Retail News CRM

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.

  • Taiwan’s extravagant buffet restaurant “Harbour” now open at Iconsiam

    Taiwan’s extravagant buffet restaurant “Harbour” now open at Iconsiam

    Taiwan’s extravagant Harbour buffet restaurant has opened its first Thai restaurant at IconSiam. Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CPF) and Taiwan’s HiLai Group have jointly brought the famous international buffet restaurant to Thailand. The franchise has routinely seen diners in China and Taiwan waiting a month for a table. The 2000sqm IconSiam outlet is its 10th restaurant worldwide, pending Harbour’s unveiling in major global cities as part of CPF’s strategy to become “Kitchen of the World”.

    “Harbour has enjoyed overwhelming success in Taiwan and China”, said CPF’s COO-food business and co-president Sukhawat Dansermsuk. “We believe that we will be warmly welcomed by Thai consumers thanks to the restaurant’s strengths coupled with Thais’ eating-out lifestyle. And that’ll be the beginning of CPF’s success in the restaurant business.”

     

    According to Sukhawat, the restaurant was established as a joint venture with HiLai Group with THB130 million (US$4.16 million) in registered capital.

    CP HiLai Harbour CEO Liu Tzu-Ming said the venue is targeting THB240 million ($7.68 million) in first-year revenue and plans to introduce new restaurants at major Thai cities.

    The international buffet restaurant can accommodate 450 diners per round, or about 1000 diners per day.

    View the gallery below for more picture of the restaurant :

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  • Jollibee Malaysia plans 100 Stores

    Jollibee Malaysia plans 100 Stores

    Philippine restaurant chain Jollibee has announced plans to launch more than 100 Jollibee stores in Malaysia within the next 10 years. According to a report, the openings will include 50 stores in Sabah and Sarawak. President and head of JFC International Business for Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia Dennis Flores said that Jollibee would be a “welcome addition to the diversity of the food scene in Kota Kinabalu,” the Sabah state capital.

    “We believe that we can appeal to the diversity as we have seen in other countries where Jollibee has been successful, such as Vietnam, Brunei, Hong Kong and Singapore,” he said at the official inauguration of the Jollibee Malaysia grand store (which has been trading since last year) at Centre Point Sabah this week.

    Chairman and founder of JFC Tony Tan Caktiong said the company was happy with the enthusiastic welcome to the store’s opening from local customers.

    “This has given us an encouragement to reach more Malaysians with our delicious menu and friendly service,” he said.

    Jollibee operates 14 brands in 21 countries with more than 4500 stores worldwide.

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  • Godiva sells Asia business to South Korea’s MBK for $1bn

    Godiva sells Asia business to South Korea’s MBK for $1bn

    Belgian chocolatier Godiva has sold select assets to MBK Partners as part of a global strategy to grow the business fivefold. Under the terms of the transaction, MBK will purchase the retail and distribution operations in four of Godiva’s more than 100 markets: Japan, South Korea, Australia and the future rights to develop New Zealand. The transaction, anticipated to close mid year, includes consumer packaged goods (CPG), digital commerce, travel retail (for Japan and South Korea) and more than 300 retail stores, as well as the Godiva production facility in Brussels that supplies product to these markets. All remaining 100-plus markets will continue to be owned and operated by Godiva.

    While the terms of the deal were not disclosed and completion is conditional on the necessary approvals, once settled Godiva Chocolatier will retain exclusive brand ownership in all global markets, granting a perpetual license to MBK Partners. Godiva will continue to source its products from the Belgian facility together with the production facility it owns in the US, and its affiliate facilities in Istanbul, Turkey.

    “Since 2008, we have been very pleased with the performance of Godiva, having nearly doubled its revenue and the number of stores operating globally, and we continue to see tremendous upside for this brand moving forward,” said Murat Ulker, chairman of Godiva’s owner Yildiz Holding.

    “Realising the potential ahead, together with Godiva leadership, we conducted a strategic review to explore new ways for generating the necessary cash flow to fuel the robust growth. This transaction is an ideal solution that provides the momentum to fuel expansion in other high potential areas of our portfolio.”

    “We believe this deal is a win-win for everyone,” added Godiva CEO Annie Young-Scrivner. “It gives us the financial flexibility we need to execute our fivefold growth strategy by accelerating efforts in new and existing markets and supporting the plan of opening of more than 2000 cafes globally, while preserving our Belgian legacy, quality, and craftsmanship that have helped to make our brand iconic.”

