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Mega Prime eyes IPO in 2-3 years

MEGAPRIMEFOODS.COM.PH

MEGA PRIME FOODS, Inc. is targeting an initial public offering (IPO) within the next two to three years as part of its long-term growth strategy, while seeking to expand its sardines market share this year.

“It is on the table because we really want to share this story, this company, with the Filipinos and with other investors because we believe in it so much,” Mega Prime Chief Growth and Development Officer Marvin P. Tiu Lim told reporters on Wednesday.

“And I think given the right management team, given the right brands that are out there for acquisition, and given the right plan for future growth, we can take this Filipino company globally,” he added.

Mr. Tiu Lim said the company has started preparations for the potential listing, which include discussions with banks and improving internal processes.

“We want the company to be able to go IPO anytime, and that means being more transparent, having good corporate governance in place, and being more professional. So, it has to run like a professionally run company,” he said.

He noted, however, that the plan remains in its early stages. “But it [the plan to go public] is still premature. So, we are just trying to hopefully bring out more products and acquire new brands. We just recently acquired Jim’s Coffee,” he said.

Mega Sardines, the company’s flagship brand, is the current market leader in the Philippines. Citing Nielsen Retail Audit data, Mr. Tiu Lim said the brand captured a 26% market share in 2023, ahead of its closest competitors with 18% and 15% shares, respectively.

The company is targeting an additional five to 10 percentage points in market share this year, aiming to reach at least 30% by end-2024.

“We are not only expecting to sustain it but to grow it massively because we are the only brand that has this certification, and celebrating our 50th year, we have a big raffle promo coming up… so we expect a lot of market share growth hopefully this year,” he said, referring to a recognition the brand received from the Medical Wellness Association (MWA).

On Wednesday, Mega Sardines was endorsed by the US-based MWA as a “Superfood,” becoming the first sardine brand globally to receive such recognition.

“With the product being rich in omega-3, high in vitamins, and processed with world-class safety, we can say that it is more than a pantry essential — it’s a food that supports overall health,” said James Michael Lafferty, founding board member of the MWA.

He said Mega Sardines met the MWA’s System-6 criteria for a “Superfood,” citing its high omega-3 content, essential nutrients, and stringent food safety processes.

“Based on these proven health benefits, the MWA is proud to bestow its professional recommendation to Mega Sardines — the first and only sardine brand in the Philippines to receive this endorsement. In fact, it is the only seafood brand to do so,” he added.

Following the MWA recognition, Mega Prime aims to increase the share of its export sales from 5% to 10% over the next three years. Its key export markets include Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada, with Egypt being eyed as a potential new market. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

JG Summit Q1 profit falls 61% to P4.3B amid petrochemical losses

JGSPETROCHEM.COM

JG SUMMIT Holdings, Inc. reported a 61% drop in first-quarter (Q1) net income to P4.3 billion from P11 billion a year earlier, weighed down by losses from its petrochemical business, which will remain shut for at least two years.

Consolidated revenues rose by 2% to P98.2 billion from P96.6 billion, lifted by the conglomerate’s travel, malls, hotel, and food and beverage segments, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday.

However, core net income dropped by 65% to P4.4 billion, as last year’s figure included a P7.9-billion gain from the merger of Robinsons Bank Corp. and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

“We are hopeful that the encouraging trends we are seeing in improving consumer sentiment brought about by the tempering inflation coupled with the favorable forex and oil prices will help accelerate demand and translate to better topline growth and improving margins for the balance of the year,” JG Summit President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Y. Gokongwei said.

JG Summit announced that its petrochemical unit, JG Summit Olefins Corp. (JGSOC), will remain shut for at least two years due to ongoing challenges in the global market.

“During this period, the focus will be on preserving the assets in the plant complex while evaluating strategic options for the business moving forward. Meanwhile, its liquefied petroleum gas trading arm, Peak Fuel Corp., will continue to operate,” JG Summit said.

JGSOC recorded a net loss of P3.3 billion for the period, as non-recurring costs were incurred to facilitate the shutdown. Revenues declined by 46% to P7.6 billion, weighed by lower petrochemical sales.

