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.

  • TabSquare raises S$10 Million to fuel AI-powered restaurant solutions

    TabSquare raises S$10 Million to fuel AI-powered restaurant solutions

    TabSquare, a leading provider of AI-Powered Smart In-Restaurant solutions, today announced it has raised S$10 million (US$7.2 million) in Series B financing led by Kakaku.com.

    Tabsquare’s platform has three critical elements: consumers, restaurants and F&B brands; now strengthened with the latest funding round.

    Founded in 2012, TabSquare has rapidly grown to be the leading in-restaurant technology provider in Singapore.

    The company’s main products are the SmartTab eMenu and the SmartKiosk – applicable to both sit-down and counter-service restaurants.

    The company’s products use AI to make personalised menu recommendations and improve customers’ ability to order, pay and deliver feedback.

    Chirag Tejuja, Co-Founder said, “TabSquare’s fast-paced growth proves there is a strong
    demand for innovative and effective technology that can solve issues commonly faced by restaurants in the region such as low restaurant profitability, high staffing costs and language barriers.”

    Through 6000 devices that serve more than 12 million diners and 6 million orders annually, TabSquare’s AI-Powered solutions leverage consumer data and learning algorithms to better predict demand, personalize offerings and improve the overall diner experience which aims at creating greater efficiencies and profits for restaurants.

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  • First BreadTalk India has opened

    First BreadTalk India has opened

    BreadTalk India has opened its first store, in the capital New Delhi. The inaugural BreadTalk India store opened on Wednesday on the first floor of the Select Citywalk shopping centre, the company said in a statement. India marks BreadTalk’s 18th international market. It now has stores all over Asia, including in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

    “We are very excited to work with SomDatt Group to open our first BreadTalk outlet in New Delhi,” said founder Tan Aik Peng.

    The Singapore-headquartered chain is promising to deliver the same authentic taste of the brand’s signature breads, including its Flosss bun, Hokkaido Roll, Chilli Pepper Dog, Pumpkin Loaf, Japan Light Cheesecake, Salted Egg Lava Croissant, Tuna Bun and Raisin California Dry Cake.

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  • Starbucks Taiwan Recycled Shipping Containers Shop Opened

    Starbucks Taiwan Recycled Shipping Containers Shop Opened

    Starbucks Taiwan has opened a store made entirely of shipping containers in Hualien Bay Mall.

    The 29 containers have been stacked as building blocks designed to resemble the uneven foliage of a coffee bush at the yet-to-open mall that will launch as a tourist spot with views of the Pacific.

    The new Starbucks Taiwan cafe is constructed following the “Starbucks Greener Stores” initiative for sustainable store building using reclaimable materials and green design principles. The interior features a large mural celebrating the aboriginal Amis people of Hualien.

    According to the brand’s press release, “The stacking of the shipping containers created a much taller space and provides natural sunlight throughout the various skylights found throughout the structure.”

    Starbucks has now opened 40 locations built from shipping containers. This 320sqm structure is the first to be designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, known for his reinterpretation of traditional styles. Kuma has designed multiple iconic locations for Starbucks.

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  • South Korea’s Diet Plan Company Launched

    South Korea’s Diet Plan Company Launched

    GLAM.D, healthy diet brand from South Korea, has launched three products in Singapore exclusively at Guardian. With the festive season approaching, it’s the time for feasting on Christmas goodies and even Chinese New Year treats. Amidst all that glorious food, GLAM.D drinks will come in handy so you can still look fabulous in your party outfit.

    The carb-blocking Weight Loss Drinks range includes lemon-flavored Easy Slim ($31 for box of 15), that is refreshing and easy to drink on a hot day, while the coffee-flavored Glam Café Original ($35 for box of 30) is perfect for coffee lovers.

    Both contain a key ingredient, Garcinia Cambogia Extract. Effective in blocking dietary carbohydrates from converting into body fat, they are suitable for the carb-heavy Singaporean diet.

    For snacking alternative, at only just 5 calories, maintain your daily calorie limits with water jelly treats from the Low Calorie Line. The 5Kcal Water Jelly ($3, available in apple, peach and mango flavours) drink contains fruit purée and natural sweeteners and is bursting with delicious fruity flavor.

    GLAM.D is available at over 50 Guardian stores islandwide, including Takashimaya, NEX, Jurong Point and Tampines Mall, as well as via Guardian SG Online.

