Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Omnichannel model for Zalora Thailand

    Omnichannel model for Zalora Thailand

    Former Rocket Internet subsidiary Zalora Thailand is to morph into an omnichannel retail business under its new owner Central Group.

    Zalora Thailand CEO Ali Fancy said in an interview with eThailand the online store plans to become Thailand’s largest fashion retailer after its merger with Central Group subsidiary COL, a process expected to take about six months.

    By matching Zalora’s online expertise with Central’s broad-ranging brick and mortar and mall experience, the company expects to form a fashion-focused online destination with an offline offer, appealing to all type of shoppers..

    Fancy says the merged company will continue to use the Zalora website and brand.

    Under Rocket Internet ownership, the Zalora businesses in Thailand and Vietnam (which Central has also bought) failed to make money.  However Central Group believes its 69 year history in Thai retailing and its huge infrastructure will enable Zalora to scale into a profitable business.

    Central Group boasts 4400 stores and malls across many categories and a One Card loyalty program of more than 10 million members.

    Zalora brings to the new partnership a strong social media presence and marketing program, with 1.6 million followers on Facebook alone.

  • Australia’s Cold Store Operator Seeks Partner for Asian Expansion

    Australia’s Cold Store Operator Seeks Partner for Asian Expansion

    Australia’s largest privately-ˇowned cold storage operator, Oxford Cold Storage is seeking an operational and financial partner to expand its world-ˇclass cold storage services across Asia.

    In a global first, Oxford is piloting a system of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in a third party temperature controlled environment to ensure accuracy, improve safety standards and allow for 24-ˇhour operation, delivering significant competitive advantage in the industry leader’s push for international expansion.

    Founded by the Fleiszig and Stern families over four decades ago, Oxford is a third-ˇgeneration business, now operated by brothers, Paul and Mark Fleiszig, alongside their cousin, Rodney Fleiszig. At the helm are brothers Stephen, Gabor and Luis Fleiszig. “Oxford is extremely well positioned to take advantage of the thriving Asian middle-ˇclass’ skyrocketing demands for produce. As this demographic develops, there is less time for people to wait for fresh food in a traditional market sense, so cold storage is becoming a vital component of the food chain,” said Oxford Director, Paul Fleiszig.

    Paul Profile Pic copy[3IxI]

    “We are at the forefront of logistics technology, designing our own systems with growth in mind to ensure scalability for the next phase, supported by our expertise in data mining and high-ˇdensity operation.” Delivering an annual turnover of $80 million within a robust growth industry (5% p.a. in Australia), Oxford was the first company to introduce a real-ˇtime radio frequency track and trace warehouse management system in 1995.

    “A key priority for us is staying ahead of the logistics technology curve through continuous improvement across warehouse operations. Our R&D team is responsible for ensuring we exceed national and international regulations, meeting the increased need for “paddock to plate” tracing while delivering the best possible service for our customers,” Paul explained.

    As the operator of the largest third-ˇparty temperature controlled warehouse in the country and 20th largest operator globally, Oxford offers racked storage for over 175,000 pallets, with the capacity to freeze 12,000 cartons and carcasses daily. Mike Robbins, Oceania Head of Physical Logistics at Nestlé Australia Ltd said: “Oxford Cold Storage is the most innovative operator in the Australian temperature controlled supply chain. The business invests heavily in technology, offering benefits within and beyond the warehouse.”

    “Oxford is extremely agile and are able to react quickly to changing customer requirements. Through the application of flexible IT solutions applied to operations optimisation Oxford have been able to deliver end to end supply chain efficiencies in warehousing, transport and inventory management.”

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  • Visa and TAT launch the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2016

    Visa and TAT launch the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2016

    Mr. Suripong Tantiyanon (second from left), Visa Country Manager, Thailand and Mr. Wiboon Nimitrwanich (second from right), Executive Director, Tourism Investment Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand presided over the launch of the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2016 campaign. More than 15,000 shops in 110 department stores and shopping centres in seven major tourist destinations of Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Hua Hin and Udon Thani participating in the campaign which starts today and ends on 31 August 2016. Visa cardholders get special privileges on top of the program.

    For every 500 Baht spent with their Visa cards during the campaign period, shoppers get two tickets to enter “The Travel 365 Days in Thailand” lucky draw. The grand prize includes two sets of flight tickets and accommodation, one for international traveler and another for Thai shopper. Winners can travel with a friend to any Thai airways domestic destinations and stay at any Centara Hotels & Resorts property throughout the year and up to ten days per visit. The campaign is back for its 18th successful year. Terms and conditions apply.

