Dear Kalena

20/08/2025

Surprised? Those luxury Coach bags you see abroad are actually crafted by Filipinos!

11,000 FILIPINOS HANDCRAFT COACH BAGS IN PAMPANGA FOR GLOBAL LUXURY MARKET

Yes, it’s true — Coach, the iconic American luxury brand, produces many of its high-end handbags in the Philippines. At a massive factory in Pampanga, about 11,000 skilled Filipino workers create everything from wristlets to totes, all bound for Coach boutiques worldwide.

Veteran journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas toured the facility and praised the precision, dedication, and sheer scale of operations — a behind-the-scenes look at the Filipino craftsmanship powering a global brand.

But here’s the twist: you can’t buy directly from the factory. Every bag is made strictly for export, highlighting the Philippines’ quiet yet crucial role in the global luxury supply chain.

SOURCE: Industry reports, Korina Sanchez-Roxas
PHOTO COURTESY: Coach Inc., Rated Korina

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BATAAN: THE NEW FRONTIER FOR HIGH-END BAG MAKING

Set in the Freeport Area of Bataan, FCF Manufacturing — the Philippine arm of China-based Fashion Focus — is investing $10 million into a production facility dedicated to crafting Coach products. Backed by over 30 years of high-end bag manufacturing experience, Fashion Focus and affiliate Merit Focus are key suppliers to Coach and have now chosen the Philippines for their first expansion beyond China.

According to AFAB Chairman Deogracias Custodio, during its opening year, the factory was expected to employ 1,000 workers in its first year, with a plan to ramp up to 4,000 jobs. The facility started production by mid-2012, signaling a major boost in local employment and industry reputation.