“Our decision to extend the shutdown of our petrochemical unit will also help reduce the drag on our profitability,” Mr. Gokongwei said.

Meanwhile, its food business Universal Robina Corp. reported a 2% drop in net income to P4.1 billion, reflecting lower foreign exchange gains. Revenues rose by 7% to P45.3 billion, driven by the domestic branded consumer foods segment.

Robinsons Land Corp., the group’s property arm, saw its net income increase by 4% to P3.5 billion. Revenues rose by 1% to P10.7 billion, supported by sustained investment portfolio growth despite a decline in residential sales due to fewer units sold post-pandemic.

Cebu Air, Inc., the airline unit, posted a 79% drop in net income to P466 million, following higher aircraft depreciation and financing costs. Revenues, however, grew by 20% to P30.4 billion, supported by robust passenger demand and continued network expansion.

JG Summit’s core investments also contributed positively. Its share in Manila Electric Co.’s net income rose by 9% to P2.7 billion, driven by higher distribution sales volumes and stronger contributions from its power generation business.

PLDT, Inc. declared dividends of P47 per share, resulting in P1.1 billion in dividend income for JG Summit, up 2% year on year.

On Wednesday, shares in JG Summit fell by 0.65% or 12 centavos to close at P18.38 each. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Double Dragon unveils Hotel101-Roxas Boulevard project

DOUBLE DRAGON Corp. (DD) has unveiled its latest project, Hotel101-Roxas Boulevard, in Pasay City.

The company said in a statement on Wednesday that the project is expected to generate approximately P5.25 billion in revenue from unit sales.

The project will rise on a 1,790-square-meter commercial lot along Roxas Boulevard.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025, with the project slated for completion by the second half of 2028.

“The Hotel101-Roxas Boulevard, with 700 rooms, is set to become the largest hotel along Roxas Boulevard and is envisioned as the area’s most vibrant landmark,” the company said.

The 34-story hotel will contribute to Double Dragon’s goal of expanding its Hotel101 Global portfolio, which aims to include up to 50,000 rooms in the Philippines and one million rooms across 100 countries.

Hotel101 is the flagship brand of Hotel of Asia, Inc., Double Dragon’s hospitality arm.

On Wednesday, Double Dragon’s shares fell by 38 centavos, or 3.82%, closing at P9.56 each. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

SM Prime deploys 131 EV charging stations, targets 50 more by year-end

SMSUPERMALLS.COM

SM PRIME Holdings, Inc. is planning to install 50 additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide by end-2025, supporting its long-term push for sustainable mobility.

The listed property developer said it deployed 131 EV charging stations in the first quarter across its malls and office developments, as part of its efforts to expand green infrastructure and clean transport options.

“SM Prime has strategically deployed EV charging stations across its malls and office developments to support low-emission transport,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday.

“Future installations are also planned for its residential communities and leisure estates, making sustainable mobility more accessible across its integrated property portfolio,” it added.

SM Prime said its charging stations comply with national standards and safety protocols. The company is accredited by the Department of Energy as an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) Provider-Operator.

“Integrating sustainable practices into our operations is a core part of SM Prime’s long-term strategy,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said. “Through this initiative, we are also supporting the government’s vision for an inclusive and future-ready EV ecosystem.”

Under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, the government is targeting a 10% EV fleet share under a business-as-usual scenario by 2040. A higher target of at least 50% has been set under a clean energy scenario.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. earlier projected EV sales to grow by 7% this year, with annual purchases expected to reach 20,000 units.

SM Prime said it aims to be a key player in the country’s low-carbon future, leveraging its footprint and sustained investments in integrated property developments and green technologies.

With its expanding EV charging network, the company said it is contributing to the transformation of the country’s transport sector while advancing climate-resilient urban development.

“We are focused on making sustainability practical and accessible. Expanding our EV charging network is one way we are enabling Filipinos to adopt greener habits as part of daily life,” Mr. Lim said.

On Thursday, shares in SM Prime rose by 4.13% or P1 to close at P25.20. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Banking, tobacco lift LT Group’s Q1 profit by 13% to P7.24 billion

BW FILE PHOTO

LT GROUP, Inc. reported a 13% increase in first-quarter (Q1) attributable net income to P7.24 billion from P6.42 billion a year earlier, driven by its banking, tobacco, liquor, and beverage units.