    Among Godiva’s various markets, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand collectively have some of the strongest brand equity and include more than 300 retail stores, making these regions the most compelling areas for monetisation. In Japan, Godiva has almost 90 per cent aided brand awareness and is the number one retail brand in the country, with the highest premium time spent in stores, according to 2017 research by the Nikkei Marketing Journal.

    At the same time, Yildiz sees significant unrealised opportunity for the brand that, when coupled with the infusion of capital, infrastructure and capabilities from MBK Partners, is expected to deliver a strong return on investment.

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  • BreadTalk buys out joint venture partner in Thailand

    BreadTalk buys out joint venture partner in Thailand

    Minor Group has sold its half share in BreadTalk Thailand to the bakery’s Singapore-listed owner. According to the Straits Times, BreadTalk paid US$5.15 million for the stake, which Minor Group is expected to use to expand its other food and beverage brands in the kingdom, including The Coffee Club.   The BreadTalk Thailand joint venture, called BTM Thailand, was set up in 2014.

    Minor Group’s other brands in Southeast Asia include ThaiExpress, Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe, Swensens and the Pizza Restaurant Company.

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  • Heineken Malaysia 2018 net profit up 4.6%

    Heineken Malaysia 2018 net profit up 4.6%

    Heineken Malaysia Bhd, which posted a 4.6% jump in its net profit for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2018 (FY18), remains cautious about its outlook given the challenging environment due to intense competition, implementation of the sales & service tax (SST), and the continued presence of contraband beer in the market. In line with rising global commodity prices, the group also expects an increase in cost of operations including raw materials and packaging.

    Finance director Szilard Voros said how the group will perform in FY19 also depend on the market, adding that it will benefit if consumers remain optimistic and if efforts to curb illicit trade are stepped up.

    “But we remain cautious because SST was just introduced in September so that also comes with a lag… we also need to see how things settle down after Chinese New Year and see what is the normalised performance and if there’s a growth continuation,” he told reporters at a media and analyst briefing today after announcing the group’s financial results.

    Managing director Roland Bala (pix) said the external environment remains challenging. Amidst slowing global growth rates, currency volatility and uncertainty in the commodity markets, he said the group will need to adopt a cautious approach in cost management.

    “Moving forward, we will continue to invest in our core brands and leverage on our portfolio. As consumer taste profile changes, we will make bets on brands that we believe will have scale,” he added.

    Heineken’s net profit for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2018 grew 6.8% to RM100 million compared with RM93.64 million in the same quarter last year due to higher revenue as well as efficient and effective management of commercial spend and overheads.

    Group revenue grew 12.3% to RM662.28 million as compared to RM589.96 million in the same quarter in 2017 mainly due to increase in sales volume driven by the flagship Tiger brand.

    For the full year period, net profit grew 4.6% to RM282.2 million from RM270.06 million a year ago, while revenue rose 8.3% to RM2.03 billion from RM1.87 billion.

    It has proposed a final dividend of 54 sen per share for the quarter under review, bringing the full-year dividend payout to 94 sen.

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  • US opens doors to Vietnamese mango after years of attempt

    US opens doors to Vietnamese mango after years of attempt

    The US’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has given the green light for the import of mangoes from Vietnam. The license comes exactly 10 years after Vietnam applied for it. To export fresh mangoes to the U.S., farmers and business will need to meet stringent standards. APHIS will inspect each shipment thoroughly before granting phytosanitary certificates.

    Mango is Vietnam’s sixth fresh fruit licensed to be imported into the U.S. after dragon fruit, rambutan, longan, lychee, and star apple fruit.

    Some 96 percent of Vietnam’s mango production is consumed domestically, with the rest exported currently to 40 countries either as fresh fruit or in processed form.

    The main market is China. The other important ones are Europe, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

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  • Air France-KLM more than doubles profits in 2018 despite strikes

    Air France-KLM more than doubles profits in 2018 despite strikes

    Air France-KLM, which was badly hit last year by strikes and management upheaval, reported on Wednesday that its annual net profits rose by 150% to 409 million euros (US$463 million). “The strong performance of our front-line teams and continued cost control helped partly offset the impact of strikes at Air France in the first half of the year, as well as significant fuel headwinds,“ Benjamin Smith, the company’s new chief executive, said in a statement.

