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Category: Food

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Food and Food & Beverage news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Delivery Hero to sell Foodpanda Foodpanda Japan

    Delivery Hero to sell Foodpanda Foodpanda Japan

    German food delivery group Delivery Hero said on Wednesday it would scale down its Foodpanda operations in Germany and sell the subsidiary’s Japan unit, citing increased competition and labor shortages.

    Delivery Hero said Foodpanda would exit Cologne, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and Stuttgart, though it had only introduced the brand in Cologne, Duesseldorf, and Stuttgart a month earlier as part of a broader expansion program in Germany.

    “Facing a very different reality now than we did entering these markets, it is with a heavy heart that we need to pursue other growth opportunities with larger potential,” Chief Executive Niklas Oestberg said in a statement.

    The meal delivery market, with players including Uber Eats, Just Eat Takeaway, and Deliveroo, is expected to consolidate as the pandemic-related boom starts to wear off and companies look to adjust operations.

    At the same time, the European Commission announced draft rules in early December to give employee benefits to riders and drivers for online delivery firms, a move some companies argue will lead to job losses.

    Delivery Hero, whose operations span more than 50 countries, only started in June with the soft launch of its Foodpanda brand in Berlin and then rolled it out to other cities in August.

    That return home brought an abrupt end to a truce struck in late 2018, when Oestberg sold Delivery Hero’s German operations to Takeaway.com – its Dutch competitor is now known as Just Eat Takeaway (JET) – for $1.1 billion.

    The group also said on Wednesday it would exit the market in Japan, which it entered in September 2020, in the first quarter of 2022 to focus on growth in other markets and niches, especially in the area of quick commerce.

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  • Australia’s love affair with boxed wine endures

    Australia’s love affair with boxed wine endures

    Boxed wine is one of Australia’s most extraordinary contributions to the wine industry, also known as cardboardeaux, bag-in-box (BiB), or more commonly.

    Australian winemaker Thomas Angove patented the design for a one-gallon polyethylene bladder in a cardboard box in 1965, inspired by the ancient method of storing wine in goat skins. The first model required drinkers to cut a corner of the plastic bag and reseal it with a special category peg (used to transport battery acid).

    Once a tap was designed in the 1970s goon climbed quickly to make up about 50% of wine sales in Australia. In the days when restaurants sold “house wine”, goon was known for being economical above anything else, and convenient, associated more with families on a budget and people on low incomes.

    Wine in the ‘70s was still perceived as for special occasions and casks may have helped change that. Thirty years later, between 2004-2014, there was a 30% drop in cask sales but a 40% increase in bottled wine during the same decade. As domestic sales had been dropping, the cask concept (and its contents) was also being exported.

    Goon has come a long way from its origins and reputation. The visual appeal of the box and the bag has evolved, along with the narrative the wine label communicates about history, geography, identity.

    As the environmental benefits of wine in a box have become more important to new consumers, the quality of its contents has also improved. Jilly Wine Company’s Chateau Cardboard Red at $71 for 3 liters, is a long way from the one-gallon packs of table white, table red, port, sweet sherry, and muscat launched in 1965.

    There are good reasons why Australians love goon, and there are strong reasons for the love to grow.

  • McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s is stepping back in time and reopening Australia’s first restaurant in Yagoona. Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices. From 11 am to 1 pm on opening day the humble hamburger will be just 20 cents each, with a limit of four per customer, so you’ll need to get in quick to take advantage of the deal.

    Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years.

    ‘We are incredibly proud to reopen McDonald’s Yagoona and recognize its important part of our history,’ Chief Executive Officer for McDonald’s Australia Andrew Gregory said.

    ‘Everything our customers know and love about McDonald’s Australia started at Yagoona from Happy Meals and birthday parties to first jobs and community contribution.

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years

    ‘The reopening celebrates 50 years of supporting our customers, people, and communities in Australia. We look forward to once again serving the local community and welcoming back customers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.’