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  • UnionPay expands card issuance and acceptance in Thailand

    UnionPay expands card issuance and acceptance in Thailand

    UnionPay, an international payment network, continues its expansion in Thailand with the announcement of two new card issuing banks. From June 2016, Kiatnakin Bank and Land and House Bank will join Bangkok Bank, Bank of China (Thai), ICBC Thai, Kasikorn Bank, and Krungthai Bank in issuing UnionPay debit and credit cards.

    Acceptance of UnionPay cards is also on the increase, with near complete nationwide coverage of ATMs and almost 90% of merchants now accepting UnionPay cards. This includes a wide variety of merchants and Thai cardholders can pay using their UnionPay debit or credit card at large department stores, airports and downtown duty-free shops, hotels and tourist attractions, as well as everyday spend merchants like convenience stores, chain supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants.

    “Thailand is a very important market for UnionPay International and we are delighted to see there are increasingly more opportunities for consumers to shop and pay using their UnionPay cards. We are intensifying our efforts to meet growing demand by expanding our acceptance network and enlarging our issuance scale both locally and regionally. In Thailand, we are bolstering card issuance by expanding our debit and credit portfolios rapidly to meet the specific demands of the market, and the addition of new card issuing banks will will offer more choices to Thai consumers and businesses. We are delighted to welcome both Kiatnakin Bank and Land and House Bank as valued partners to our growing network of card issuers,” said Wenhui Yang, General Manager of UnionPay International Southeast Asia.

    “Debit card usage is growing in Thailand and it is important we are able to support our customers’ needs. The introduction of the Kiatnakin Bank UnionPay debit card addresses these needs as well as giving our customers access to a global network, meaning they can use the card when they travel as well as in Thailand. We have worked closely with UnionPay International to introduce this card and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship,” said Mr. Aphinant Klewpatinond, President and Chairman of Commercial Banking Business, Kiatnakin Bank.

    Mrs.Sasitorn Pongsatorn, President, LH Bank Public Company Limited, commented “LH Bank is committed to continuous development of our products and services. We have joined with Union Pay to launch the LH Bank Debit Chip Card as this will help make financial transactions or bill payment services without cash easier for our customers, who will also be able to benefit from discounts or privileges around the world. We believe the new LH Bank Debit Chip Card with UnionPay will meet our client’s financial lifestyle needs. New cards can be issued free of charge and withdrawing money from any ATM will also be free of charge with unlimited access nationwide.

    For those who are interested, the bank will offer free annual fee for the first year.

    UnionPay cardholders benefit from extensive range of benefits

    UnionPay cardholders can benefit from promotions and offers from a range of businesses in Thailand. Throughout June and July, holders of the recently launched Bangkok Bank Be1st Smart TPN UnionPay card will receive a 50% discount when buying movie tickets for any seat at Major Cineplex branches around Thailand. Travelers can also benefit when using their UnionPay debit or credit card at King Power shops at airports and duty free shops in Thailand. When spending THB 15,000 or more in a single receipt between now and August 31st, Union Pay cardholders can enjoy a THB 500 discount.

    UnionPay cardholders in Thailand can also enjoy special discounts and privileges at their favourite destinations such as Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Paris and London as part of the company’s 2016 Global Airport Campaign which features 120 participating duty-free shops at 80 airports, including 16 of the busiest airports across the world.

    In addition to extensive benefits, UnionPay card members benefit from secure and convenient cashless ATM and POS transactions in 160 countries and regions including Thailand that accept the UnionPay card.

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  • DFS City of Dreams Macau : Look Inside

    DFS City of Dreams Macau : Look Inside

    An expansion of Macau’s DFS City of Dreams retail area has been launched, offering a lifestyle luxury shopping experience in the heart of the Cotai Strip.

    Three times larger than the former retail space, it was unveiled by gaming and entertainment group Melco Crown Entertainment and luxury travel retailer DFS Group. The area is being run by T Galleria by DFS.

    Styled like an edgy department store, the space uses elements of glass, marble and steel combined with warm wood accents, designed to be both dramatic and intimate. The space links dining areas, casinos, retail stores, entertainment attractions and hotels.

    Melco Crown Entertainment chairman/CEO Lawrence Ho says the group’s flagship property beings many firsts to Macau. “It features the largest collection of luxury brands in Cotai and creates an exciting luxury shopping scene for all aspirational, sophisticated and cosmopolitan leisure seekers in the region.”

