ABOUT US

Our Story

From a family kitchen in Auckland, we’ve grown into New Zealand’s leading Filipino FMCG distributor, built on trust and quality.

Two smiling people, a woman and a man, standing outside a store window with a sign that reads "tres marias" and "a taste of the Philippines," waving and posing for the photo. The woman has short brown hair and the man is wearing a flat cap and black shoes, both wearing dark polo shirts with red and green details.

Our History

Tres Marias was founded in 1990 in Auckland by Oscar and Mercy Catoto as a small family business delivering ready-to-eat and frozen Filipino products directly to local Filipino communities.


The business grew from door-to-door delivery into retail, opening its first store in 1999 before expanding into importing and national distribution, building strong expertise in Filipino FMCG products in the New Zealand market.


As demand grew, Tres Marias reached a key milestone in 2018 as the first supplier to place Filipino products into mainstream New Zealand supermarkets.

Today, under the next generation of leadership, Tres Marias operates from two distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, supplying over 450 businesses nationwide. We remain a family-led company built on long-standing relationships, cultural connection, and a commitment to growing authentic brands in the New Zealand market.

What We Do Today

A large cargo ship with multicolored containers on the water, leaving a trail of white foam behind as it moves.

Global Sourcing & Importing

We source directly from trusted manufacturers across Philippines & Asia, ensuring compliant, consistent, and high-quality FMCG supply.

Shelves stocked with snack items, including Ding Dong snack bags, Oishi Prawn Crackers, and bottles of sauces or condiments.

Retail Execution

Direct store delivery in major cities supported by trusted logistics partners for regional coverage, ensuring product availability where it matters most.

Large industrial warehouse with a blue exterior, parked white SUV, and a clear concrete parking lot under partly cloudy sky.

National Distribution Network

Two distribution hubs in Auckland and Christchurch, providing reliable nationwide coverage across retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels.

Frosted glass refrigerator door with various boxes of fruit-flavored frozen treats, such as Thai Coco Watermelon Coconut, pineapple coconut, mango sticky rice, banana babin, and blue moon, on shelves inside.

In-Market Brand Growth

In-store merchandising, promotional execution, and retail insights that strengthen visibility, drive sell-through, and grow brand presence.

A simple line drawing of a person planting a flag on a mountain peak.

Our Mission

We connect cultures, communities, and consumers through authentic food experiences - delivering quality products, trusted partnerships, and sustainable growth across New Zealand and the Pacific.

A black and white eye illustration with radiating lines around it.

Our Vision

To become the leading New Zealand partner for Filipino and Asian FMCG brands, helping culturally authentic brands grow from community favourites into mainstream retail success.

Our Values

Excellence

We strive for excellence across procurement, food safety, logistics, and service delivery, while continuously improving and adapting to new opportunities.

Partnership Focus

We are committed to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through reliable service, strong relationships, respect, and collaboration. Your success is our success.

Integrity

We do business honestly, ethically, and transparently. We make responsible decisions, take ownership of our actions, and build trust through accountability.

Cultural Authenticity

We proudly represent products and brands that celebrate culture, heritage, and genuine food experiences.

Ready to grow with Tres Marias?

Whether you're a retailer looking to stock Filipino food brands to your shelves, 
or a brand seeking trusted local expertise and distribution across New Zealand, we’d love to connect.