    The new restaurant will operate 24 hours a day and feature a McCafé, dual-lane drive-thru, dedicated delivery partner room, and PlayPlace.

    In addition to the 20 cent hamburger, McDonald’s Yagoona will also sell $1 cheeseburgers and $2 coffee from December 17 to January 7 as part of a special promotion for customers.

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  • Starbucks store in Korea is dedicated to disability inclusion

    Starbucks store in Korea is dedicated to disability inclusion

    Starbucks Korea has added a new location to its chain of Community Stores in the country, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

    The store is Starbucks Korea’s first to focus on a design that creates an inclusive space and what the retailer describes as impactful programming to support members of the disability community in Seoul.

    A portion of proceeds from sales through the store will go to support the local nonprofit Heart Heart Foundation, which advocates for inclusion and awareness of people with disabilities, and support for local artists from the disabled community.

    “It is very meaningful that our store, which is an inclusive space for all, has been dedicated as a new Community Store for inclusion, furthering disability-inclusion awareness in Korea,” said Elena, assistant store manager, who is hard of hearing.

    “I feel very proud as a partner. I hope to create meaningful opportunities to build connections through the many activities we will be launching at our store.”

    Since the opening of the store, Starbucks has employed new partners with disabilities under the partnership with the Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled.

  • Champagne to pop sales record as demand flows again

    Champagne to pop sales record as demand flows again

    France’s Champagne producers are preparing to toast record annual sales, an unexpectedly brisk turnaround from last year’s pandemic-related troubles that is making them confident they can withstand the onset of the Omicron variant.

    Sales in 2021 are expected to top 5.5 billion euros ($6.2 billion), above a previous peak of 5 billion euros two years ago before the coronavirus pandemic, Jean-Marie Barillere, president of Champagne industry group UMC, said.

    “It’s been huge and so unexpected that we’ve seen some breakdowns in the supply chain, like in all sorts of other products at the moment,” he said.

    The rush to enjoy the famed sparkling wine again could leave some Champagne lovers short during the year-end festive period.

    Champagne was already showing the biggest out-of-stock level among major grocery categories in French supermarkets in early November, according to retail data specialist Nielsen.

    In his specialist champagne cellar in central Paris, Benoit Melendez is also seeing deliveries from some suppliers dry up.

    “My fear is not to be able to satisfy customers who are looking for specific things and not by December 31.”

    The pinch on supplies does not represent an underlying shortage, with champagne producers holding large reserves that can be tapped to blend gradually for new bottles.

    The pressure on availability has contributed to the spectacular 2021 sales, with prices being revised upwards by some producers during the year, according to Melendez.

    The revival in Champagne demand is part of a broader economic upturn as consumers emerged from lockdowns imposed during previous waves of the pandemic.

    Economists and investors are, however, wary that the Omicron variant will cause activity to stall again, particularly in Europe where some governments have introduced new lockdown measures.

    However, Barillere sees a readiness to celebrate at home, nurtured during the pandemic, sustaining Champagne demand even if venues are shuttered again, a view shared by Melendez.

    “Since the vaccines and the end of summer, people have been saying we’ll have to live with this and that means simply living,” Melendez said.

  • Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association launches online marketplace

    Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association launches online marketplace

    The Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association has introduced an online marketplace where Aussie consumers can access more than 100 handcrafted drops from its portfolio of 21 members.

    A first for a wine association in the country, the new marketplace helps boutique wineries, which have been struggling during extended lockdowns, to promote themselves through e-commerce and reach lesser-known areas in the region.

    “When people think of the Yarra Valley, they may instinctively want to visit or purchase wines from the Coldstream, or ‘Golden Mile’,” said Daniel Tokar, president of Yarra Valley Small Wineries Association.

    “However, what some people don’t realize is that there are several sub-regions in the Valley that contain smaller producers who make some of the best wines in Australia.”

