By Eric Borromeo
Filipino snack brand Kangkong Chips Original (KCO) has reached a new milestone with its recent collaboration with UFC Cheesy Overload, combining the crispy crunch of KCO’s kangkong chips with UFC’s signature creamy cheese flavor. The partnership is being hailed as a strategic move that merges heritage Filipino flavors with international snack innovation.
“This collaboration is a dream come true,” said Josh Mojica, 21, founder of KCO. “We’ve always wanted to work with UFC, and now it’s happening. It’s inspiring, and it pushes us to keep innovating. Yung Kanchos (kangkong nachos), nariyan lang dati, hindi namin mailabas kasi naghahanap kami ng pinakamasarap na cheese. Pero dahil nakilala tayo ni UFC, naging posible ang lahat.”
Ms. Leah T. Barin of NutriAsia Foodservice, who facilitated the partnership, emphasized the synergy between the brands: “What we bring together is the crispy, crunchy KCO kangkong chips with our creamy UFC Cheesy Overload—it’s an unbeatable snacky match.” Mojica is now inviting bars, restaurants, and cafés to explore the potential of Kanchos paired with UFC Cheese, positioning it as a versatile menu item for businesses.
“Even small beginnings can grow kapag open ka sa partnerships. Age doesn’t define success—vision, discipline, and innovation do. Collaboration is the future. Kapag nagtutulungan ang businesses, lahat panalo.”
From Kitchen Experiment to Global Brand
KCO began as a family recipe in Palocpoc, Cavite. Inspired by his aunt’s crispy kangkong dish, Mojica officially started his entrepreneurial journey in 2021. Within six months, he was earning over ₱100,000 monthly selling the snack to friends and family. By 2022, he had built a two-story factory and a workforce of 100 employees. Today, KCO offers eight flavors—Classic, Barbecue, Cheese, Chocolate, Spicy, Sour Cream, Spicy Cheese, and Salt N’ Vinegar—and has expanded internationally, reaching markets in Dubai, the US, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
“Kangkong Chips went viral because of the story behind it—a 17-year-old kid making a simple snack from home,” Mojica said. “People got inspired, and we maintained growth through collaboration and innovation.”
UFC: A Global Snack Leader
UFC Cheesy Overload, part of NutriAsia’s portfolio, has long been a household name in the Philippines and beyond, known for its creamy, versatile cheese products that appeal to both consumers and businesses. The partnership with KCO leverages UFC’s established distribution channels while introducing the Filipino snack to an expanded market, including restaurants and cafés looking for innovative menu offerings.
Strategic Impact and Future Outlook
The collaboration underscores the growing trend of strategic partnerships in the food industry, particularly among local brands seeking international exposure. Mojica sees the UFC x KCO initiative as a blueprint for future innovation: “Even small beginnings can grow kapag open ka sa partnerships. Age doesn’t define success—vision, discipline, and innovation do. Collaboration is the future. Kapag nagtutulungan ang businesses, lahat panalo.”
With KCO already ranked among the top viral snacks on TikTok and available in major international markets, the UFC partnership is expected to accelerate growth further, positioning the Filipino snack as a global player in innovative food offerings.
From a humble family kitchen to a global stage, Kangkong Chips Original is now more than a snack—it’s a testament to the power of creativity, persistence, and smart business collaborations. ***