    DFS Macau

     

    DFS Group chairman/CEO Philippe Schaus says Macau continues to be an important destination for its customers, “which is why we are thrilled to unveil a retail concept that is a first for DFS in terms of its scale, audacity and innovation”.

    Curated selection

    He says it is a first for Macau in terms of providing a curated and modern product selection across the major luxury categories. “T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams will combine the breadth of a luxury shopping mall with the personalised service of a high-end department store.”

    Opening in phases from now until December, City of Dreams’ T Galleria by DFS will have the largest collection of luxury brands in Cotai, including beauty products and fragrances, fashion and accessories, and watches and jewellery brands.

    It will also introduce exclusive T Galleria signature customer services, including the first-ever shoe salon as well as a multi-brand lifestyle shopping area dedicated to men’s fashion and grooming.

    DFS Macau. 1

    Offering more than 50 men’s and women’s shoe brands across two floors, highlighted by exclusive-to-Macau brands such as Aquazzura and Rupert Sanderson, the shoe salon will be the largest in Hong Kong and Macau.

    The expanded beauty and fragrance section opens this month. When fully expanded, the 23,000 sqft (2136.7 sqm) space will comprise two wings and feature nearly 70 brands, making it the largest beauty hall in southern China. It will include Korean brands Hera, Laneige and Sulwhasoo.

    A first for men

    Also opening his month are 31 fashion and accessories brand outlets, including Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Prada. And for male customers, for the first time at any T Galleria by DFS store there will be a multi-branded, lifestyle area that mixes ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, watches and grooming all in one space.

    By the end of this year, the phased opening will culminate in a significantly wider jewellery offering, bringing key luxury brands Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels to City of Dreams, as well as new watch boutiques from Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin.

    Dining outlets will also be integrated into the environment.

    DFS Macau. 2

    Developed by Melco Crown Entertainment, City of Dreams is an integrated resort that brings together a collection of brands including Crown, Dragone, Grand Hyatt and Hard Rock, with more than 20 restaurants and bars, the world’s largest water-based extravaganza in the Dancing Water Theater, and accommodation options.

    The mall extension follows a new package of social and economic policies for the city, released under the Macau government’s Five-Year Development Plan. By 2020, the government wants to see non-gaming income account on average for at least 9 per cent of all revenue generated by casinos, compared to an estimated 6.6 per cent in 2014.

  • Jollibee Manhattan opens

    Jollibee Manhattan opens

    Jollibee Food Corp has taken its Chikenjoy and other Filipino favourites to Manhattan.

    The third Jollibee store in New York is located in what is dubbed the busiest bus terminal in the world, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Manhattan’s major gateway. It is on 609 Eighth Avenue between West 39th and 40th streets.

    Jollibee Manhattan, which has 255 sqm in floor area, takes the total number of stores in the US to 34.

    Recently Jollibee hit a milestone when it opened its 1000th global store at The Dubai Mall. It has also opened two stores in Singapore in addition to the first one it set up on Orchard Road. The company now sets its sights on high-expansion growth in the US, Middle East, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

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  • Siam Center Unleashed the Creativity in “Siam Center Art Traction” Art Exhibition

    Siam Center Unleashed the Creativity in “Siam Center Art Traction” Art Exhibition

    Siam Center, the Ideopolis, sparks the creative ideas in “Siam Center Art Traction”, on the 1st and 2nd floor of Siam Center until July 2016. The exhibition displays a wide range of well-selected art pieces by several artists from various fields of art, such as world-renowned Malaysian artists Jun Ong, well-known Thai artists like Jitsing Somboon, Anon Pairot and Rukkit Kuanhawate, and young artists from four leading universities in Thailand. Last but not least, the art lovers will meet Mr. P Water, the art installation by Propaganda.

    Chanisa Kaewruen, Senior Deputy Managing Director for Marketing Events and Business Relations, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., revealed that Siam Center has played the leading role as the center of arts, fashion, technology and lifestyle. It always seeks for the world-class work of art to inspire people. Now, Siam Center is hosting Siam Center Art Traction between June and July 2016 to display the masterpieces of famous artists in different fields. The exhibition starts with Jun Ong and his PLASTIC PARTITIONS, using mixed art to serve as the board of idea. It displays questions and let the visitors give comments by pressing the button on LED screen, which projects the different levels of brightness. When the visitor presses the button three times, the blinking light will appear. It means the visitor absolutely agrees with the question. If pressed twice, the button will show the still light, which means the visitor simply agrees. If pressed once, the button will project the dim light, which represents the visitor’s disagreement.