The company’s first-quarter performance represents its highest result since its follow-on public offering in 2013, LT Group said in a stock exchange disclosure on Wednesday.

Among its business units, Philippine National Bank (PNB) was the largest contributor, accounting for 47% of the total, or P3.42 billion. Fortune Tobacco Corp. (FTC) followed with 39%, contributing P2.8 billion.

Tanduay Distillers, Inc. (TDI) and Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) posted P525 million and P178 million in net income, respectively, accounting for 7% and 3% of the total.

Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. contributed 2% or P143 million, while Victorias Milling Co., Inc. added 2% or P154 million.

For the banking business, PNB’s net profit under the pooling method increased by 15% to P6.09 billion.

Gross interest income rose by 7% to P17.17 billion, supported by higher yields and increased volumes in trading and investment securities, as well as loans and receivables.

In the tobacco sector, FTC saw a 6% increase in net income to P2.81 billion, driven by higher equity in net earnings from PMFTC, Inc.

Despite a flat industry volume of 11.9 billion sticks, PMFTC’s volume increased to 5.6 billion sticks from 5.5 billion in the same period last year.

Tanduay Distillers, Inc. posted a 107% growth in net income to P528 million, with net revenue rising 22% to P7.19 billion, fueled by higher sales volume and increased selling prices.

TDI continued to perform strongly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, holding market shares of 67.5% and 81.6%, respectively.

Its nationwide market share for distilled spirits rose to 38.1%, up from 32.9% last year.

Asia Brewery, Inc. saw its net income grow to P178 million, although revenues for the beverage segment declined by 2% to P4.31 billion, attributed to lower sales volume of the Cobra energy drink brand.

In the property segment, Eton Properties posted P144 million in net income, up from P116 million last year.

Leasing revenue was essentially flat at P473 million, while real estate sales reached P102 million as the company continued to sell remaining inventory from previously launched projects in 68 Roces in Quezon City and Eton City, Laguna.

Eton’s leasing portfolio includes 269,400 square meters, with approximately 192,000 square meters allocated to office space.

Shares of LT Group dropped by 3.06% or 38 centavos to P12.02 per share on Wednesday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Vitarich Q1 net income jumps to P241.6 million

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

LISTED poultry integrator Vitarich Corp. saw its first-quarter (Q1) attributable net income jump to P241.6 million from P620,959 a year earlier, supported by higher chicken prices and a new revenue stream.

“This marked a record quarter that exceeded the company’s internal forecasts,” Vitarich said in a stock exchange disclosure on Wednesday.

Revenues rose by 8.8% to P3.2 billion from P2.94 billion, while gross profit more than doubled to P607.53 million from P245.99 million in the same period last year.

The company said revenue growth was partly offset by lower chicken volumes and “reduced pricing for feeds due to the limited supply of day-old chicks in the market.”

Food products contributed 62.8% of total revenues, followed by feeds at 28.7% and farms at 8.5%.

Government data showed that full-dressed chicken prices in Metro Manila averaged P206.97 per kilogram in the last week of March, higher than P180.70 per kilogram from March 25 to 27.

In addition to nationwide price increases, Vitarich attributed its improved performance to the “addition of a new revenue stream from day-old pullets.”

Its food segment includes chicken and dory fish products sold to hotels, restaurants, institutional clients, supermarkets, and wet markets.

In March, Vitarich signed an exclusive distribution agreement with French breeding company Novogen for NOVOgen White hens.

The company also said it is strengthening its food segment under the Cook’s brand “by scaling up its fresh and ready-to-cook chicken products and investing in marketing.”

Operating profit surged to P349.8 million from P24.1 million last year.

Operating expenses rose to 8.1% of revenues, driven by higher freight and handling costs, merchandiser salaries, and training and marketing expenses. 