     

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  • McDonald’s Starts Reducing Plastic

    McDonald’s Starts Reducing Plastic

    As part of McDonald’s initiative to use its scale to contribute to positive changes in the communities where it operates, Arcos Dorados – McDonald’s franchisee in Latin America and the Caribbean- will cease to offer plastic straws in its 2,100 restaurants across the region, from October 31. Straws will be provided only for those customers who expressly request them. For now, straws will still be available at the drive-thru.

    This step is part of a global assessment within McDonald’s to transition to packaging alternatives that are 100% renewable, recyclable or from certified sources towards 2025; to reduce its impact in the environment and take action on one of the most important challenges of society. This path aims to reduce plastic consumption and is the first move to more sustainable alternatives to plastic straws.

    The initiative has been tested in Latin American countries such as Colombia and Uruguay, and many other countries around the world. Arcos Dorados aims to avoid the consumption of close to 300 tons of plastic, based on the results of the test conducted in Colombia, where 6 out of 10 consumers preferred not to use the straw in their beverage.

    “We are looking for ways to use our scale to make a positive impact in society and the environment, as part of our ‘Scale for Good’ goals. The initiatives we have announced recently regarding our commitment to youth opportunities and employment, kid’s nutrition, sustainable packaging and actions to curb climate change; allow us to effectively contribute to the change of consumer’s habits and behaviors so we all can live in a better world” said Woods Staton, Executive Chairman of Arcos Dorados.

    McDonald’s goal is to recycle packaging used in 100% of its restaurants towards 2025, considering local infrastructure for recycling, legislation and consumer behavior in the different cities in which the brand operates; aiming to become part of the solution and to influence this critical change.

    Globally, the company has been creating awareness about the collection and recycling of its packaging at restaurants, and now is working on finding more sustainable alternatives to plastic straws. In fact, McDonald’s is currently testing different solutions to more sustainable packaging through tests in different countries.

    Recently, the Company announced a partnership with Starbucks and Closed Loop Partners, a group of investors in sustainable goods, to launch the “NextGen Cup Consortium and Challenge” with the goal promote innovation of the cups that are currently used in the industry, to make them completely recyclable and environmentally friendly”.

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  • Jollibee Sets Up Shop in Manhattan, NY

    Jollibee Sets Up Shop in Manhattan, NY

    Fried chicken fans in New York City will have another option to crow about, as Philippines-based restaurant chain Jollibee will open its first location in Manhattan later this month. Of course, the menu at Jollibee doesn’t stop at its Chickenjoy, as it encompasses an eclectic range of dishes from Jolly Spaghetti topped with a sweet sauce along with pieces of ham and hot dog, to burgers, Spam sandwiches, and desserts like halo halo and Peach Mango Pie.

    For the unfamiliar, Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Phillipines, with more than 1,000 stores, and another 200 locations worldwide. Jollibee’s U.S. operation spans ten states and 36 locations, with the Manhattan outpost bringing that total to 37. Additionally, the chain recently cut the ribbon on two new storefronts in the Toronto area, which both saw lines around the block for their grand openings. Jollibee was even featured on Parts Unknown when Anthony Bourdain visited in Los Angeles with Roy Choi and later on his own in Manila when he referred to it as “the wackiest, jolliest place on earth.”

    “We are excited to finally open our doors in the heart of bustling Manhattan, which is not just a center of business and finance, but a major cultural and entertainment hub that receives millions of visitors from around the world each year,” Jose Miñana, Jollibee Foods Corporation’s Group President for North America, said in a statement. “The diversity of the food culture and the fast pace of living here make it perfect for our new Jollibee store location.”

    Jollibee also happens to be celebrating its 40th anniversary, which means there’s an added bonus for some lucky New Yorkers: The first 40 people in line at the opening will get free Chickenjoy for a year. Additionally, a Jollibee Funko Pop! figure and other collectibles will be available.

    New York City already has a Jollibee located in Woodside, Queens, but as most of the thinking goes in New York, you haven’t made it until you’ve made it in Manhattan.

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  • DFS Kicks Off Inaugural Craft Festival at Changi Airport

    DFS Kicks Off Inaugural Craft Festival at Changi Airport

    In celebration of all things craft, DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, is hosting its first-ever Craft Festival at Singapore’s Changi International Airport. Taking place for six weeks from 21 September across Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4, the festival will provide travelers with an opportunity to taste and engage with over 73 craft gin, whisky and beer brands, as well as meet with specialist craft distillers from around the globe.