    The new marketplace offers a selection of sparkling, white, rose, and red wines from Yarra Valley Smaller Winery members, together with international varietals including Colombard, Graciano, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Fiano.

    “Our Association banded together originally to promote why our premium products stand up to larger, commercial operations, highlighting the unique creations being produced by boutique wineries in the Valley,” Tokar added.

    “With this new platform, we hope to further encourage wine-drinkers across the country to expand their horizons and try something new outside of their comfort zone.”

  • Seaweed bites launched by Pacific Harvest

    Seaweed bites launched by Pacific Harvest

    Pacific Harvest is adding a new product – Raw Nori Seaweed Snack Packs – to its seaweed products range.

    The company says the seaweed is sourced naturally, contains nutrients that are good for health, and has no additives or preservatives. Pacific Harvest said its team works only with ethical and sustainable seaweed harvesters to ensure quality as well as not harm the environment. Its packaging is all recyclable.

    Hayley Fraser-Mackenzie, MD at Pacific Harvest, said seaweed is known for its extensive nutritional and mineral value, but many consumers are not sure how to include it in their daily routines.

    “This easy, on-the-go format is a raw, healthy snack that both parents and kids will be happy to see in a lunchbox. We don’t need to eat seaweeds laden with fats, that have been processed in ways that destroy their nutrient value.”

    The Raw Nori Seaweed Snack Packs and other Pacific Harvest products are sold via the company’s website and in health food stores nationwide with an RRP of $4.30 for a box of eight 2gram packs.

  • PepsiCo Australia achieves its renewable energy target

    PepsiCo Australia achieves its renewable energy target

    PepsiCo Australia has effectively converted to 100 percent renewable electricity across all of its operations. Focusing on reducing global emissions, this initiative helps PepsiCo limit the amount of CO2 added into the environment – around 26,000 tones per year – and goes some way in helping the business hit its target to achieve net-zero emissions globally by 2040.

    PepsiCo manufactures Smiths chips, Doritos, Red Rock Deli, Twisties, and Grain Waves in Australia, including at Regency Park in SA, Tingalpa in Queensland, and Forrestfield in WA which are now powered by a mixture of solar and wind energy sources. The achievement does not include the manufacturing of beverages that are undertaken by the brand’s local partner Asahi Beverages.

    As one of the global business’ first 15 markets globally to switch to 100 percent renewable electricity, PepsiCo Australia is now seeking sustainable solutions such as converting organic waste into bio-methane, converting its fleet to EV or hydrogen, and decarbonizing its snack manufacturing processes.

    The company has teamed up with Engie and the Northam Solar Farm – developed by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and Bookitja – to get Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that support a range of wind and solar farms across Australia.

    “Climate change is one of the most pressing concerns facing our global food system and we’re committed to working across our value chain to reduce emissions,” said Danny Celoni, CEO of PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand.

    “The move to renewable electricity is positive for our business and for the local economy. We are pleased to support sustainable initiatives that create local jobs and proud to partner with IBA and Bookitja through the Northam Solar Farm, which aims to provide a sustainable economic base for future generations of Whadjuk people”.

    PepsiCo is also a member of Re100, a global renewable energy initiative led by The Climate Group and CDP to make a commitment to renewable energy as a large business.

    “Companies that join Re100 pledge to go 100 percent renewable with their electricity use by a set date,” added Jon Dee, Re100 Australia coordinator

    “Here in Australia, PepsiCo is one of 110 major companies that have joined Re100. By successfully completing their transition to 100 percent renewable electricity, PepsiCo has demonstrated a high level of commitment to sustainability and it’s set a positive example for other companies to follow.”

  • Enterprises not exporting rice regularly to lose licenses

    Enterprises not exporting rice regularly to lose licenses

    Rice exporters will have their licenses canceled if they fail to ship for a long time.

    Out of 205 businesses with export licenses, 39 have not exported the grain since December 2019.

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade said: “Many traders have no rice market or capacity to export. This along with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic means they have not been able to export rice for nearly two years.”

    Under further changes to a decree, the ministry wants local authorities which issue rice export licenses to strengthen inspection of business conditions.

    Vietnam exported 5.7 million tons of rice worth $3 billion in the first 11 months of this year, year-on-year increases of 0.8 percent and 7.3 percent.

    The country is unlikely to achieve the export target of 6.5 million tons this year, the Vietnam Food Association said, predicting that even next year exports would only be around 6.3 million tons.

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  • Upsurge in Vietnam imports of Cambodian farm produce

    Upsurge in Vietnam imports of Cambodian farm produce

    The quantity of Cambodian rice, cashew nuts, maize, green beans, and soya beans imported by Vietnam in the first 11 months of this year rose 3-4 times year on year.

    Cambodia exported 912,000 tons of cashew nuts, over 134,000 tons of maize, some 26,000 tons of green beans, 66,200 tons of soya beans, and more than 26 million tons of pepper to Vietnam, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Cambodia.

    It specified that the neighboring country exported 3.1 million tons of paddy rice to Vietnam in the 11-month period, an increase of more than over 75 percent year-on-year.

    Cambodia sold more than 622,000 tons of fresh manioc, or 70 percent of its total exported volume, to Vietnam between January and November.

    The trade office said that Cambodia exported a total of over 7.1 million tons of agricultural products to 68 markets, including Vietnam, in the first 11 months of this year, up 93.4 percent on-year.

    More Cambodian farm produce was being bought by Vietnam because of their price and quality advantages, Vietnamese agricultural scientist Vo Toan Xuan said, noting that Cambodia has a lot of fertile land and farmers do not use many chemical pesticides.

    Recently, several Vietnamese companies and residents have rented agriculture.

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  • Grab to buy Malaysia’s Jaya Grocer grocery chain

    Grab to buy Malaysia’s Jaya Grocer grocery chain

    Southeast Asian ride-hailing and food-delivery giant Grab is to acquire Malaysian grocery chain Jaya Grocer, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Under the agreement, Grab will acquire Jaya Grocer’s ordinary shares and 75 per cent of preference shares. The company also has the option to buy the remaining 25 per cent of the preferred shares of Jaya Grocer after the closing of the transaction.

    In addition, Grab plans to partner with a local investor which will own 50 per cent of the voting shares in Jaya Grocer. The deal, the value of which has not been disclosed, is expected to close in the first quarter of next year.

    “Following closing, Jaya Grocer is expected to become a subsidiary of GHL (Grab Holdings Limited) and its financial results will be consolidated by GHL,” the company said in the filing.

    The acquisition follows Grab’s IPO debut on the Nasdaq earlier this month.

    Jaya Grocer was founded in 2007 by the Teng family with its first outlet opened in Petaling Jaya. It was acquired by the Asean Industrial Growth Fund in 2016. Last month, the private-equity firm sold its stake back to the Teng family.

    Jaya Grocer currently operates 40 stores across Peninsular Malaysia, with the majority being located in the Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur.

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  • Lyre’s adding three more alcohol-free spirits

    Lyre’s adding three more alcohol-free spirits

    The world’s most awarded non-alcoholic spirits company continues to lead strong growth and awareness of the non-alcoholic category with the introduction of six new products.  Introducing Pink London Spirit, an alcohol-free homage to pink gin and five ready-to-drink premix drinks: G&T, Amalfi Spritz, Classico, American Malt & Cola, and Dark ‘n Spicy.  Distribution is available to the UK via Proof Drinks and via Lyres.co.uk and showcasing at Imbibe Live (13-14 September 2021).

    Lyre’s Pink London Spirit has been developed exclusively for the UK and will appeal to mindful drinkers and the 1.6 million British drinkers who already love pink gin but may want to enjoy their favorite tipple in a non-alcoholic version without compromising on taste or serve. Easily enjoyed in your favorite craft cocktail, Pink London Spirit also delights over ice with a splash of premium tonic water and the addition of sliced fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint.

