Why storage and packing matter so much

British groceries are designed for a much cooler climate. In the Philippines, high temperatures and humidity can quickly damage chocolate, biscuits, spreads and even tins if they are not stored correctly.

At UK Food Store Philippines, we take this seriously. Every shipment is checked by hand on arrival, stored in the right place — on shelves or in chillers — and packed carefully before it leaves our facility in Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur.

How we store British groceries before dispatch

1. Chillers for heat-sensitive products

Products that can be affected by heat — for example chocolate, certain spreads and selected seasonal items — are kept in chillers until they are ready to be packed. We do not leave these items exposed to room temperature for long periods.

2. Shelves for ambient groceries

Tinned goods, jars, sauces, pickles and most dry items are stored on strong shelving in a clean, dry area. We keep them away from direct sunlight and check Best Before dates regularly.

3. Regular stock rotation

We follow a simple rule: first in, first out. New stock goes to the back so older stock is picked first, helping to keep Best Before dates as long as possible for customers.

How we pack your order

Once you place an order, we prepare it by hand. Every parcel is packed as if it is going to a friend or family member. Our goal is that everything arrives safely, even after a long journey.

• Strong cartons — we use sturdy boxes that can handle courier handling.
• Layered packing — heavier tins at the bottom, lighter items on top.
• Extra protection — bubble wrap or padding around fragile or dent-prone products.
• Chiller items packed last — to keep them cool until the very end.

We cannot control how couriers treat parcels once they leave us, but we do everything we can to give your order the best possible chance of arriving in good condition.

Delivery times, fees & Cash on Delivery

We currently use trusted courier partners to deliver British groceries across the Philippines. Typical delivery times are:

• Metro Manila: usually around 1–3 working days from dispatch.
• Wider Luzon: usually around 2–4 working days from dispatch.
• Visayas & Mindanao: usually around 3–7 working days, depending on distance and weather.

Our standard delivery fee is PHP 100 nationwide, with safe Cash on Delivery so you can pay when the parcel arrives.

What to do if something arrives damaged

We know how disappointing it is if a long-awaited parcel is damaged. To protect you and other customers, we have a clear and simple policy:

• Do not accept parcels that are visibly damaged. If the box looks badly crushed, wet or opened, please ask the rider to note it and refuse the parcel.
• For accepted parcels, our returns window is 24 hours from receipt because we are dealing with food items.
• If you discover a problem inside the box, please take clear photos of the items and packaging straight away and contact us within 24 hours.

We review each case individually and will always try to be fair. Cosmetic dents to tins can happen during courier handling. As long as the seal is intact, the food is still safe to use.

How you can help your British groceries survive the heat

Once the parcel reaches you, a few simple steps can make a big difference:

• Bring parcels inside and open them as soon as possible after delivery.
• Move any delicate items (chocolate, spreads, certain seasonal goods) into a chiller or a cool cupboard straight away.
• Keep tins and jars out of direct sunlight and away from damp areas.
• Check Best Before dates and use the shortest dates first.

Treated kindly at your end, most British groceries travel and store surprisingly well, even in our climate.

Where to go next

Once you’re happy with how we store and deliver, you might like to explore these useful pages: