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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.

  • DFS Celebrates Success of Seventh World-Class Masters of Wines and Spirits In Singapore

    DFS Celebrates Success of Seventh World-Class Masters of Wines and Spirits In Singapore

    DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, successfully hosted its seventh annual Masters of Wines and Spirits event on Saturday March 24 and Sunday March 25 at The Warehouse Hotel on the banks of the Singapore River.

    The highly anticipated event, held in partnership with Changi Airport Group, was staged for the first time over two days, bringing together almost 800 local and international guests who explored a variety of unique tasting experiences from the world of whiskies, wines and Cognacs. The historic atmosphere of the meticulously renovated venue, a former trading warehouse, was a perfect backdrop for the event, with each of the hotel’s rooms playing a part in the theme – “Bespoke. Speak Easy. Secret Society.”

    Guests were given the opportunity to meet leading spirit brand ambassadors through a unique and interactive panel, hosted by DFS Group’s Director of Spirits Frederik Vanden Bulcke and featuring experts from John Dewar & Sons, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich and The Kyoto Distillery. Two “Classes with the Masters” were also hosted by The Balvenie Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, and Rufus Beazley from Chateau Latour Asia Pacific.

    In another first for DFS, this year will see the Masters of Wines and Spirits collection transported beyond Singapore for the enjoyment of customers in Hong Kong and Macau.

     

    “Each year, our talented merchants at DFS bring together the world’s most sought-after wines and spirits and their brand ambassadors, in an event dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of the finest products. As with past events, the Masters collection will be available for purchase first at Changi International Airport. This year, we are also very excited to bring this incredible collection to our customers in Hong Kong and Macau later in 2018, with some fabulous events and activations that are sure to surprise and delight,” said Brooke Supernaw, DFS Group’s Senior Vice President Wines, Spirits, Tobacco, Food and Gifts.

    Along with leading whiskies, wines and Cognacs, including the Louis XIII Le Jeroboam with T.T. Trunks Paris, the Jean-Paul Camus 1945 Private Reserve, the Harlan Estate Double Magnum 100 Point Trifecta and the Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux 2010 Double Magnum, an extended collection of 54 premium products available in the Masters series includes the Octomore 8.2 by Bruichladdich, the DFS exclusive Rare Cask Reserve Araid 18 Years Old 0.7L by William Grant & Sons, the Cask-aged Kyoto Dry Gin 2nd Edition by Ki Noh Bi, the Carigellachie 24yo Small Batch Exceptional Cask by Craigellachie, the Dalmore Luceo, the DFS exclusive Highland Park Single Cask Series 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the Single Cask #1476 Mizunara Heads by Malt Chichibu.

    The Octomore 8.2, meaning “The big eight” in Scots Gaelic, by Bruichladdich, is an enigmatic spirit and a cult classic amongst whisky aficionados. Its release was a landmark moment for head distiller Adam Hannett. The DFS exclusive Rare Cask Reserve Àraid 18 Years Old 0.7L by William Grant & Sons, meaning “unique” in Scots Gaelic, is an exclusive bottling of a blended scotch from the distillery’s Rare Cask Reserves collection. The blend comprises malt and grain from whiskys accumulated by the Grant family over the past 50 years and have been expertly brought together by Master Blender Brian Kinsman.

    The Cask-aged Kyoto Dry Gin 2nd Edition by Ki Noh Bi is the first of its kind; a Japanese gin created, blended and bottled at Ki Noh Bi’s dedicated artisanal distillery in Kyoto using local ingredients and inspired by the history and culture of the ancient Japanese city. This DFS exclusive limited edition of Ki Noh Bi gin is aged in casks that previously held Japanese Single Malt whisky and labeled using mask images from the Kamiasobi Noh Troupe.

