John Elias

W Group

In five decades since it was founded, W Group has made a name for itself in the Philippine business groups in seaweed trading and carrageenan production, investment, and real estate industries. Established by the prominent Wee Family, W Group has been steadfastly contributing to the country's business and economic growth by maintaining a culture of excellence and integrity across all its business interests. Having maintained a tradition of business excellence and good corporate governance, W Group started engaging in the seaweed trading and carrageenan production in 1969 then later expanded as a provider of food ingredient solutions under its subsidiary, W Hydrocolloids. It has been progressively growing to become the global leader in the business carrying the trade name brand RICO® Carrageenan, making everyday food consumption a better experience. W Group acquired Cebu Carrageenan Corporation in 2010 and recently, Philippine Bio-Industries, to leverage its global footprint to serve its customers globally. Marine Resources Development Corporation is the local food ingredients arm of W Group, providing world-class solutions to Philippine clients and has a hot and cold compress brand called W ThermaPack. Having combined W Group's expertise and extensive networks, they expanded and diversified their portfolio to enter into the real estate and investment business in 1996 at the Bonifacio Global City, a former military base that was converted into a premier center of economic growth and now the country's most robust central business district. W Group, through its real estate arm W BGC, established several iconic buildings that include W Towers Residences, W High Street, W Global City Center, W Fifth Avenue, Citibank Plaza, W City Center, and W Sixth Avenue – its latest addition to its growing portfolio. The achievements of W Group to this day shows its commitment and dedication in providing great service to its clients through rewarding partnerships.