Business opportunities

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

What are the top business trends in 2026?

Business advisory group Philippine Hub Partners recently identified several high-growth industries that are shaping the country’s economy and are creating fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

First is e-commerce and online retail.

It noted that the digital economy is expanding rapidly and is positioning the Philippines as a rising e-commerce hub in Southeast Asia.

Market leaders like Shopee and Lazada, it said in its report, continue to thrive. “The low startup costs make online selling appealing to individuals and small business owners. Affiliate marketing has also emerged as a powerful tool to increase traffic and conversions for sellers while giving affiliates a steady passive income source.”

Second is food delivery and logistics.

The report stated that food delivery in the Philippines has become a fixture in everyday life. 

“Originally accelerated by the pandemic, the convenience it offers ensures sustained demand well into 2026. Services like GrabFood and Foodpanda dominate the market, with GrabFood holding a 56 percent market share. In 2020, the industry hit $1.2 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) and it is projected to reach $7.46 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 10.39 percent,” it said.

It added that the ecosystem is expanding beyond meals to include groceries, medicine and even last-mile delivery for e-commerce businesses. “Some startups are offering innovative bundled services combining warehousing and logistics. User penetration has already hit 10.1 percent, and with nearly three million active users, the sector is poised for continued expansion.”

I couldn’t agree more with these first two.

The latest e-Conomy Southeast Asia report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Co. has projected the Philippine digital economy to reach $36 billion in GMV in 2025. The country, it emphasized, still has one of the fastest growth rates in the region, leading in transport and food delivery, which surged by 20 percent, and matching regional highs of 16 percent in online media. It likewise recorded the second-fastest growth in digital payments at 20 percent behind Indonesia.

Google Philippines country manager Prep Palacios explained that this momentum is not a temporary spike but a sustained, systemic transformation – a convergence of innovative platforms, a tech-positive regulatory environment, and a uniquely AI-curious Filipino consumers with real spending power.

The same e-Conomy report revealed that e-commerce remained the backbone of the Philippine digital economy, accounting for over 60 percent of the industry’s total GMV. Video commerce, meanwhile, is on the rise, now accounting for a quarter of the country’s e-commerce GMV. This sector, it added, now comprises around 475,000 sellers and stores, up 90 percent from 2024, and has generated 1.2 billion transactions in 2025 for a 35 percent increase from 2024.

Just recently, I went to a department store to look for an outfit for a wedding – a matcha/olive green long dress. There was only one dress in that color.

I then tried window shopping online, visiting shops like Zalora and Shein and guess how many dresses of that unique color I found – 11. And that’s without braving traffic. Free delivery and free returns. What more could I ask for?

Then there is this small bulb that I needed for my hanging lamp. I tried looking for the same bulb in a number of home improvement/construction supplies outlets like Wilcon and Ace Hardware to no avail. Guess where I found this bulb with an uncommon shape and size? In an online shopping platform, where else?

Third is renewable energy.

Philippine Hub Partners noted that the shift toward renewable energy is gaining momentum in the country. “Private firms are investing in clean energy infrastructure and over 85 percent of Filipinos express strong support for renewable alternatives. New innovations such as marine energy and smart grid battery storage are also being explored. The shift is placing the Philippines on the map as a leader in clean, affordable and reliable energy in the region,” it said.

Fourth is health and wellness.

The report stated that this year, the health and wellness sector in the country is booming, reflecting a nationwide shift toward better living.

It explained that the pandemic spurred this transformation, with more people investing in health-conscious choices and digital health care tools. “Brands are responding with affordable offerings, such as plant-based supplements, fitness gears and immune boosters. Platforms like mWell are leading the telemedicine movement, making health care services more accessible, especially in rural areas. Many businesses are combining sustainability and inclusivity with wellness, aligning with the values of socially aware consumers. The market continues to grow with support from public health campaigns and corporate wellness programs.”

This is another business trend which I believe 100 percent will continue to do well this year. The number of supplements, immune boosters that I have on my shelves, everything I ordered online, is a testament to this trend.

Fifth is digital marketing service.

The report noted that with over 76 million internet users spending an average of nine hours online daily, the Philippines is a prime market for digital marketing in 2026. And as e-commerce is expected to exceed $10 billion by 2026, digital marketing plays a critical role in reaching consumers. “Filipino freelancers and agencies specializing in SEO, content creation, social media management and paid ads are in high demand both locally and internationally. 

The country’s combination of creativity, tech-savvy talent and affordability makes it a hotspot for outsourced digital marketing services,” it said.

It added that social media usage remains dominant, with Facebook, Instagram and TikTok leading the way. Influencer marketing, it added, is a powerful tool, shaping the buying decisions of 70 percent of online Filipino consumers.

And then last is real estate and home renovation.

The Philippine Hub Partners study emphasized that the Philippine real estate and construction sectors are enjoying a comeback in 2026, buoyed by economic growth and increased housing demand. The entire real estate market, it said, is now valued at over P1 trillion, making it one of the most lucrative industries this year. “GDP is projected to rise by six to seven percent, fueling real estate development in key urban centers. Residential property prices, especially for condos, have jumped by 12.9 percent in 2023 alone, thanks to demand from young professionals and returning OFWs. On the home improvement side, renovation and remodeling are gaining traction as families prioritize modern, functional living spaces.”

For comments or insights, email me at [email protected].