At just 29 years old, Avin Ong has built a thriving empire in the food and beverage industry. As the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of the Fredley Group of Companies, he owns and operates over 260 restaurants and café branches across the Philippines, employing more than 3,000 people. His portfolio of brands includes Macao Imperial Tea, Café Kitsuné, Nabe Japanese Izakaya and Hot Pot, Mitasu Yakiniku, Liang Crispy Rolls, and New York Fries and Dips, among others.
Fredley Group of Companies began in 2014 with a five-million-peso investment and one signature brand—Macao Imperial Tea. Through strategic expansion and innovative marketing, Avin grew the brand to 241 branches in just five years, making it the leading milk tea brand in the Philippines. Now, in its eighth year, the company is valued at over two billion pesos and continues to grow at an impressive pace.
A Visionary Entrepreneur Redefining the F&B Industry
Avin’s ambition is not just to expand his business but to redefine the food and beverage industry. His vision for the Fredley Group of Companies is to set new industry benchmarks by focusing on innovative restaurant concepts, exceptional products and customer service, advanced technology and operations, and strong employee engagement.
With plans to take the company public by 2025, Avin envisions the Fredley Group of Companies becoming a multinational corporation, expanding across Asia and creating thousands of job opportunities worldwide. Additionally, he aims to strengthen the Fredley Foundation, the company’s corporate social responsibility arm, to further his mission of giving back to the community.
Commitment to Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond business success, Avin prioritizes social impact and sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led several initiatives, including distributing 2,500 cups of milk tea to healthcare workers and the Armed Forces, providing free COVID-19 vaccines to employees, franchisees, and their families, and avoiding employee retrenchments throughout the crisis.
Outside of pandemic relief, the company actively supports social causes. Through the “I Am Different. I Am Able” program, it offers scholarships and job opportunities to underprivileged individuals and people with disabilities.
The Fredley Group of Companies also leads in sustainability efforts, being the only milk tea brand in the Philippines to use recyclable cups and tumblers, reducing plastic waste while maintaining product quality.
Mastering the Social-Media-Driven Consumer Market
Understanding the power of digital marketing and social media, Avin ensures that his brands resonate with millennials aged 16 to 35—his primary target audience. Macao Imperial Tea, for example, is designed to be visually appealing, catering to the social-media-savvy generation who seek both a great dining experience and aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, Avin emphasizes menu innovation to stand out in the competitive food and beverage landscape. His hot pot brand, Nabe Japanese Izakaya and Hot Pot, is the only chain in the Philippines to offer more than 21 different soup bases, providing customers with unparalleled variety.
A Story of Perseverance and Passion
Avin’s success story is deeply rooted in his humble beginnings. Born into a financially struggling family, his father passed away before he was born, leaving his single mother to raise four children. To support his family, he took on various jobs from a young age, packing and assembling hangers as a child, tutoring students at just seven years old, and selling fruit shakes in a local wet market during high school.
Despite financial hardships, Avin excelled academically, earning a scholarship to De La Salle University, where he studied Mathematics with Specialization in Business Applications. While launching the Fredley Group of Companies, he pursued an MBA at Ateneo de Manila University and studied abroad at ESSCA – School of Management in Budapest, Hungary.
His journey from cashier, dishwasher, and server to CEO has shaped his leadership style. Leading by example, he ensures that he understands every aspect of the business, allowing him to make informed decisions that drive growth.
A Trailblazer in Philippine Entrepreneurship
Avin Ong’s rise in the food and beverage industry is a testament to his vision, resilience, and business acumen. As a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, his achievements in brand trust, marketing innovation, and leadership have earned him recognition across the Philippines and Asia.
His journey from a young entrepreneur selling fruit shakes in a wet market to leading a multi-billion-peso empire is an inspiration to aspiring business leaders. Avin proves that with perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to social good, success is not just about financial gain but also about making a lasting impact on the industry and the community.
