialized in homemade meat products such as longganisa, tocino, and siopao. As demand grew, the company expanded and was incorporated as Foodsphere, Inc. in 1981, with CDO becoming its flagship consumer brand. Over the following decades, the company invested in modern manufacturing facilities and diversified its product offerings, becoming one of the country’s largest homegrown food manufacturers. [3]
In 2025, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of serving Filipino consumers and expanding its presence in the country’s food industry. [4]
Company Overview
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Brand: CDO
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Parent company: Foodsphere, Inc.
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Founded: June 25, 1975
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Founder: Corazon Dayro Ong
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Headquarters: Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Industry: Food processing and manufacturing
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Market: Primarily Philippines
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Type: Privately owned company [1]
Products
CDO offers a diverse portfolio of food products designed for everyday Filipino meals. Major product categories include:
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Hotdogs
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Sausages
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Bacon
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Ham
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Tocino
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Longganisa
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Burgers
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Luncheon meat
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Corned beef
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Canned meat
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Cheese products
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Ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat food products [5]
Some of its best-known products include:
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CDO Idol Cheesedog
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CDO Funtastyk Young Pork Tocino
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CDO Karne Norte
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CDO Ulam Burger
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CDO Sweet Ham
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CDO Young Pork Bacon
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CDO Luncheon Meat [6]
Other Brands Under Foodsphere
Beyond the CDO brand, Foodsphere also markets several well-known food brands, including:
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San Marino
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Highlands
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Danes
These brands allow the company to serve multiple food categories beyond processed meats. [7]
Manufacturing
Foodsphere operates multiple production facilities in the Philippines, including major plants in:
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Valenzuela City
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Malvar, Batangas
These facilities manufacture a broad range of refrigerated, frozen, canned, and dairy products while adhering to food safety and quality standards. [8]
Mission and Vision
According to the company:
Mission
To champion mealtimes and unite families through food that brings the freshness and comfort of home-cooked meals.
Vision
To become the most trusted food company, loved for creating food that brings generations together. [9]
Awards and Recognition
Foodsphere has received numerous recognitions throughout its history, including awards for:
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Food manufacturing excellence
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Meat processing quality
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Consumer product excellence
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Employment and business contributions
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HACCP-certified meat processing operations
Founder Corazon Dayro Ong has also been recognized by professional nutrition organizations for her contributions to nutrition and the Philippine food industry. [10]
Corporate Social Responsibility
CDO has participated in various community initiatives, including food donation programs and disaster relief efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it launched the Million Meats Project, distributing canned meat products to communities affected by the crisis. [11]
Brand Identity
CDO positions itself as a family-oriented Filipino food brand emphasizing:
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Affordable everyday meals
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Quality food products
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Convenience
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Nutrition
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Bringing families together during mealtimes
Its advertising frequently centers on themes of family bonding, home-cooked meals, and Filipino traditions. [12]
Legacy
From a small home-based meat business established in 1975, CDO has grown into one of the Philippines’ most recognizable food brands. Today, its products are widely available in supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, and online marketplaces throughout the country. The brand remains one of the leading names in the Philippine processed food industry, serving millions of Filipino households with a broad portfolio of meat, canned, and dairy products. [13]