    The Craigellachie 24yo Small Batch Exceptional Cask by Craigellachie is a part of the John Dewar & Sons Fine Scotch Whisky Emporium and showcases the rare release of some of the finest and most delectable single cask and single malt expressions. Handpicked by Dewar’s Master Blender and Malt Master Stephanie MacLeod, the Exceptional Cask series features a collection of extraordinary single cask bottlings, double-cask and small batch releases. Selected for their finesse and remarkable qualities, the Craigellachie 24Year Old limited release is one of a kind, providing the opportunity to try something truly unique.

    The Dalmore Luceo is part of a selection of releases finished in different types of Sherry casks. The Luceo was finished in “first fill” Apostoles Sherry casks, resulting in decadent waves of sweetness.

    The DFS exclusive Highland Park Single Cask Series 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky comes from one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For more than 217 years, the distillery has combined old tradition with the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Products from Highland Park use only top layer peat, that helps contribute to its honey-infused flavor. The Single Cask #1476 Mizunara Heads by Malt Chichibu has a strong, earthy aroma, yet maintains a sweet fragrance similar to rich brown sugar. This exceptional malt trails off in a long, profound finish with hints of prune and dried fig.

    The 2018 Masters of Wines and Spirits Collection will be available for purchase at Singapore’s Changi Airport
    from March 25, and later in the year at T Galleria by DFS in Hong Kong and Macau DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits is part of the DFS Masters Series, a signature program of exhibitions that also includes the highly anticipated Tenth Masters of Time set to take place in Macau this December. The Masters Series is a showcase of the pinnacle of DFS’ leadership and innovation in curating and creating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories, and Food and Gifts.

     

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  • China VMF 2018 is closed with big success

    China VMF 2018 is closed with big success

    China International Vending Machines & Self-service Facilities Fair 2018 (China VMF 2018) was successfully held in China Import & Export Fair Complex earlier this March. With a total space of 25,000 Sq.m and Over 300 Exhibitors, China VMF 2018 surpasses former editions in every aspect, attracting more than 30,000 Visitors domestically and globally.

    Three thematic pavilions are set up at China VMF 2018: Self-service Vending Machine, Unattended Retail and Commercial Payment System. Our exhibitors brought not only unique brand products but also products with high quality and great innovation.

    For instance, the most popular exhibits from the self-service vending machine pavilion included smart-opening refrigerator, unattended convenience store system, intelligent cooking food vending machine, commemorative coins vending machines, shared power bank/umbrella, self-service ice cream vending machines, as well as remote control and monitoring system for vending machines, online management system, vending solutions, face recognizing vending machines, etc. Exhibits in the other two pavilions were also very eye-catching.

    Exhibitors were impressed a lot by the large crowd, and the internationality of visitors. Overseas visitors have increased 140% compared with previous year, coming from over 65 Countries and Regions, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Australia, UK, USA, Japan, Italy, Korea, Germany, etc.

    Visitors’ top 3 product interests were innovative vending machines, advanced vending solutions and technology, and payment system.

    China VMF always keeps retailers abreast of the latest industry trends and consumer palates. According to the exhibits on site and our pre-show buyer survey, we have concluded 4 noticeable vending trends!

    • Unattended Stores: A promising sector in the rising New Retail trend.
    • Self-service Parcel Pickup Machines: A new service spawned by the online shopping boom.
    • Mini Vending Machines: Sprouting up in buses, hotel rooms and etc, for more efficient use of space.
    • Hot Meals Vending Machines: Projected to be widely deployed in business parks.

     

    The 5th Asia-Pacific Vending Industry Summit

    2018 Asia Pacific Self-service Vending Industry Summit was held on the first day of the show, themed on “New Opportunities, New Retail, and New Future”.

    Featuring 22 Brilliant Speeches, one enlightening Panel Discussion and an eye-opening New Product Launch, this dual-track two-day forum delved into the latest vending trends and the emergence of New Retail.

    President Phillip Barry from Australian Vending Association(AVA), President Aleksander Wasik from Polish Vending Association (PSV) and General Secretary Francesc Güell Isern from Spanish Vending Association (ANEDA) shared their opinion on the development trend of vending industry in their respective country and proposed constructive suggestions for the healthy and orderly development of domestic and overseas market. Representatives from domestic enterprises also made speeches while Fulei, Yo!Point, Benyuan, Kimma, BD Vending, Funsales and Taiwan Vending Machines Council conducted in-depth analysis and discussion on the current status of the industry to seek solutions for its development.

    APVA AWARDS

    Initiated by Asia Pacific Vending Industry Association (APVA), and co-organized by China VMF, the APVA AWARDS is designed to recognize the contribution made to global vending industry by outstanding enterprises. This year, 12 award categories were set up, and 60 enterprises were awarded.

    Partial Award Winners

    1. 2017 Enterprises of Influence Awards

    Yinhai Star; Convenisun; Easy Touch; Easivend; UBOX; KIMMA; JOIE UBIQUE; AUEMA; etc.

    1. 2017 Star Operators Awards

    TS Vending (Malaysia); Vendiman (India); Sun108 (Thailand); Miyuan Beverage; etc.

    1. 2017 Premium Quality Awards

    Fuji Electric; Crane Payment Innovations (CPI);

    1. 2017 Technological Innovation Awards

    Zhouyi; Dongji; Miquan; Yunjuxian; Fulei; Gump Come; etc.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Kerry invests in Thailand operations and opens Asia’s first Meat center

    Kerry invests in Thailand operations and opens Asia’s first Meat center

    Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions for the food and beverage industry, today announced the opening of its expanded Regional Development and Application Centre that is also designated as the first Centre of Excellence for Meat in Bangpoo, Thailand. The opening is part of a larger series of upgrades to Kerry’s Bangpoo facility, designed to increase Kerry’s local innovation pipeline as well as its research and application capabilities.

    Spanning more than 8,500 square metres, and equipped with the latest technologies, Kerry will use the state-of-the-art facility to work with local customers on all stages of their product development – from ideation to application and manufacturing – for a range of categories including meat, snacks, bakery, dairy and beverages.
    The dedicated meat centre, unveiled today, includes best-in-class taste and functional technologies, allowing Kerry to co-develop signature meat profiles based on different protein types, helping customers keep pace with the technically challenging and fast changing meat markets in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region. With in-house application, sensory and culinary meat experts, the centre is well positioned to develop commercially viable and innovative products at an unrivalled speed to market.

    Another upgrade to Kerry’s Regional Development and Application Centre announced today is new facilities for food and beverage brands to develop authentic, savoury tastes and flavours. Drawing on Kerry’s expertise and market-leading position in cooking methods such as smoke and grill, the fully-equipped application lab includes the latest Clean Smoke technology, for F&B brands to experiment with using smoke condensate to add a signature taste and smoke profile to meat, vegetables, dessert and even beverages.

    The additional down packing and blending lines not only double the centre’s production capacity but also provide food service customers with greater flexibility and efficiency in how their food products are packed.

    “Thailand is a priority market and an important regional hub for many of our customers in South East Asia and beyond, so we’re delighted to be launching these new, world-class multi-application facilities in Bangpoo,” said John Savage, President & CEO, Kerry APMEA.

    “Consumer food and beverage tastes are changing rapidly due to the region’s growing urban middle class and this is creating huge opportunities for the F&B sector. We’re excited to combine our 15 years of heritage in Thailand with the very latest technologies and innovation to help our customers stay ahead of the curve and grow their market share now and into the future,” he added.

    Home to application labs, interactive customer suites and industry-leading research and sensory facilities, the centre also includes customer engagement kitchens and beverage bars where Kerry’s in-house chefs, mixologists and baristas will develop new menu concepts alongside customers.

    Experienced food scientists and technologists will also work alongside dedicated teams of sensory scientists to develop products that surpass consumers’ expectation when launched. As one of the largest food manufacturers in the world, Kerry is also committed to achieving the highest standards of sustainable best practice. As part of this commitment, the centre employs automated pouch filling technology to reduce energy consumption and improve operational efficiency.

  • Starbucks China pays tribute to partnerships

    Starbucks China pays tribute to partnerships

    Partners are at the heart of Starbucks’ success in its largest growing market, Starbucks China CEO Belinda Wong told the coffee company’s annual meeting in Seattle.

    “They are our core purpose of being and the reason why we are passionate about what we do,” she said more than 3000 shareholders and special guests. “Since our earliest days, we’ve been bringing to life Starbucks deeply rooted mission and values by investing in our partners.”

    Wong presented a video about the critical illness insurance for parents of Starbucks China partners, announced last year. “I wish you could have seen the reception when we announced the Starbucks critical care insurance,” she said. “There were tears of joy and almost disbelief.”

    Already, 93 percent of eligible partners have signed up and 14,000 parents have joined. “But we have higher ambitions – we want to inspire other companies,” said Wong, who has met with other companies in China to discuss the parental plan, leading to some now planning to launch similar programs.

    Belinda Wong, Starbucks China CEO, speaks at the Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders at McCaw Hall in Seattle on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. (John Edwards, Starbucks)

    “That commitment to family has built a phenomenal sense of pride, enthusiasm and commitment among our 45,000 partners,” said Wong.

    Starbucks now has 3200 stores across 139 cities in China and is serving 6.4 million customers a week. There is now a goal of 5000 stores by 2021.

    “We are opening a new store every 15 hours,” said Wong.

    “It makes me even more excited how we can use the scale from growth to benefit the communities we serve,” she said, citing Starbucks’ $20 million commitment over the next five years to benefit social-impact programs in China.

    “Also, with Yunnan coffee, grown in China and sold at Starbucks, we are bringing China’s coffee to the world stage.”
    Starbucks’ Farmer Support Center has worked with 17,000 farmers in the Yunnan area on sustainable farming practices. “Starbucks has become the fabric of the local community,” she said. “We will continue to work with farmers to help change their lives.”

    Wong also shared a video of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai, which opened in December. Three more are coming online soon, including one in Tokyo.

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  • Robinsons Retail to take over Rustan’s Supermarket

    Robinsons Retail to take over Rustan’s Supermarket

    Multi-format retailer Robinsons Retail Holdings is spending PHP18 billion (US$343 million) to acquire Dairy Farm’s Rustan’s Supercenters, which operates the upmarket Rustan’s department stores.

    Owned by the Gokongwei family, Robinsons Retail has more than 3500 retail outlets including supermarkets, department stores, drugstores, international fashion and beauty, and specialty coffee shops. Rustans is 100 per cent owned via a subsidiary by Hong Kong-listed retail group Dairy Farm International, which is majority owned by Jardine Matheson. It runs the food retail brands Marketplace by Rustan’s, Rustan’s Supermarket, Shopwise Hypermarket, Shopwise Express and Wellcome.

    Robinsons Retail will acquire the 100 per cent stake held by Dairy Farm subsidiary MCBV in Rustans through a share swap. The deal calls for Rustans swapping shares for primary common shares of Robinsons. Some members of the Gokongwei family also intend to sell some of their shares under the deal.

    Robinsons says it has agreed to partner with Dairy Farm to create a leading food retailer in the Philippines. The Gokongwei family will effectively own 51 per cent of the expanded capital of Robinsons Retail while Dairy Farm, through its arm MCBV, will own 18.25 per cent of the listed retail company upon the completion of the secondary sale tranche. The board of directors of Robinsons Retail and MCBV have approved the acquisitions.

    In December, Robinsons Retail acquired a 20 per cent stake in Taste Central Curators, which runs Filipino e-commerce site BeautyMNL. Robinsons Retail shelled out PHP4 billion in capital expenditure last year, higher than the PHP3.3 billion spent a year earlier, to open about 150 new stores.

  • Foodpanda opens dine-in restaurant in Singapore

    Foodpanda opens dine-in restaurant in Singapore

    Food-delivery company Foodpanda Singapore has launched a 30-seater restaurant, Favourites by Foodpanda.

    In Woodlands Avenue, the 3100sqft (288sqm) restaurant allows customers to pick and match dishes from nine restaurants such as Ichiban Bento, Crystal Jade Kitchen and Wingzone.

    At the same time, the restaurant acts as a collective kitchen where customers in the nearby districts of Sembawang and Yishun can place delivery orders for the nine restaurants with a single delivery fee.

    Foodpanda Singapore MD Luc Andreani says there was a demand in the northern part of Singapore for more delivery options, but many restaurants were unable oblige because of their more central locations.

    “Favourites by Foodpanda offers brands an opportunity to expand output and reach a new customer base.”

    This move follows Foodpanda competitor Deliveroo opening its first central kitchen last year. While not available to the public for dine-in, Deliveroo Edition gathers chefs from six different restaurants at a 2110sqft kitchen space in Katong to prepare delivery orders.

    After setting up at Deliveroo Edition, New Ubin Seafood had a 600 per cent jump in delivery sales, says a Deliveroo spokesman.

    Beyond R&B, furniture retailer HipVan is another online business that has opened its first permanent 11,000sqft flagship store at The Cathay in Dhoby Ghaut. Luxury e-commerce retailer Reebonz also opened an eight-storey, 200,000sqft outlet in Tampines last year.

    Meanwhile, Foodpanda says it is looking to open another two outlets in Singapore by the end of the year.

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  • Will Group eyes rights for Chatime in Singapore

    Will Group eyes rights for Chatime in Singapore

    Will Group Sdn Bhd, the master franchisee for Chatime in Malaysia, is eyeing the rights for Chatime in Singapore a year after it opens its first outlet there.

    Chatime Malaysia group managing director Aliza Ali said it has obtained the green light from Chatime franchisor La Kaffa International Co Ltd to enter the Singapore market, where it will open two Chatime outlets in shopping malls this year and an outlet in Jewel Changi Airport in 2019 to gauge the market there.

    “It (Singapore master franchisee) is something that we’re eyeing but let us prove ourselves to the principal (La Kaffa) first. If they see that we can manage the market in Singapore and if they’re happy with our performance, we will talk about the possibility (of being the Singaporean master franchisee),” she told SunBiz.

    Aliza noted that there are existing bubble tea players that are doing well in Singapore, such as Koi, Gong Cha and LiHo. There is no Chatime in Singapore yet. Its rival Tealive is also not in Singapore, but has ventured into Vietnam and announced plans to go into Australia.

    “This (Singapore) is a new market, we can’t just go in and want the master franchisee rights without showing that we are going to do it well. We have to open (outlets) first then only we can see how the market is. For us to jump in to be the master franchisee and put our investments there without knowing how we want to move ahead, wouldn’t be a smart move either,” she explained.

    Aliza added that franchisors will usually save the exclusivity of a territory for a franchisee, while it markets the brand there. Once the franchisee has opened a certain number of outlets for a period of time, the franchisor will then award the master franchisee rights to the selected franchisee.

    While Singapore is a feasible venture for Will Group, the bubble tea company is also entering the Middle East market, with plans to open Chatime outlets in Mecca and Medina this year.

    There is already a Chatime master franchisee in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) hence Will Group is aiming for Mecca and Medina where Chatime is yet to be present, under a sub-franchisee arrangement.

    “We would like to have some exclusivity there (in the Middle East) but we’re aware that there is already a master franchisee so any planning would have to be done out of respect for the master franchisee there. It has to be something that the master franchisee is comfortable to grant us. With the help of La Kaffa, we would like to get our interest across to the master franchisee there,” said Aliza.

    Its expansion plan into Singapore and Middle East comes after Chatime Malaysia obtained the halal food certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia for its menu, paving the way for new avenues of business. It has outlined a five-year RM100 million expansion plan targeting over 150 outlets in Malaysia and internationally.

    Will Group was offered the role of master franchisee for Chatime in Malaysia following a dispute that escalated between La Kaffa and ex-master franchisee Loob Holding Sdn Bhd last year, that saw the franchisor terminating the master franchisee contract with Loob.

  • Jollibee Guam construction begins

    Jollibee Guam construction begins

    Philippine fast-food giant Jollibee’s planned re-entry into the Guam market has taken another step forward. The $2 million construction project to build a standalone Jollibee in the Micronesia Mall parking lot has begun. The construction site was in the process of being cordoned off Monday, and construction equipment has started digging up the ground for the proposed concrete building.

    The Jollibee corporate office in the Philippines has previously confirmed its Guam restaurant will open in the fourth quarter of this year.

    Maxi D. Peralta Jr., assistant vice president and head of international franchising at Jollibee Foods Corp., spoke on behalf of the company.

    Known for its crispy fried chicken, sweet spaghetti and other Filipino twists on patties, hot dogs, egg rolls and noodles, Jollibee’s Guam re-entry was announced as part of its overseas expansion plans.

    Jollibee had two franchise-run restaurants on Guam and two on Saipan, but its Marianas presence ended more than a decade ago as the islands went through an economic downturn. Jollibee also had trouble competing with Guam players that offered larger portions.

    The company builds, runs and franchises quick-service restaurants. A Jollibee international franchise applicant must have a minimum net worth of $5 million, according to the company’s website.

    Internationally, Jollibee had 139 stores with 32 in the United States, 72 in Vietnam, 13 in Brunei, one in Hong Kong, two in Singapore and 19 in the Middle East, according to the company’s profile for investors.

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  • Kid-Mai Cafe Wants Visitors to See Death Closer

    Kid-Mai Cafe Wants Visitors to See Death Closer

    Dying for a new cafe experience? Bangkok’s new Kid-Mai Death Cafe aims to please, boldly featuring death.

    Parts of a replica funeral ceremony are on display, including a coffin, wreaths and skeletons. According to the cafe workers – no, not a skeleton staff – the idea is to have patrons appreciate and contemplate their everyday lives, as they may not have the luxury of waking up the next day.

    Customers can experience a fleeting death by lying down in the decorated coffin with its lid closed for three minutes, for which they will earn a 20-baht (US 64-cent) discount off their bill.

    On the menu are drinks with such labels as Born, Elder, Painful and Death, not to mention One Year Left, One Week Left and Last Day.

    The cafe was described by Japanese blog ora24 was “morbidally brilliant”.

    This experience of a lifetime is offered by the cafe in the Bangkok suburb of Phayathai.

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  • Starbucks IFC Mall to adds alcohol in the menu

    Starbucks IFC Mall to adds alcohol in the menu

    Starbucks Hong Kong has opened its first cafe serving alcohol – including coffee-infused craft beers, exclusive to the city.

    Starbucks’ local licensee, the Dairy Farm International subsidiary Coffee Concepts, says the move is part of its strategy of elevating the chain’s ‘Third Place’ experience for its customers through continuous innovation in its coffee offer and in-store experience.

    After a month-long refit, the store on the level 2 podium of IFC Mall in Central was formally unveiled to media last evening. It has been upgraded into the Starbucks Reserve format in a bid to attract customers after work as well as during the day.

    And besides gourmet coffee blends, a Starbucks Reserve range of merchandise and beer, the cafe offers a selection of wines and light meal menu featuring dips, cured-meat-and-cheese board, bacon-wrapped asparagus skewers and baked meatballs.

    Craft beer partnership

    Starbucks Hong Kong has released two coffee-infused craft beers created in partnership with a local brewery. A company spokesperson says the two beers are infused with “signature notes of Starbucks coffee, leaving a refreshing taste on the tongue”.

    “The Caramel Macchiato Cream Ale is inspired by the signature Starbucks Caramel Macchiato. Cream ale is harmoniously brewed with pre-ground Starbucks Colombian coffee and delectable caramel for more than 18 hours, resulting in an irresistibly smooth taste with nutty notes and a subtle caramel sweetness, as well as a brilliant golden colour.

    “The Mocha Brown Ale marries a robust brown ale with the indulgent chocolate and soft spice notes of Starbucks Caffe Mocha. Brewed with Starbucks Guatemala Antigua cold-brewed coffee and cocoa nibs, the intense brown ale will surprise customers with its distinctive contrast of dark-brown hue and luscious sweetness.”

