Dubai-based Spinneys to open 12 stores in Metro Manila through Ayala joint venture

Manila, Philippines — ACX Holdings Corporation, the retail arm of Filipino conglomerate Ayala Corporation, and Dubai-based premium supermarket chain Spinneys, have announced plans to open 12 stores across Metro Manila over the next four years, with the first locations scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.

The initial stores are expected to launch at Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center in Quezon City and San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Makati City. The expansion also follows a strategic partnership agreement signed in September 2025, aimed at bringing Spinneys’ premium grocery experience to the Philippines.

“Spinneys is a valuable addition to the Philippine grocery landscape,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director, Ayala Corporation, and head of leasing and hospitality, Ayala Land. 

“Premium grocery retail today is about more than what’s on the shelves – it’s about curation, service, and the joy of discovery. The entry of Spinneys brings a new dimension to grocery shopping, expanding the range of choices available locally and further enriching our dynamic retail landscape,” she added.

Under the joint venture, Spinneys will serve as a key anchor for Ayala Malls, offering a differentiated premium grocery experience designed to complement broader mall offerings.

According to Ayala Malls, the move reflects growing demand among Filipino consumers for high-quality, internationally benchmarked grocery retail, particularly among the country’s expanding affluent segment. Many shoppers are also reportedly seeking premium grocery experiences similar to those encountered abroad, valuing curated selections, fresh and artisanal products, and a refined shopping environment.

“Having spent many years in Dubai, I’ve seen how Spinneys has become a benchmark for premium grocery experiences,” said Paul Birkett, chief operating officer, Ayala Malls. “We’re thrilled to bring this globally best-in-class model to Ayala Malls, giving our customers access to the same high-quality, internationally inspired offerings here in the Philippines. Our aim is to deliver a thoughtfully curated grocery experience that reflects global standards, while remaining firmly grounded in local tastes and preferences.”

Spinneys’ entry will leverage the chain’s operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council, known for imported goods, private label products, and innovative store layouts. 

Moreover, the Spinneys experience is characterised by a curated mix of imported and private-label products tailored to local preferences, fresh and artisanal selections sourced globally, contemporary store layouts and service models designed for convenience and engagement, as well as discovery-led experiences including personalised service and in-store education on nutrition and cooking.

The partnership also builds on Spinneys’ existing ties to the Philippines, where over 1,300 Filipinos are employed across its GCC operations. The venture is expected to create local opportunities for returning overseas workers while strengthening links between the Philippines and the UAE.