    The Canadian businessman took over in September following Jean-Marc Janaillac’s sudden exit in a bitter dispute over salaries in the group’s French wing.

    Fifteen days of strike cost the company 335 million euros, Air France said.

    On Tuesday, Air France pilots voted by 85% in favour of a new pay deal, concluding a series of long employee-management negotiations.

    Revenue growth last year was up in all business segments, with operating earnings coming in at of 1.3 billion euros, the Franco-Dutch airline group reported.

    The group said it had carried more than 100 million passengers last year, making it the leading European airline for long-haul traffic.

    Transavia, a low-coast subsidiary, carried 15.8 million passengers last year, an increase of 7.1% on 2017.

    Full year 2018 capacity increased by 2.1%, mainly driven by the South American, North Atlantic and Asian networks, with respective growth of 8.6%, 3.0% and 2.1%, Air France-KLM said.

    In 2019, the group will concentrate on “operational efficiency”, financial director Frederic Gagey said.

    “We can make a lot more money compared to last year,“ he said, adding that Air France-KLM would also be looking to renewing its fleet to replace some of its more fuel-guzzling planes.

  • Wing Zone reveals its Manila expansion plan

    Wing Zone reveals its Manila expansion plan

    US-based restaurant chain Wing Zone plans to open five more outlets in Manila by the end of this year ahead of pursuing more Southeast Asian opportunities. As Wing Zone opens new restaurants internationally, the company is exploring more local flavours and also plans to incorporate new menu options available in the US such as Zesty Breaded Wings and Chicken Ribs.

    “We have built a solid international presence and reputation with dedicated franchisees who share our values and understand the commitment to customer service. As we continue to find those qualified franchisees to help in our growth in the US we will be exploring even more partnerships to bring Wing Zone to more cities and countries internationally as well,” said Matt Friedman, co-founder and CEO of Wing Zone.

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    In the US, Wing Zone will open eight new domestic locations in 2019 in North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama. In Asia, after the Philippines, the chain will also explore other Southeast Asia markets.

    Wing Zone has nearly 100 locations across the US, and overseas including in Panama, Guatemala, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.

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  • PepsiCo franchise rights to be acquired in South, West India

    PepsiCo franchise rights to be acquired in South, West India

    PepsiCo India’s bottling partner Varun Beverages Monday said its board has approved plans to acquire franchise rights of the beverages and snacks major in South and West regions. The board has approved the company’s intent to enter into a binding agreement with PepsiCo India Holdings to acquire franchise rights in the two regions for a national bottling, sales and distribution footprint in seven states and five UTs, Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) said in a regulatory filing.

    According to a report, upon completion of these acquisitions, VBL will be a franchise of PepsiCo beverages business across 27 states and seven Union Territories (UTs), it added.

    “The proposed acquisitions are in line with the company’s strategy to expand into contiguous territories and will help to acquire greater scale, operational productivity and efficiency leading to higher revenues and profitable growth,” it said.

    VBL, however, did not disclose financial details of the proposed acquisitions.

    The company further said its board will meet on February 26 to consider raising of capital through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP).

    Last year in January, VBL had entered into a pact with PepsiCo to sell and distribute the latter’s entire Tropicana range of juices along with Gatorade and Quaker Value-Added Dairy in North and East India.

    VBL already held manufacturing, sales and distribution rights for Tropicana Slice and Tropicana Frutz in the two regions.

    PepsiCo had then stated that North and East regions together accounted for 80 percent of the juice market in India and VBL’s contiguous reach would help it more than double the distribution reach in these states.

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  • Hyundai may promote its Nexo with bottled water

    Hyundai may promote its Nexo with bottled water

    Hyundai Motor is considering releasing a range of bottled water inspired by its hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle Nexo, the company confirmed Monday. The automaker is hoping to use the Nexo-branded water to market its Nexo sport-utility vehicle (SUV) as pure and eco-friendly, like water. The unusual approach of using water to promote the car’s eco-friendly aspect is thought to be an industry first.

    Hyundai will be partnering with local convenience store chain CU. The date of the water’s debut has yet to be fixed, according to a press officer from Hyundai, rejecting claims by some media outlets that the launch could be as early as next month. The company also said mass production of the bottled water has not yet begun.

    When asked whether the water will be produced using any of the technology that goes into making a fuel-cell vehicle – water is a byproduct of a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle – the press officer said, “the product will be like general drinking water used for marketing rather than a medium to show our car technologies.”