    Starbucks Hong Kong is also launching three bottled beers including Hiiro Seed Guava Love, a fruity beer with a tropical pink guava aroma, brewed locally by Hitachino Nest Beer.

    The Starbucks Reserve wine list features four red wines (pinot noir, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz), three white wines (sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and riesling) and an Italian prosecco.

    Starbucks says that extending the ‘Third Place’ experience (in which home and workplace are the first and second places) the Starbucks Reserve Coffee Experience Bar provides “the widest in-store offerings for customers as they connect with colleagues and friends over their beverages of choice”.

    The pictures can be viewed below :

  • Indonesia sees maiden shipment of chicken nuggets to Japan

    Indonesia sees maiden shipment of chicken nuggets to Japan

    The Trade Ministry has seen the first export of 6 tons of chicken nuggets to Japan on last Wednesday. The nuggets were produced by PT Belfoods Indonesia, the subsidiary of publicly listed PT Sierad Produce.

    “I congratulate Belfoods for being the first company to export chicken nuggets to Japan and for its contribution to Indonesian national exports,” said Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita in a statement.

    Enggartiasto said the shipment was a milestone for Indonesia given that the Japanese market was long known as hard to penetrate for Indonesian producers owing to its strict quality standards.

    “We expect that this is a good start to develop the Indonesian processed chicken industry for the international market. If Indonesian chicken nuggets can enter Japan, then it will be easier for it to access other countries,” he said.

    The trade minister also said he expected Indonesian chicken exporters to train local chicken farmers because exports should also increase the livelihoods of local stock farmers while increasing the country’s foreign currency savings.

    The consumption of poultry-based processed foods in Japan reached US$2 billion a year, making Japan a potential choice for exports. China and Thailand are known as the major exporters for Japan.

    Meanwhile, PT Sierad Produce CEO Tommy Wattimena said Belfoods products’ taste had become accepted by the Japanese because the subsidiary had done some market research in the country.

    “Belfoods will still focus on the domestic market while keeping the quality of our products up to export standards to help export development,” he said.

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  • Lay Hong to invest RM16.6 million in liquid egg processing facility in Pasir Gudang

    Lay Hong to invest RM16.6 million in liquid egg processing facility in Pasir Gudang

    Lay Hong Bhd will invest RM16.6 million for a new pasteurised liquid eggs processing facility in Iskandar Halal Park, Pasir Gudang, Johor to cater the needs of the southern region and Singapore market as well as addressing logistics costs.

    The group told the stock exchange that the investment will include the purchase of a semi detached factory from Tentu Teguh Sdn Bhd for RM5.2 million. The project is expected to be completed within six to seven months upon delivery of certificates of fitness from the developer.

    The investment cost will be financed through a combination of internally generated funds and bank borrowings.

    Lay Hong said the new facility is also in line with the group’s focus on enhancing the sales of downstream products.

    Its share price gained one sen or 1.05% to close at 96 sen with 4.97 million shares done.

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  • Pizza Hut Singapore to hire Pepper to take order

    Pizza Hut Singapore to hire Pepper to take order

    Pizza Hut Singapore has introduced a robot that takes orders and processes payments.

    In a five-day trial ending on Sunday, diners at the Safra Punggol Pizza Hut outlet will be the first in Southeast Asia to be able to try out the new technology. After the trial, Pizza Hut will consider customer feedback before deciding if the robot will stay.

    Patrons are greeted with “Hello” in a female voice from the robot, and to place an order first must greet the robot and pair their Mastercard Masterpass account embedded in the Pizza Hut Singapore mobile app.

    They can then tell the robot their orders and show a QR code that will provide their table information. The robot is not exposed to payment instruments or customer credentials, which minimises the chance of sensitive information being compromised.

    “This initiative gives people more choices without ever compromising security, and provides more reasons for people to go cashless,” says Labs at Mastercard Asia Pacific VP Tobias Puehse.