    “Following the huge demand for pink gin in the UK, we created Pink London Spirit to bolster the Lyre’s collection and provide even more options for the sophisticated drinker to enjoy their favorite drink or cocktail of choice without the alcohol,” says Mark Livings, Lyre’s CEO and Co-Founder. “The impossibly-crafted Pink London Spirit will be a great alternative for moderate drinkers within the pink gin category, which is currently the 2nd biggest seller within the UK spirit market.”

    Lyre’s five RTD premix drinks including G&T, Amalfi Spritz (Lyre’s interpretation of the popular Aperol Spritz), Classico (a sparkling prosecco style), Dark ’n Spicy and American Malt & Cola are signature drinks that can be enjoyed at any time and contain the perfect ratio of ingredients to deliver a great tasting non-alcoholic cocktail.

    Mark continues: “The popularity of the Lyre’s core non-alcoholic spirits range and consumer demand for low calorie, premium non-alcoholic beverages for multiple occasions have driven the development of this RTD range.  In 2020, ISWR* reported RTDs as the only drinks category that saw significant growth in the UK, up 8.6%, and the only category expected to be larger in 2024 than it was in 2019.  With reports highlighting almost one in three adults in the UK having trialed a no/low-alcohol beer, wine, or spirit within a recent six-month period, it’s important for us to have a portfolio of products available for consumers to enjoy whether that’s in the home, a bar or on the go.”

    Lyre’s portfolio which already includes 13 impossibly-crafted non-alcoholic spirits and liqueurs is fast becoming a back-bar staple of celebrated drinking dens around the world. Available in more than 50 countries, Lyre’s can be found in venues of the highest distinction, including The Ivy London, Eleven Madison Park in New York, Quay Restaurant in Sydney, and The Tippling Club in Singapore.

  • Starbucks shuts China outlets after reports they used expired ingredients

    Starbucks shuts China outlets after reports they used expired ingredients

    US coffee chain Starbucks said on Monday it had shut two outlets in China and was conducting an investigation after a state-backed newspaper reported that they used expired ingredients to make drinks, violating food safety rules. The incidents occurred at two stores in the eastern Chinese city of Wuxi.

    “We take what was reported by local media very seriously, and have immediately closed the two stores in question to conduct a thorough investigation,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.

    “Since entering the Chinese mainland market 22 years ago, we have been committed to implementing strict food safety standards and adopting a ‘zero-tolerance policy towards food safety issues. We welcome the continued supervision of members of the media and the public.”

    The incident became a trending topic on China’s Twitter-like Weibo social media site after the report was published.

    Chinese consumers and media have become more aggressive about protecting customer rights and monitoring the behavior of big brands, especially from overseas.

    Some targets, such as Canadian winterwear brand Canada Goose which drew complaints about its refund policies, have been subjected to government reprimands, while Chinese brands such as milk tea chain Nayuki have also drawn public attention.

    China is the largest market for Starbucks outside the United States with 5,360 stores as of Oct 3, the firm’s latest earnings report showed.

    One of the Starbucks stores used expired matcha liquid to make lattes, while another had put pastries up for sale that was meant to be thrown away.

    As of Monday afternoon, the topic of Starbucks’ response report had received more than 50 million views on Weibo. Commenters expressed both disappointment and worries over more widespread problems.

    “If Starbucks is like this, the other shops really worry me,” said one Weibo user named Revario. “They suffer the scrutiny because it is a foreign brand.”

  • McDonald’s class action claims systemic failure to provide rest breaks

    McDonald’s class action claims systemic failure to provide rest breaks

    Hundreds of thousands of McDonald’s staff have brought a class action against the fast-food giant for failing to provide adequate paid rest breaks, in what is being described as a “systematic failure”.