    11. Artpiece from Museum road selected by Jitsing Somboon

    Two more exhibitions are held to promote the talent of students from the leading universities. First, Jewelry Degree Showcase by Silpakorn University displays the theses of senior students of Jewelry Design Department, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University. Moreover, the art workshops are weekly conducted on cold enamel, wire bending, drawing, gold leaf covering, knitting, crochet, stamping letters on metal plate and making wool accessories respectively. This exhibition will take place until July 31, 2016, at the area connected to BTS on the 2nd floor of Siam Center. Live Design Functional Art Project by Silpakorn University exhibits the theses of the senior students of Applied Art Study, Faculty of Decorative Arts, Silpakorn University, between June 23 and July 31, 2016, on the 1st floor of Siam Center.

    Another must-visit exhibition is “Museum road selected by Jitsing Somboon”, which takes place until July 31, 2016, on the 1st floor of Siam Center. Jitsing Somboon, Creative Consultant of Greyhound, selected these impressive items from the fashion theses of senior students from four leading universities, namely Silpakorn University, Srinakharinwirot University, Rangsit University and Bangkok University. He admired the distinctiveness of these exhibits because they combined both old and new techniques. For the materials, some students selected the forgotten materials while others used new and bold materials to inspire the visitors. Therefore, the fashion items in this showcase were something beyond clothing. They were art objects displayed in one-sided glass cabinet covered with wrinkled plastic. He got this inspiration while taking a tour in museums and browsing through art pieces. That’s why he would like to reflect the value of the students’ work and their effort in an easily accessible way.

    In addition, Siam Center presents Art Installation by Rukkit Kuanhawate on the 1st floor of Siam Center and Donate It Forward by Anon Pairot, together with his partners, to encourage everyone in the society to do the good deeds. Moreover, the famous Mr. P by Propaganda comes back with his new look called Mr. P Water as an eye-catching art installation that welcomes everyone at Parc Paragon.

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  • Globe Telecom offers new-gen Chromecast

    Globe Telecom offers new-gen Chromecast

    Globe Telecom in collaboration with Google now offers the new generation Chromecast, with the promise for a connected life for the home.

    Globe’s broadband subscribers can avail of the new and improved Chromecast for an add-on of only P99 (about $2) per month.

    The company said its customers today are no longer just tied in using their smartphones and PC’s at home for personal consumption, they also demand better content to share and experience on a bigger screen.

    The new Chromecast offers the solution to “cast” content from their personal device such as movies, shows, music, games to a bigger screen TV using their HDMI connection.

    The solution is now equipped with better connectivity with the latest 802.11ac dual band Wi-Fi and three antenna structure for a more faster, stable and less buffering streaming using the latest mobile devices.

    Aside from being a better hardware, the new Chromecast is also fully compatible to cast with the latest entertainment apps including Globe exclusive digital content partners such as HOOQ, NBA and Spotify.

    “With our continuous partnership with Google, we stay true in providing new and meaningful innovations to fully maximize the digital lifestyle of our customers,” said Martha Sazon, Globe SVP for broadband business.

    “The latest installment in this is the new Chromecast, now with better features and compatibility to our content partners such as Spotify, HOOQ, NBA to a more immersive casting experience,” said Sazon.

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  • Viacom expands direct-to-consumer offering

    Viacom expands direct-to-consumer offering

    Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has launched the BET Play direct-to-consumer, subscription video on demand (SVOD) application for the adult audience, giving consumers in 100 countries direct mobile access to BET’s content.

    BET Play offers fans an opportunity to watch English-language BET content — television series, documentaries, standup comedy, entertainment news and legendary musical performances — on their iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as AirPlay-enabled television sets.

    “The launch of BET Play significantly expands the brand’s geographic availability by making it available direct to consumer in many markets where it has not previously had an established presence on TV,” said Michael D. Armstrong, EVP and general manager for international brand development at VIMN.

    The BET Play app also features a live linear feed of BET Soul, the premiere destination and leading music source for all soul music including R&B, Neo Soul, Alternative Soul, Classic Soul, relative Hip Hop, and Caribbean music.

    BET Play was designed to reach an international audience where they live – smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices – and creates an experience tailored to each of these screens.