“As we move through the year, short-term disruptions such as the shortage of day-old chicks may continue but we remain focused on pursuing a range of opportunities that we believe will further strengthen our business and fuel sustained growth in the years ahead,” Vitarich Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Manuel M. Sarmiento said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

MacroAsia earnings climb 20% on aviation, food service growth

MACROASIACORP.COM

MACROASIA Corp. reported a 20.78% year-on-year increase in its first-quarter (Q1) attributable net income, reaching P313.91 million, driven by strong performance in its aviation services and food units.

For the January-to-March period, the company posted combined revenues of P2.35 billion, a 5.86% increase from P2.22 billion during the same period last year.

The majority of the company’s revenue, P1.15 billion, came from in-flight and other catering services, reflecting an 8.49% growth from P1.06 billion in the previous year.

This increase was driven by a 13% rise in meal count, which reached 6.25 million from 5.53 million, the company said.

Ground handling and aviation services generated P1.02 billion in revenues, a 2% increase from P998 million in the prior period. Water distribution revenues reached P171.6 million, an 11.36% increase from P154.1 million last year, while revenues from other services grew by 38.38% to P13.7 million from P9.9 million in Q1 2024.

Despite the growth in revenues, MacroAsia noted that the slight increase in ground handling and aviation services revenue was attributed to a decrease in the number of flights handled, which dropped to 47,546 from 48,085 in the same period last year.

The company’s total expenses rose by 11.34% to P2.16 billion, up from P1.94 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

MacroAsia further highlighted that passenger load and flight frequency continue to drive growth in its aviation services.

“[The] privatization of NAIA operations is expected to lead to increased flight volumes and passenger traffic as airport facilities expand and operational efficiency improves,” it said, adding that it anticipates costs at the airport to rise as the country’s primary gateway is now managed by a private operator.

The company is also exploring the expansion of its food catering services outside Metro Manila to increase production capacity at its Muntinlupa commissary. Contracts are being secured for the construction of facilities within MacroAsia-owned property.

“The Food Group’s strategy to diversify its revenue base beyond aviation catering has yielded positive results, with several major accounts already secured and being served,” the company said.

On the local stock exchange, shares of MacroAsia closed at P3.85 apiece, down by two centavos or 0.52%, on Wednesday. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

PLDT Global partners with Venio to boost digital services

BW FILE PHOTO

PLDT INC., through its unit PLDT Global Corp., has entered into a partnership with US-based financial technology company Venio to enhance its digital services and extend its market reach, the Pangilinan-led telecommunications company announced on Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to partner with Venio to enhance our service offerings… This collaboration will not only increase the adoption of the TinBo app but also expand the availability of our digital and telecom services through Venio’s established distribution network,” PLDT Global President and Chief Executive Officer Albert V. Villa-Real said in a media release.

TinBo, PLDT Global’s one-stop gateway, offers an expanded suite of digital services. PLDT Global is the technology services arm of PLDT, providing communication infrastructure and digital platforms to its global network of carriers.

Under the partnership, Venio will promote and facilitate the availability of the TinBo app in key international markets, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“This includes collaborations with Filipino-focused businesses, retail channels, and fintech institutions to ensure that overseas Filipinos have easy access to the app and its services,” PLDT said.

Additionally, PLDT Global’s products will be integrated into Venio’s platform, enabling retailers to expand their portfolios. Venio will serve as PLDT Global’s business-to-business partner for the distribution of its products and services.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund and part of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

DMCI Holdings Q1 profit falls 9% to P5.1 billion

The Valeron Tower will soon rise along the C-5 Ortigas Corridor in Metro Manila. -- COURTESY OF DMCI HOMES

CONSUNJI-LED engineering conglomerate DMCI Holdings, Inc. reported a 9% decline in its first-quarter (Q1) net income to P5.1 billion from P5.6 billion a year earlier, weighed down by lower coal prices and the ongoing integration of its recently acquired cement business.

In a regulatory filing on Wednesday, the company said total revenues rose by 16% to P31.86 billion, driven by the addition of the cement business, higher construction and real estate revenue recognition, increased on- and off-grid power dispatch, and stronger nickel sales and prices.

“Market conditions today are very different from five years ago, but our businesses have adapted well. We continue to pursue organic growth across the portfolio,” DMCI Holdings Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Isidro A. Consunji said in a separate statement.