    The marketing scheme comes as Hyundai Motor Group is increasing its focus on hydrogen energy as its future growth engine.

    Just last month, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun was appointed co-chair of the Hydrogen Council, a group of business leaders that promote hydrogen energy. On appointment, he highlighted the potential of a hydrogen energy-based economy where hydrogen energy would meet 18 percent of the total global energy demand and create millions of jobs by 2050.

    Hydrogen fuel-cell cars are powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. It is often labeled as the ultimate eco-friendly car because its only byproduct is water, which is environmentally friendly. However, there are still some technological hurdles to make it the most common car on the roads, including high prices.

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  • Nestle India plans up to 3-dozen product launches in 2019, eyes higher exports

    Nestle India plans up to 3-dozen product launches in 2019, eyes higher exports

    FMCG major Nestle India has lined up nearly two-three dozen products that it plans to launch in calender year 2019 across categories in the country to drive its aggressive growth plans, Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan said.

    According to a report, the company, whose 6 percent revenues come from exports, is now looking to tap more overseas markets by targeting countries with higher Indian diaspora such as SAARC and South East Asia.

    “In 2018, our core brands have performed well…We look forward for greater acceleration as we go forward….We have two-three dozen projects (products) in pipeline for launch in 2019. These products are across categories,” Narayanan said.

    Reiterating the company’s focus on the Indian market, he said, “As an organisation the one clarion call that we are working to is that we are in the business of growth to thrive and not to survive…It is not a survival mode that we look at the opportunity in India or the opportunity for growth..but a thriving mode.”

    While the domestic market has been driving its growth, Narayanan said Nestle India would now look at expanding its export basket.

    The company is looking at tapping overseas market with higher Indian diaspora such as SAARC and South East Asia to expand its exports, he added.

    Commenting on fake news on nutrition, Narayanan said it was affecting choices and lives of people.

    Therefore, Nestle India in partnership with Google, using a chatbot mechanism, will launch a personalised information dissemination website called ‘Ask Nestle’, he added.

    “Ask Nestle seeks to be a reliable and anchor platform for nutrition and lifestyle information for customers. India is the only market where this website is being launched,” he was further said.

    When asked if the company will in future also link Ask Nestle with its own e-commerce website for selling its products, he said it is a possibility.

    “…Going forward it could morph into something bigger in terms of linking up with our own e-commerce intentions, if at all it happens. But today it is only for information sharing, dissemination and helping,” he said.

    When asked if there has been any impact on sales of Maggi noodles after Supreme Court revived government’s case in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) against Nestle India seeking damages of Rs 640 crore for alleged unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements, Narayanan said “No”.

    When asked if the company is looking for manufacturing capacity expansion, he said: “…This is a question that is coming up with active consultation. That exercise is on but I can not share more at this stage”.

    Typically, our approach is to augment (capacity) at our existing factories, but it does not rule out a new manufacturing facility, Narayanan said.

    Nestle India, at present, has eight factories across the country.

    The company also did not rule out evaluating inorganic growth in the country and said it may consider it if any opportunity arises.

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  • AirAsia opening restaurant based on its in-flight menu

    AirAsia opening restaurant based on its in-flight menu

    Low-cost carrier AirAsia may launch restaurants serving its Santan “gourmet” in-flight menu on the ground. The proposal was revealed by AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes while promoting his recent autobiography in an interview with US talk show host Larry King. “I think our food is fantastic,” said Fernandes in response to a question from the audience. “We believe in it so much we’re going to start a fast-food restaurant out of it.”

    But Fernandes gave no more details away about the plan, such as where the restaurants might be located or whether he favoured airport locations or city centres.

    News that AirAsia may launch restaurants on the ground may come as a surprise to travellers, but Fernandes has previously spun off new business concepts from the airline’s business model including a short-lived budget hotel chain where occupants paid extra for features such as air conditioning, towels and amenities, and a bus service connecting Kuala Lumpur Airport with downtown.

    AirAsia also made news recently for its new chatbot Ava (AirAsia Virtual Allstar) which, along with a new look for the firm’s website and mobile app, are designed to deliver a more seamless and user-friendly experience to customers.

    Fernandes has also indicated the airline will place increased focus on the Indonesian and Philippines markets in the near future.

  • Belgian Waffle Co expands to Southeast Asia

    Belgian Waffle Co expands to Southeast Asia

    Indian-headquartered Belgian Waffle Co has partnered with VF Franchise Consulting to expand into Southeast Asia. The chain is operated under small kiosk and cafe models, and is best known for its waffle sandwiches. “The Belgian Waffle Co has seen exponential growth in India in less than three years with unprecedented success,” said Shrey Aggarwal, cofounder of The Belgian Waffle Co.

    “Our vision is to be a Global Player in the QSR segment, being recognised for dessert offerings and our values of affordability, quality and simplicity.”

    Founded in 2015, Belgian Waffle Co now has more than 200 outlets in 55 cities in India, Nepal and Dubai.

    “We are delighted about partnering with The Belgian Waffle Co as the company seeks to expand further into Southeast Asia,” said Sean T Ngo, CEO of VF Franchise Consulting.

    “Belgian waffles have universal appeal amongst Asians and non-Asians alike. They have taken a fork-and-knife approach to eating waffles and turned the industry upside down into a fast, on-the-go food for people who enjoy delicious-tasting breakfasts, snacks and desserts and a business that offers potential fast returns.”

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  • Vietnam targets $10 bln seafood export

    Vietnam targets $10 bln seafood export

    Vietnam hopes to export $10 billion worth of seafood this year, meeting its 2020 goal a year early. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said at a recent conference it would include $4.2 billion worth of shrimp, $2.3 billion worth of pangasius fish and the rest from other products. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said the $10 billion target is high but achievable since Vietnamese seafood is liked in international markets.

    VASEP president Ngo Van Ich said shrimp exported to the U.S. is expected to face a lower anti-dumping tariff this year.

    Vietnam’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership would also help increase exports, he said.

    But there are also challenges.

    Truong Dinh Hoe, VASEP general secretary, said the country faces difficulties like shrinking catches and intense competition from other exporting countries.

    A major hurdle is the ‘yellow card’ restriction slapped by the European Union since 2017 for illegal fishing.

    The European Commission has said it would ban seafood imports from Vietnam unless it does more to tackle illegal fishing by Vietnamese vessels in other countries’ territories.

    After an evaluation done last May the European Commission said it would consider lifting the yellow card in 2019.

    Vietnam ranks among the top ten seafood producers in the world, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

    Last year its exports were worth $9 billion against a target of $9.5 billion.

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  • Carlsberg Malaysia declares highest ever dividend payout for FY18

    Carlsberg Malaysia declares highest ever dividend payout for FY18

    Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd has declared its highest dividend payment amounting to RM1 per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2018 (FY18) following a record performance for the year. Managing director Lars Lehmann said this is equivalent to a 110.3% payment of the group’s FY18 net profit, in line with its dividend policy to declare at least 75% of the group’s quarterly net profit and a special dividend in the event of surplus cash after considering future cash requirements.

    The group declared a fourth quarter (Q4) interim dividend of 16.6 sen per share. It also proposed a final interim dividend of 22.4 per share plus a special dividend of 9.3 sen amounting to 48.3 sen per share.

    Together with the interim dividends declared for the first nine months of FY18 amounting to 51.7 sen, the total dividends for FY18 amount to RM1 per share.

    Carlsberg’s Q418 net profit rose 34.9% to RM67.45 million from RM50.01 million a year ago thanks to strong sales in the Malaysian operations, higher profits from Carlsberg Singapore Pte Ltd as well as higher profit contribution from Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC.

    Revenue grew 22.3% to RM525.65 million compared with RM429.94 million in the previous year’s corresponding quarter.

    For FY18, the group’s net profit jumped 25.3% to RM277.15 million from RM221.17 million a year ago, while revenue grew 12.1% to RM1.98 billion from RM1.77 billion.

    Looking ahead, Carlsberg warned that rising prices for raw and packaging materials will see costs increasing 5%-10% if it is unable to mitigate such effects. Lehmann, however, stressed that the group is improving its efficiency.

    “There’s a bit of headwinds for increase in prices of raw materials like malt and packaging materials like cans that are not specific to Malaysia but globally. There’s a bad harvest in Australia for barley and the prices are going up,” he told a media and analyst briefing after announcing its FY18 financial results today.

    He added that the group will continue its focus and execution on the third year of SAIL’22 strategy in both Malaysia and Singapore, while areas of growth for FY19 are its premium brands like Connor’s, Somersby, 1664 Blanc and Asahi Super Dry.