    BET Play is the latest addition to the Viacom Play Plex suite of mobile TV apps, which offer smartphone and tablet users around the world access to the best content from all of Viacom’s international TV brands, anytime and anywhere.

  • Half of APAC cellcos have OTT partnerships

    Half of APAC cellcos have OTT partnerships

    Nearly every Asian mobile operator is interested in pursuing partnerships with OTT players to combat the growing problem of revenue loss, a survey suggests.

    The survey, conducted by Alepo ahead of Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2016, shows that just over half of respondents already have working partnership agreements with OTT providers.

    On the other hand, nearly two thirds of Asian operators are also directly competing with OTT providers with their own video, messaging or content service.

    Respondents indicated that declining voice revenues in the face of the growing popularity of OTT voice services is one of the main challenges operators face today. But revenue loss for OTT providers is higher for SMS than other services.

    Asked about the main obstacles to partnering with OTT providers, respondents named an inability or difficulty competing with the growing number of market entrants as the largest challenge, followed by difficulty controlling QoS of OTT services. Complications involved with billing for OTT services came third.

    By comparison, a lack of willingness to partner on the part of either the OTT provider and the operator were considered the least significant challenges.

    “It’s clear that mobile network operators in Asia Pacific recognize the emerging threat of OTT services on the bottom line and are proactively seeking new strategies and business models to overcome that,” Alepo director of marketing Danielle Elaine Smith said.

    “This report indicates that the implementation of those strategies is not limited by an unwillingness to partner by either the operators or the OTT providers, but rather by poor or outdated policy and charging control infrastructure that can’t adapt to meet the new realities of today’s dynamic APAC telecom markets.”

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  • Globe Telecom launches media content studio

    Globe Telecom launches media content studio

    The Philippines’ Globe Telecom has entered the entertainment production business with a new studio and content partnerships aimed at developing content tailored for mobile consumption.

    The operator has announced the launch of Globe Studios, which will develop original video productions for modern audiences accustomed to consuming and sharing content through social media via mobile pones.

    Globe Studios is backed by local and Asian media houses including Viva Films, Reality Entertainment, Quantum Films, Spring Films and Astro of Malaysia.

    “Consumption of mobile entertainment has grown exponentially over the past years. Today, customers no longer wait for their favorite shows on their TV screens. Instead, they dictate what they want to watch when and where they want to,” Globe chief commercial officer Albert de Larrazabal said.

    “With Globe Studios, we will now produce our own clips, series and even movies. Backed up with the biggest director partners and entertainment companies in the industry, we are set to show what customers want today.”

    In addition, Globe has announced the launch of Globe Live, which will produce live shows and events. Globe Live’s first production will be a Philippine staging of the Broadway musical Green Day’s American Idiot.

    To support its media ambitions Globe has formed new content partnerships, including becoming the first mobile and broadband Philippine partner for Netflix.

  • Nepal preparing to allocate 4G spectrum

    Nepal preparing to allocate 4G spectrum

    Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications is reportedly planning to amend spectrum usage policy to allow the nation’s operators to commercially launch 4G services.

    The ministry has decided to adopt a technology neutral policy to allow operators to launch 4G using the 1800-MHz spectrum band.

    The ministry had asked previously asked telecoms regulator NTA to devise a 4G action plan within a week that would involve allocating 4G spectrum by the end of the fiscal year in mid-July, the report states.

    In response the NTA appointed a consultant to determine spectrum prices, and expects to have the action plan and pricing policy ready to present by tomorrow.

    The NTA has repeatedly denied requests from operators including Nepal Telecom and Ncell to allow them to launch 4G services due to confusion over spectrum usage policy. Amending the legislation would clear up this confusion and pave the way for rollouts.

    The ministry has also asked the authority to submit a draft of a new M&A policy for telecom operators and prepare a detailed plan for the proceeds of the Rural Telecom Development Fund.

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  • Gourmet offerings at McDonald’s Singapore flagship

    Gourmet offerings at McDonald’s Singapore flagship

    Sandwiches made with light rye bread, a salad bar and desserts like gula melaka and coconut Swiss roll are among gourmet food options to be offered at McDonald’s Singapore’s new flagship restaurant at East Coast Park in Singapore, which will seat more than 300 diners.

    Opening on July 2, the 8439 sqft (784 sqm) McDonald’s Marine Cove will be a test bed for the chain, says McDonald’s Singapore MD Robert Hunghanfoo. New products will be trialled before being implemented in other outlets in Singapore.