    The craft spirits scene has seen an impressive boom in the last decade, with an increase in consumers looking to purchase and enjoy small-batch brands. Unique not only through the art of distillation, these brands also carry stories of rich heritage and are developed using bespoke local ingredients. A craft consumer’s dream, the festival will highlight the influence of distillers and their unique and varied approaches to craft. Combining entertainment with education, travelers will be invited to step into the world of craft to discover their drink personalities at DFS through tastings, brand engagements and hands-on cocktail mixing.

    “At DFS, we believe in providing our customers with new and engaging retail experiences,” said Wilcy Wong, DFS Group Managing Director Singapore and Indonesia. “The Craft Festival provides us with a platform to showcase our impressive collection of small-batch spirits and introduce our customers to unique and exclusive products, some of which can only be found at DFS.”

    Targeting true craft enthusiasts, each of the weekends throughout the festival will host different spirits brands and their ambassadors. The exciting list of brands include Whitley Neill, Oxley Gin, Botanist, Copper Dog and Tanqueray Gin. During these weekends, guests will be invited to enjoy complimentary tastings and gain unique insight and knowledge from the ambassadors on hand.

    Along with an impressive line-up of global brands, DFS is proud to be the first consumer retailer in Singapore to stock the newly launched, Tanglin Gin. Taking inspiration from the Little Red Dot, Tanglin Gin is the first made-in-Singapore gin and is infused with the essence of orchid, Singapore’s national flower. DFS is also excited to showcase a great collection of craft beers including Singapore’s award-winning Archipelago and Freemantle’s famed Little Creatures.

    “Today’s drinkers are looking for fresh brands that have a unique identity and heritage,” said Brooke Supernaw, DFS Group Senior Vice President Spirits, Wines, Tobacco, Food and Gifts. “Following a resurgence of the cocktail culture, consumers want to enjoy innovative and hard-to-find products, and DFS is proud to maintain its market-leading position by offering interesting brands with a strong story that reflects true craftsmanship.”

    Showcasing the best of small batch spirits and craft beers, festivities at Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 will feature a carnival theme. In each DFS store, travellers can enjoy entertainment and take part in fun and interactive games and stand a chance to win prizes, such as the latest generation iPhone XS.

    “With the rising popularity of craft spirits and beers, we are delighted to introduce the first ever Craft Festival with DFS. Passengers flying through Changi Airport can look forward to an outstanding line-up of the best of small batch craft brands and opportunities to come face-to-face with some of these artisanal distillers,” said Teo Chew Hoon, Group Senior Vice President of Airside Concessions, Changi Airport Group.

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  • Original Ice Creams to expand to new cities in India

    Original Ice Creams to expand to new cities in India

    Delhi based ice-cream start-up Original Ice Creams founded by ex- defence personnel Vinay Gaur has announced robust business expansion plan and growth strategies. Original Ice Creams, a newly launched ice cream start-up had started its operations in the early months of the year 2018 and in July, 2018 got a funding of Rs 30 million from Maverick Group. The company is now deepening its presence in most of the parts of Delhi NCR. Their newly launched outlets are set up at Indirapuram Laxmi Nagar, V3S Mall, Nirman Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, Shahdara, and Noida Sector 137 in Delhi NCR.

    Catching pace with the ice cream market, Original Ice Creams are extensively focusing on deploying a state-of-the-art ice cream technology which would allow its products to be softer and creamier than other competitor ice cream brands. Also, to make their consumers familiar with the brand this ice cream start-up is planning to come up with all possible formats to grow its brand presence and visibility in the market. For achieving this, they are tailoring in insights such as growing their presence and existence through the combination of traditional and modern selling methods by setting up various retail counters, exclusive ice cream parlors and numerous push carts as well.

    Original Ice Creams while aiming to cement as India’s highest retail seller of pure and authentic fruit flavored ice cream is taking effective and efficient steps to make Original Ice Creams soon diversify to many more cities of India – enabling the brand familiarity and growth. The brand is also focusing to help people make better food choices that satiate their sweet tooth in the healthiest, tastiest and most nutritious manner.

    Vinay Gaur, Founder Original Ice Creams said,“ With an enticing selection of flavors to choose from, Original Ice Creams is eyeing to grab most of the Northern and Western part on the country covering Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Haryana, Rajasthan by the end of financial year 2018-2019. The ice cream brand is focusing to tap all the formats in these targeted regions as well. We are looking for new ways to take forward our business by launching our umbrella of franchising in different parts of the targeted market segment.

