Molinera originated in Spain, where it built a reputation as a producer of canned vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, olive oils, and other Mediterranean food products. In the late 1980s, Spanish entrepreneur Pablo Garcia-Morera partnered with Filipino businesswoman Marilou Garcia-Morera to bring authentic Spanish and European ingredients to the Philippines.

On September 14, 1987, they established Espa-Fil Import Export Corporation as the exclusive distributor of Molinera products in the country. The initial shipment consisted of canned peaches, pears, tomatoes, pimientos, vegetables, and juices. Over time, the product line expanded to include olive oils, vinegars, olives, seafood, legumes, and gourmet specialties, positioning Molinera as one of the flagship imported food brands in the Philippine market.1

Molinera operates under the slogan “True Taste Starts with Molinera.” The brand emphasizes the following core values:

• Authentic European and Mediterranean ingredients
• High-quality sourcing from family-owned producers across Europe
• Versatile products suitable for both traditional and modern recipes
• Consistent quality for households, restaurants, hotels, and professional kitchens

The company sources many of its products from family-owned businesses throughout the Mediterranean region to maintain authenticity and quality standards.1

Molinera offers a comprehensive range of imported food products that reflect Mediterranean culinary traditions. Many of its tomato products are sourced specifically from Italy.1

Olive Oils

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Pure Olive Oil
• Pomace Olive Oil
• Mediterranean Olive Oil Blend
• Grapeseed Oil
• White Truffle Oil

Tomatoes

• Whole Peeled Tomatoes
• Crushed Tomatoes
• Tomato Pulp
• Passata (Tomato Purée)
• Tomato Paste
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Cherry Tomatoes

Olives

• Green Olives
• Black Olives
• Queen Olives
• Stuffed Olives
• Anchovy-filled Olives

Vinegars

• Balsamic Vinegar
• Red Wine Vinegar
• White Wine Vinegar
• Sherry Vinegar
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Legumes

• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Kidney Beans
• Butter Beans
• Baked Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Green Peas

Seafood

• Anchovies
• Sardines
• Tuna
• Cuttlefish Ink
• Surimi

Gourmet Products

• Capers
• Artichokes
• Pimientos
• Pickles
• Truffle Sauces
• Marmalades
• Ready-to-eat Spanish meals

The Philippines represents one of Molinera’s strongest international markets. The brand is widely available through major supermarkets, specialty food stores, hotel and restaurant suppliers, online grocery platforms, and foodservice distributors. Its products are frequently utilized by restaurants, cafés, hotels, bakeries, and catering businesses due to their consistency and authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.2

Molinera serves a diverse customer base in the Philippines, including:

• Home cooks seeking authentic European ingredients
• Professional chefs
• Restaurants and cafés
• Hotels
• Catering companies
• Food manufacturers

The brand is particularly noted for making Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine more accessible to Filipino consumers and professionals.1

With over three decades of presence in the Philippines, Molinera has cultivated a reputation for premium imported quality, authentic Mediterranean flavors, reliable foodservice products, and a comprehensive selection of pantry essentials. Originally focused on canned fruits and vegetables, the brand has evolved into a complete Mediterranean pantry staple in the local market.

• Espa-Fil Import Export Corporation
• Capri
• Don Simón

1. Molinera | About Us
2. Molinera Products Distributor in the Philippines I Foodservice Supplier – MSCS PrimeGoods, Inc. I Greater Manila Area, Visayas, & Central Luzon