    A recreational and dining enclave, Marine Cove was home to an iconic McDonald’s branch from 1982 until 2012, when it closed for redevelopment.

    At the salad bar, diners can choose from more than 10 ingredients and sauces to add to three types of salad. A dessert bar features in the outdoor seating area, offering sundaes and ice cream with a selection of 17 toppings.

    Hunghanfoo says the menu and research teams took a year to develop the concept, noting food trends and consumer feedback.

    As well as the usual McDonald’s burgers and fries, there will be a trio of premium burgers.

  • Sa Sa stores shrink

    Sa Sa stores shrink

    New Sa Sa stores are set to open in train stations and near the Mainland China border as the beauty retailer adapts to the changing demographic of Hong Kong shoppers.

    During a press conference discussing the group’s results last week,  Sa Sa chairman Simon Kwok Siu-ming said in light of the evolving trading environment, the company recognised the need to adjust its store strategy.

    Larger stores in traditional tourism destinations would be closed over time, replaced in the network with new stores in the New Territories giving Mainland Chinese daytrippers easier access to its range of products.

    At the same time, the company will develop new stores with smaller, compact footprints located in residential shopping centres and train stations, to serve younger, local customers and commuters. These stores will have a footprint of less than 1000 sqft (93 sqm) and stock  the top 20 per cent selling lines of large format stores, with a skew towards increasingly-popular Korean and Taiwanese brands.

    Kwok said rents in high-profile tourist locations are so high, closing one store there would save enough to open “five to six stores in the New Territories”.

    Sa Sa plans to seek rent reductions of between 40 and 50 per cent when renegotiating terms of leases for 22 stores which are due for renewal this year.

    The retailer currently operates 291 stores in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia.

    Last week, Sa Sa reported a 12.8 per cent drop in turnover for its latest fiscal year to March, sliding to HK$7.85 billion (US$1011.4 million).

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  • Singapore food brands eye Philippines

    Singapore food brands eye Philippines

    With the Philippines’ population of 20 times more than that of Singapore, the city state’s F&B brands are finding an attractive market in the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia.

    Executives from Singapore food brands flew into Manila this week as they look to expand into the Philippines through franchising.

    During an exclusive business matching event “Master Franchise Meet and Match” yesterday at Le Jardin in Bonifacio Global City, Singapore-based entrepreneurs and business organisations announced their interest in looking for potential partners to penetrate the Filipino market, known for its food enthusiasm.

    Singapore food brands eye PH 3

    Johnny Mayani, CEO of Wing Zone, said one of the reasons for choosing the Philippines is the big percentage of young consumers. He indicated that this market is suitable for their business, which targets the young food enthusiasts willing to customize products and try new flavours. Another reason is the Filipinos’ appreciation for Western food.

    “The Philippines is a very exciting market for us because of the fact that it is very Western concept friendly,” said Mayani.

    Wing Zone is an Atlanta-based restaurant chain which serves hamburgers, french fries, and buffalo wings. It’s headquartered in Singapore to look over its operations in Asia.

    Another DIY brand that expressed interest in the Philippines is BurgerUP, a gourmet burger chain that has branches in Pungol and Yishun in Singapore.

    BurgerUP executive chef Alvin Poon showed the restaurant’s ordering system that uses touchscreen technology. Customers can pick one or more patties, as well as toppings, to go with their burgers – through an app, and pay at the counter with generated QSR codes, avoiding long queues.

    Singapore food brands eye PH 1

    Coffeeshop Joe & Dough serves hand-crafted coffee made with Arabica beans and offers artisan breads and pastries. Asked who will be its biggest competitors in the Philippines, MD Damien Koh said its focus is not in the competition.

    Koh recognises the growing artisanal cafe and bakeshop scene in the country, but he said the company prioritises its philosophy of providing everyone an access to good coffee.

    Other brands that joined the event were Maki-San, considered as Southeast Asia’s first DIY sushi and salad bar where customers can choose from more 70 ingredients; Xiao Pan, which offers innovative soya bean based products for a good and healthy snack; and H20 Life Source, a water filtration systems provider, which plans to have at least 1000 stores in the Philippines in the next three years.

    Gourmet bakeshop Swissbake, restaurant chain Keisuke Ramen, and casual dining restaurant PastaMania also expressed interest in franchising in the Philippines.

    The franchise partnership event was organised by Francorp Philippines, together with U-Franchise Sales and Management, the Philippine Franchise Association, Franchise and Licensing Association (FLA) Singapore, and Astreem Consulting.