    “Each of our outlet turned out to be profitable within 45-60 days of its establishment. Apart from 4 running outlets, we are planning to add 10 more before Diwali. Moreover, each of our outlets saw a growth of 100 percent monthly and we are able to achieve breakeven within 2 months of setup itself. The first round of funding which we had received in July month we have utilized that in our expansion to NCR and soon we are planning to invest in freezers, brand building and visibility and for opening outlets in other cities of north India,” stated Gaur.

    Additionally, Original Ice Creams will soon let customers enjoy milkshakes with fresh fruit pieces.

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  • Dunkin’ Donuts Thailand expects growth after rebranding

    Dunkin’ Donuts Thailand expects growth after rebranding

    Dunkin’ Donuts Thailand operator Mudman will revise branding next year in line with the preferences of white-collar workers and millennials.

    The change follows the rebranding of the US master business, which will be shortened to “Dunkin’” next year. The brand is commonly referred to by its abbreviated name amongst customers.

    Mudman’s CEO Nadim Xavier Salhani said the new branding signals there is something new there in term of products, store design and a new way to serve our customers.

    Prior to the rebranding exercise, the firm will modernise its stores and expand its menu. The brand has already shifted focus to the coffee business this year, resulting in an overall sales increase of 10 per cent.

    Dunkin’ Donuts Thailand strategy is for coffee to make up 30 per cent of its takings in the near future, with 12 new Dunkin’s stores planned to open next year. There are currently 290 branches throughout Thailand.

    The coffee market is widely expected to have the potential for massive growth in Thailand.

    According to Salhani, the future of the doughnut business in Thailand may not be as positive as in the past because people are more concerned about health and the market is very competitive. “This is why we are offering more coffee products.

    “With our offensive business plan, we want to become a serious coffee player in Thailand,” he said. “When people think of Dunkin’, we hope they think of coffee.”

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  • Pretzelmaker Asia opens first store in Manila

    Pretzelmaker Asia opens first store in Manila

    Global Franchise Group has opened a new Pretzelmaker location in the Philippines, the brand’s first location in Asia. Through a master franchise agreement with Vavel Foods, Pretzelmaker’s handmade pretzel products will available at Festival Mall Alabang in Metro Manila. Vavel plans to open 14 additional Pretzelmaker locations throughout the Philippines.

    President and CEO of GFG Chris Dull said Pretzelmaker’s first location in Asia is symbolic of the popularity of pretzels and the rise of snacking internationally. “We look forward to working with Vavel to open more stores across the Philippines.”

    The store officially opened on October 1 and will be open during regular Festival Mall hours.

    Pretzelmaker Philippines GM Migo Ochoa said: “We decided to open Pretzelmaker in the Philippines because the delicious hand-rolled pretzel products far surpass the competition and we knew customers would love them. As demonstrated by the success of our Grand Opening, the community is very excited to have a Pretzelmaker at the mall and we are very happy to be providing a new twist on snacking options for busy shoppers.”

  • Katrina acquires Japanese cuisine F&B business for S$1.0 million

    Katrina acquires Japanese cuisine F&B business for S$1.0 million

    Katrina Group Ltd. (“Katrina” or the “Group”), an established and recognised Food & Beverage (“F&B”) group specialising in multi-cuisine concepts and restaurant operations, has announced its acquisition of 100.0% of Tomo Izakaya Pte. Ltd. for approximately S$1.0 million.

    Tomo is a company incorporated in Singapore on 23 May 2008. It is principally engaged in the F&B business and currently operates two restaurants serving Japanese cuisine in Singapore, one in Clarke Quay and another in Esplanade Mall.

    The Purchase Price of approximately S$1.0 million comprise the Initial Purchase Price of S$0.6 million and the estimated net tangible assets value of Tomo as at 30 September 2018 of S$0.4 million, as determined from the unaudited management financial statements of Tomo as at 31 August 2018 and mutually agreed between the parties.

    The Purchase Price was derived on a willing-buyer and willing-seller basis and is to be satisfied in cash. The acquisition will be funded through internal resources.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Alan Goh, Founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Katrina said, “The acquisition is part of a larger strategy to diversify the Group’s revenue stream across businesses, markets and segments. Sustainable growth is what we hope to achieve and this acquisition is a step in the right direction for us to extend our market reach locally.”

    The acquisition increases the number of restaurants in Singapore operated by the Group to 40 from 38, and the types of cuisines served by the Group to eight from seven.

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  • Boneshaker burger to open more stores in China

    Boneshaker burger to open more stores in China

    Australian burger bar Boneshaker has opened three stores in Shenzhen and now plans 20 in greater China, given the strong response to date.