Coal producer Semirara Mining and Power Corp. contributed P2.5 billion, down 31% from a year ago, due to lower coal prices and a higher share of lower-grade coal shipments. The decline was partially offset by stronger on-grid power operations.

Real estate unit DMCI Homes, Inc. posted a 56% increase in contribution to P1.4 billion, supported by newly recognized accounts, higher income from forfeitures and rentals, and stronger finance income.

Water concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. grew its contribution by 39% to P926 million, backed by a higher average effective tariff and lower cash costs.

DMCI Holdings holds a 25% stake in Maynilad.

The off-grid power business, led by DMCI Power Corp., increased its contribution by 2% to P270 million, driven by higher energy sales and the expansion of bunker-fired capacity in Palawan.

DMCI Mining Corp. delivered a P409-million net income, reversing the P22-million net loss a year earlier, due to strong operations and improved selling prices.

Construction arm D.M. Consunji, Inc. posted a lower contribution of P50 million, down from P98 million, amid higher cash costs, project delays, and conservative revenue recognition practices.

Cement producer Concreat Holdings Philippines, Inc., formerly known as Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc., incurred a P564-million net loss due to reduced volumes and higher interest expense. DMCI Holdings completed its acquisition of Concreat in December last year and has commenced integration efforts to support future improvements.

On Wednesday, DMCI Holdings shares declined by 1.32% or 14 centavos to close at P10.50 apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

For saké’s sake

SAKÉ is one of the most important drinks of Japan, as it should be, coming from one of their most important food staples, rice (now that’s Japanese efficiency: two products from one crop). While poems, books, and songs have been written about saké in its homeland, it hasn’t quite reached the same level of hype here — but then, we could be wrong.

This year’s Saké Manila, a partnership between Okada Manila and Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), will be held at Okada’s Grand Ballroom on May 23, beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at https://sakemanila.ph/ for P6,000 each. That brings the guest access to tastings and talks, with 200 premium labels of saké, shochu, whisky, gin, beer, and wine from over 40 distillers and breweries. There’s going to be a cultural showcase with Japanese Taiko drummers and koto players, and a tuna parade and tuna carving.

Last year’s saké spectacle brought in about 100 labels (as opposed to this year’s 200), and more than 1,200 people: “We had to turn down people,” recalled Robi Joseph, director for Philippine Wine Merchants.

The road to 1,200 visitors for the Joseph family (one of the best-known in the Philippines when it comes to importing beverages) started out with Saké Sessions they used to offer at restaurants, pocket sessions designed to educate interested customers about saké. Speaking about this town’s hottest (or chilled; that’s a joke about saké serving temperatures) new drink, he said in an interview a month ago at Okada, “Part of it is the approachability of saké. A lot of people really want to learn more about it; a lot of people who are interested in the culture of Japan.”

“It’s grown; every year,” he said about their growing sales of saké. He recalled a time that they were bringing over two or four container vans filled with just one particular label from Dassai, a saké maker. “It would always get wiped out… they’re just crazy about it.”

Mr. Joseph discussed his own preferences for saké: “It doesn’t trigger my hyperacidity, unlike other wines. I find it easier to drink.

“The buzz is really nice. It’s a different kind of buzz. Like any alcohol, it brings down your walls. But there’s something about saké that just makes you want to talk more,” he said. “Stories, conversations: they’re richer. But that’s just anecdotal.”

He made us taste a Junmai Daiginjo from Tatenokawa — one of the higher grades of saké. The grades are determined by how much the rice has been polished. “The closer you are to that core, the more pure the saké is,” he said, while mentioning that this particular variety had been made with rice polished at 1%, shrinking the grains and making them even more precious. It tasted like plums — despite being made of just rice.

While cheaper saké brands at Japanese restaurants could be had at P300, prices may go up to between P3,000 to P20,000 (the full price range from entry level to premium can be found at Saké Manila).

“It’s really a very special beverage. Just like wine, just like any other alcoholic beverage, it’s steeped in culture and history. Every glass tells a story. There’s so much artistry that goes behind the creation of saké,” he said.