    McDonald’s has been accused of not providing staff with enough paid rest breaks for the duration of their shifts – some of which are over nine hours long. The joint investigation has revealed that workers Australia-wide have not been receiving their 10-minute rest break entitlements under both the McDonald’s Australian Enterprise Agreement 2013 and the Fast Food Industry Award 2010.

    Under these, staff are entitled to a paid 10-minute break for shifts lasting between four and nine hours, as well as two paid 10-minute breaks for shifts nine hours or longer.

    The investigation, launched by Shine Lawyers and the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), follows a decision by the Federal Court in August 2020 that found that former McDonald’s employee Chiara Staines was not provided with paid 10-minute rest breaks when working shifts four hours or longer. Ms Staines was awarded the value of her lost rest breaks in addition to compensation for loss of amenity.

    In September, the RAFFWU estimated that at least 250,000 McDonald’s staff were denied the breaks they were legally entitled to since 2015.

    Shine Lawyers class actions practice leader Vicky Antzoulatos said that since the launch of the class action investigation, the firm had been inundated with inquiries from short-changed staff.

    “What we are alleging is a systemic failure across the McDonald’s network. This class action has hit a nerve for thousands of staff, both past and present, who have been victims of the workplace breaches we allege,” she said.

    “We are dealing with a class of vulnerable workers, mostly minors, who it appears were systematically not provided with their entitled rest breaks.

    “Remarkably, many worked in extreme heat and other onerous conditions for hours on end and couldn’t access the toilet or a drink. This conduct has in many instances affected the physical and mental well-being of the workers, and the class action seeks to hold McDonald’s to account.”

    Filed in the Federal Court, the class action is open to any current and former McDonald’s workers who worked at any corporate-owned McDonald’s from December 2015, and any franchised McDonald’s from September 2017.

    RAFFWU secretary, Josh Cullinan, added that these vulnerable, often school-aged workers are entitled to fair compensation.

    “The blatant disregard shown to workers by Maccas is breathtaking. We encourage every eligible worker to get involved. They deserve full and fair compensation for what Maccas did to them,” he said.

  • The Reason why Mad Mex is exiting Singapore and Malaysia

    The Reason why Mad Mex is exiting Singapore and Malaysia

    Australian food chain Mad Mex is taking a taste of Mexico to Singapore and Malaysia with the announcement of its global expansion.

    The group’s plans to go international kick-off in Singapore this week with a brand-new store and will continue when its Malaysian store opens in December this year.

    The Marina Bay financial district in Singapore will be Mad Mex’s first location outside of Australia and New Zealand.

    The launch of the restaurant also heralds in a new partnership for Mad Mex with restaurant group 4Fingers. The partnership will see Mad Mex and 4Fingers leverage each other’s’ local market knowledge in Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

    The push into Singapore and Malaysia follows Mad Mex’s successful expansion into New Zealand in 2013. The company now has 15 restaurants in New Zealand and has plans for three more openings in 2019.

    The expansion comes off the back of considerable growth for the business. Over the last 12 months the company has served over four million burritos across the company’s 70 Australian and New Zealand restaurants.

    The company also revealed that during FY19 the company had strong like for like sales growth of 6.5 percent and 70 consecutive weeks of sales growth in Australia making the year the business’ strongest financial year to date.

    Founder and CEO Clovis Young says the success of Mad Mex in the face of tough retail conditions is to be commended.

    “The results of our team have delivered is truly remarkable and a demonstration of the passion and enthusiasm our restaurant team have for the food and the brand,” says Young.

    “The last 12 months have been very tough for retailers, so this performance really is exceptional.”

    “The expansion into APAC comes at an exciting time for Mad Mex. southeast Asia is in the midst of a food revolution towards healthy eating, and we believe Mad Mex’s healthy and quality positioning will resonate with local customers. We are very excited by the opportunity and we have big plans for the next five years. Watch this space.”

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