    Boneshaker describes its offer as “an Aussie burger with the lot” featuring beetroot, egg and pineapple, which is a new burger variation for China.

    Owner Billy Petropoulos opened the first Boneshaker in Shenzhen in March last year, refining the format to the local market, before two more stores followed. The remaining 17 planned will open progressively over the next five years.

    Petropolous said in an interview in his hometown of Adelaide that the market in China is young, and Shenzhen itself is just 40 years old.

    He said the burgers appeal particularly to the 20-40 age group. “They love it.”

    Boneshaker makes its burgers using fresh, healthy organic ingredients. It also offers local menu items such as the recently launched Peking duck fries and serves South Australian beers.

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  • Nestle Malaysia to sell business to finance world’s largest Milo plant

    Nestle Malaysia to sell business to finance world’s largest Milo plant

    Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd is selling its chilled dairy business – which retails the Bliss brand of yogurt drinks, in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei – and its Petaling Jaya factory, to Lactalis Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd for RM155.3 million, as part of plans to set up the largest Milo factory in the world in Chembong, Negri Sembilan.

    The group said it would be using RM100 million, or the bulk of the proceeds from the sale, by end of 2019, for the Milo manufacturing centre of excellence in Chembong.

    Nestle Malaysia plans to move all existing Milo manufacturing assets in the Petaling Jaya factory to the Chembong factory.

    The disposal is on a going-concern basis, with Lactalis offering continuous employment to a majority of the affected employees based on the purchasers’ evaluation of their business and operational requirements. For roles that will no longer be available, termination benefits will be accorded to those who qualify.

    The group expects a one-time gain of RM27 million from the disposal, split over 2018 and 2019.

    The deal comes with a “no compete” clause for five years, from Jan 1, 2019, forbidding Nestle Malaysia from going into the chilled dairy business.

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  • Burger King eyes expansion in Africa

    Burger King eyes expansion in Africa

    Burger King, the world’s second-biggest burger chain, is set to launch a string of restaurants in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, according to a senior executive.

    Daniel Schwartz, chief executive of Burger King’s parent company, Restaurant Brands International, told that the region was seen as a “huge opportunity”.

    Africa has mouth-watering demographics for any fast-food chain, with the United Nations forecasting that it will have ten of the world’s fastest-growing cities between now and 2035.

    And the continent’s population is young, with a median age of just 19. The population is expected to top two billion by 2050, doubling again by the end of the century.

    Burger King is currently undergoing rapid expansion internationally, adding two or three restaurants each day to its global network. But with 17,000 outlets worldwide, it remains far behind rival McDonald’s which claims more than 37,000.

    Asia and Europe are the main focus for Burger King, but, said Schwartz, the brand is “significantly under-penetrated” in Africa.

    “We are so under-penetrated around the world relative to our peers – and ourselves in the US,” he added. “We’re just scratching the surface.”

    José Cil, president of Burger King, told the FT that fast-food restaurants “aren’t really well penetrated yet” in sub-Saharan Africa. “We think Nigeria is an amazing opportunity, we think East Africa as well.”

    Besides Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, Burger King is reported to be eyeing Kenya and Ivory Coast among other countries in the region.

    But, said Cil, Burger King had “a lot of work to do” in Nigeria “in terms of infrastructure and supply chain”.

    “We want to do it right — and we want to do it in a big way,” he said. “We want to scale quickly. So, we’re excited about the potential.”

    News of Burger King’s latest expansion comes as Nigeria inches its way out of a recession caused by the dramatic fall in oil prices. With a population of 194 million, the country is the continent’s most populous.

  • Jumbo China sets plan for more store

    Jumbo China sets plan for more store

    Restaurant operator Jumbo Seafood has opened its first franchise in Mainland China, in the city of Fuzhou.

    The move signals the onset of a period of Asian expansion for the brand, which has announced plans to open five to six new franchise outlets each year, targeting Shenzhen, other mainland cities, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau and Indonesia.

    The new 13,000sqft venue at the Dongbai Centre is Jumbo’s fourth franchised Jumbo Seafood restaurant since last year, and follows the recent opening of Jumbo Seafood in Taichung City.

    Other targets for immediate expansion include Thailand and Singapore. A spokesperson for the brand noted:

    “We project that Jumbo would add two new Jumbo Seafood outlets in Singapore – one Jumbo Premium Seafood outlet in Ion Orchard shopping mall and another potentially in the upcoming Jewel Changi – and one new Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine outlet over the next 12 months.”

    Jumbo operates 15 Jumbo Seafood restaurants across Asia.