For more information, visit https://sakemanila.ph/. — Joseph L. Garcia

Bloomberry Q1 profit up 26% to P3.3 billion

BLOOMBERRY.PH

RAZON-LED listed integrated resort developer Bloomberry Resorts Corp. reported a 26% increase in its first-quarter (Q1) net income to P3.3 billion from P2.6 billion a year earlier, driven by higher gaming revenue.

Adjusting for the P2.9-billion one-time, non-cash gain from refinancing its P40-billion syndicated loan facility in February, Bloomberry said its first-quarter net income would have dropped by 83% to P445.8 million.

Gross gaming revenue (GGR) rose by 14% to P16.8 billion from P14.8 billion last year, led by contributions from Solaire Resort North in Quezon City.

“GGR generated by the mass tables and electronic gaming machines (EGM) segments across both our Metro Manila properties grew by 29%, powered by a resilient domestic mass market player base,” Bloomberry Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Enrique K. Razon, Jr. said.

“Solaire North continued to gain ground as GGR across the board increased by 29% sequentially, resulting in a P1.1-billion contribution to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. However, Solaire Entertainment City’s year-over-year results were impacted by softness in gaming volumes arising from slow VIP play and the Philippine offshore gaming operators ban,” he added.

Total GGR at Solaire Resort Entertainment City fell by 18% to P12.1 billion due to lower volumes and hold rates in the VIP and EGM segments.

Solaire Resort North generated P4.6 billion in GGR as it continued to ramp up its VIP, mass tables, and EGM segments, supported by domestic demand.

Jeju Sun Resort & Casino in South Korea recorded P3.7 million in GGR, down from P15.6 million last year.

Bloomberry’s consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) declined by 11% to P4.4 billion. Excluding the P279.5-million pre-operating expenses of Solaire Resort North recorded in the first quarter of 2023, consolidated EBITDA would have dropped by 15%.

Non-gaming revenue increased by 35% to P3 billion from P2.2 billion a year ago.

Meanwhile, Mr. Razon said Bloomberry expects a boost from its upcoming online product under the Solaire brand.

“We are fully committed to pushing the performance of both of our resort businesses and Solaire Online even as we are focused on ramping our new online product which will be launching in the coming weeks,” Mr. Razon said.

Bloomberry shares declined by 2.91% or 12 centavos to close at P4 apiece on Wednesday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Stanley Tucci says hosting tougher than acting as he launches culinary travel series

LONDON — Stanley Tucci is no stranger to hosting a television series, but when asked how it compares to acting, the Oscar nominee is clear: “Hosting is harder because you have to be yourself.

“And the reason actors become actors is they probably don’t want to be themselves all the time,” he said, laughing.

Known for films like Conclave, Julie & Julia, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Hunger Games, Mr. Tucci embarks on a culinary journey across Italy in his new show, Tucci in Italy.

From sampling traditional knödel in Trentino Alto-Adige to tucking into succulent porchetta in Lazio, the five-episode series sees him talking to chefs, farmers, shopkeepers, and everyday Italians about their food and traditions.

He describes it as “an exploration of what makes up Italy through the prism of food.”

“(Italians) live to eat and everybody else eats to live… You can talk to a cab driver and you can talk to someone of the aristocracy… and they’ll talk about food in the same way,” Mr. Tucci said in an interview with Reuters.

“And were they to meet, they would talk about food in the same way and they would talk in-depth about it. I don’t know another culture that would do that, where it just breaks down all boundaries.”

In the show, Mr. Tucci travels to five regions — Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Lazio, and Abruzzo.

While not a fan of spice, Mr. Tucci said he was willing to try anything: “I sort of did, I think, on this trip. There was lots of offal, which I love.”

“When I was watching the episodes again, I was like, there really is a lot of offal in these episodes… but that’s just a part of what Italy is and that’s what they eat.”

Mr. Tucci, the author of several cookbooks, has Italian origins and has lived as well as visited the country before — including for his previous travel and food show, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

“The more I travel through Italy, the more I see… reminders of people in my childhood,” he said.

“You might see somebody who looks like your aunt or your great aunt or your grandfather… and it makes you feel connected to the people that you’ve lost.”

Tucci in Italy streams on Disney+ from May 19 and premieres on National Geographic on May 21. — Reuters

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