    The robot was developed by Japan’s SoftBank Robotics, which makes the Pepper robot used in customer service and retail. “We are focusing on how robots can help how people live,” says SoftBank marketing director Kan Kiyota. “The humanoid robot is an add-on to the value provided.”

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  • European Commission to help Vietnam fight IUU fishing

    European Commission to help Vietnam fight IUU fishing

    The European Commission is willing to cooperate with and support Vietnamese authorities in their reforms to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

    This was said by Karmenu Vella, Commissioner of the European Union for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

    In an interview, Vella said the European Commission welcomed the high-level commitments of the Vietnamese authorities, notably the plan adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to implement urgent measures to overcome the yellow card adopted in October 2017.

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyễn Xuân Cường is currently on a working visit to the European Union from March 20-24 to promote the removal of “yellow card measure” for Việt Nam in IUU fishing.

    “Nonetheless, the European Commission reiterates its concerns as regards the translation of such commitments into tangible measures aimed at addressing the serious shortcomings that led the Commission to adopt the yellow card,” Vella said.

    According to him, the adoption of pre-identification (yellow card) of Việt Nam as a non-cooperating country in fighting IUU fishing in October 2017 is the formalisation of a dialogue in place since 2012. This step is just a warning and does not imply any kind of trade-related measures, he said.

    “The objective of the European Union’s IUU policy is to enter into a cooperation with competent authorities in third-world countries to ensure they align their legal and administrative frameworks with international obligations to fight against IUU fishing and establish adequate control mechanisms,” Vella said.

    By April 2018, six months after the adoption of the yellow card, Vietnamese authorities are expected to provide a progress report addressing the implementation of the action plan, he said, adding the European Commission will evaluate, including by means of visits to the country, the content of the action plan in light of the shortcomings established in the Commission’s decision of October 23, 2017.

    Talking about the possibility of removing the yellow card for Việt Nam, Vella said any decision would follow a careful analysis of the actions undertaken by the authorities to remedy the deficiencies that led to the yellow card.

    “The revocation of the yellow card will only be possible if all the mentioned deficiencies are sufficiently addressed,” he said.

    In case the situation does not improve, the European Commission may proceed with the identification of the country as non-cooperating in fighting IUU fishing (red card) and submit the proposal to the Council of the European Union to list Viet Nam as non-cooperating in fighting IUU fishing, Vella said.

     

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  • Muji fresh store launched in Osaka

    Muji fresh store launched in Osaka

    Japanese anti-brand retailer Muji has opened a massive 4300sqm store in Osaka featuring its first dedicated fresh department.

    While the company has offered dried foods, snacks and other foods since it was founded in 1980, and even shelf-stable vegetables in some stores, this is the first time it has ventured into chilled, fresh meat and produce.

    The Muji fresh store is the brand’s largest globally and five times the typical Japanese footprint. About 50 per cent of it is dedicated to food and it also features a Cafe & Meal Muji eating place.

    Kei Suzuki, director and executive officer of Muji parent Ryohin Keikaku, said that once refined the company will look to roll out the concept in other markets.

    “At first we have to see what is going to happen in Japan, but I believe the Muji customer … is keen to have a good fresh product,” said Suzuki, who was one of the leading speakers at yesterday’s MarketingPulse conference, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

    Suzuki said Muji customers are in tune with freshness, sustainability, supporting local farmers and suppliers – and they want quality. He is confident the Osaka concept store will win over customers.

    “Once we see that we are successful then … I also want to try it here in the future. But it has not been decided yet.”

    Photos released by Muji show fresh meats, fish, vegetables and perishable goods on display in a bright, airy retail space. Minimalist design and displays made from natural materials are in keeping with the company’s market positioning.

    Meanwhile, in Japan, Ryohin Keikaku chairman Masaaki Kanai said Muji was committed to expanding its selection of local food products.

    “We want to become a part of the community.”

    One of the reported rationales behind Muji fresh is to entice customers to visit more often. Food is a more frequent purchase than stationery or household items, for example.

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