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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.

  • Filipino chocolate brand to open store in Tokyo

    Filipino chocolate brand to open store in Tokyo

    Filipino chocolate brand Auro is expanding to Japan.

    The first Auro Chocolate store will open on October 7 in Frenity House in Shibuya City, a special ward of Tokyo. The brand was discovered during a trip to the Philippines by the father of the founder of Japanese distributor Kotowari, which is now exclusively representing the brand in Japan.

    Co-founder Mark Ocampo said: “They discovered us through social media. He bought all these chocolates from the Philippines and took them to Japan. They tried all the chocolates they had and chose us.”

    Kotowari will manage the approximately 20-30sqm Auro store in addition to promoting the brand in local hotels and restaurants. The said the deciding factor in distributing the Auro brand is the direct relationship between the chocolatier and the cacao farmers who supply beans. Auro assists the farmers with business administration training and quality control, helping to improve their quality of life.

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  • When vinyl music and cocktails meet in cafe concept

    When vinyl music and cocktails meet in cafe concept

    Singaporean music enthusiasts Kurt Loy and Darren Tan have celebrated the renaissance of vinyl records with a bar in a new venture on Ann Siang Road.

    White Label is a bar and record store in a single space where the duo hope to enthuse a new generation to share their passion for vinyl. Their last venture was record marketplace app #vinyloftheday.

    “We are very happy to be working with Analog Vault to present to Singapore’s music community and music lovers our labour of love,” said Tan at a media preview. “We aim to provide a unique and all-encompassing experience in music where you can have a drink, discover and buy new music, enjoy live performances and DJ sets.”

    Loy and Tan hope White Label will become more than a bar, becoming a community space to showcase underground culture and alternative music. They plan to present a curated collection of vinyl from local and regional stores and host live events, including a two-day popup on october 12 and 13 featuring Jazzy Sport.

    On the bar side, White Label will serve cocktails, craft beers and wine.

    White Label is at 28 Ann Siang Road and trades from 11am to midnight Tuesday through Sunday.

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  • Panda Express Is Opening Soon In Manila

    Panda Express Is Opening Soon In Manila

    US restaurant chain Panda Express is heading to the Philippines.

    Jollibee Food Corp says it will launch Panda Express Philippines, dubbed “the Chinese kitchen” in North America, after creating a 50-50 joint venture with the parent Panda Restaurant Group.

    The first five Panda Express Philippines outlets will open in Metro Manila, after which other regional opportunities will be evaluated for the business.

    “With proven track records in providing great tasting food at a great value, JFC and Panda join hands to introduce American Chinese food, a globally-influenced cuisine inspired by authentic Chinese culinary principles, to the Philippines,” JFC said in a statement filed with the stock exchange.

    “We look forward to tapping into JFC’s market expertise to grow the Panda Express brand into a household name in the Philippines and, more importantly, actioning our shared value of inspiring people to better their lives,” added Andrew Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda.

    Jollibee Foods chairman Tony Tan Caktiong described Panda Express as an offer “very much in line” with Jollibee’s current portfolio of brands.

    Panda Express has stores worldwide, including networks in Korea, Japan and Russia.

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  • House of Hennessy airport flagship opens in Hong Kong

    House of Hennessy airport flagship opens in Hong Kong

    Hennessy has opened its first airport flagship store at Hong Kong International Airport.

    The new “House of Hennessy” retail concept involves an exclusive selection of products (including a number or rarities) and an “immersive cognac experience” based on a design inspired by a historic French castle acquired by the Hennessys in 1841.

    Guests to the store are invited to taste the products on offer and visit a VIP presentation room for an overall introduction to the brand and its heritage, augmented by interactive technologies.

    Moet Hennessy Global Travel Retail’s president Laurent Boidevezi said that due to the strong demand in the Asia market in recent years, as well as consumer desire to further explore cognac culture, the company has been developing interactive and educational approaches to engage with global travellers at HKIA, which experiences a large volume of traffic.

    “We are also delighted to be working with Airport Authorities Hong Kong and CDF-Lagardere to bring our first-of-a-kind boutique to life in this way. It will definitely strengthen our trinity partnership.”

    Lagardere Travel Retail chairman & CEO Dag Rasmussen said: “Our joint venture – CDF-Lagardere – wanted to give travellers at HKIA something that was truly original and exciting.

    This exceptional House of Hennessy store achieves that. It is more than a boutique: we have created a fully immersive Cognac experience for passengers.”

    The House of Hennessy store is located at Duty Zero by CDF, Departure Hall 1, Terminal 1 of the HKIA.

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  • KFC Myanmar to open 70 more stores

    KFC Myanmar to open 70 more stores

    KFC Myanmar plans to expand into new territories as locals embrace the fast-food concept.

    Two recent openings in Monywa and Pyay have brought the number of KFC outlets in Myanmar to 26 across six regions, only eight of which are outside Yangon. The local franchisee, Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic, has indicated plans to open 70 stores throughout the country by its 2023–2024 financial year.

    Yoma CEO Melvyn Pun said KFC Myanmar has experienced “better-than-expected performance” in its new stores, highlighting the potential to expand beyond Yangon.

    “Due to rising disposable incomes, greater connectivity and economic development, we are seeing a rise in consumer spending in food and beverage, not just in Yangon but also in other towns and cities.”

    Yoma also has partnerships with whisky brand Pernod Ricard and German wholesaler Metro Group. It is targeting a portfolio of six brands and more than 125 locations in Myanmar within five years.

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  • Shinsegae’s Emart to bring its fancy PK Market store to LA next year

    Shinsegae’s Emart to bring its fancy PK Market store to LA next year

    Discount chain Emart will launch its PK Market grocery store chain in downtown Los Angeles in the second half of next year.

    This is Emart’s first expansion into the U.S. market.

    The company said that it signed a 10-year contract on a 4,803-square-meter (1.18-acre) space inside LA Jewelry Mart, which is located in the Jewelry District of Downtown Los Angeles.

    “As the rent contract was signed, we’re now able to further embark on procedures to plan for our business in the United States,” Emart said in a statement.

    During the contract period, Emart will occupy three floors of the six-floor building. PK Market will take up the basement and second floors, while the third floor is planned to be used as an office for the local discount chain.

    This red-brick structure was built in 1916 and was first used to house the Ville de Paris department store. In the building’s early days, the neighborhood was the city’s commercial center and had one of the largest jewelry districts in the United States.

    Downtown Los Angeles lost its shine in recent decades compared to other areas of the city, but development projects in the area have increased lately as more people and proprietors are getting interested in the charm of the old district.

    Emart said it approved of the location, considering that there are a number of ongoing developments that will transform the area once they are completed.

    “The building itself sits inside the Historic Core where the city office is, near South Park and the Financial District – it’s a part of town that has quite a floating population,” the company said.

    Emart’s plan to take its brick-and-mortar business to the United States – a rare move for a Korean retailer – was unveiled in March by Shinsegae Vice President Chung Yong-jin. Chung said the U.S. version of PK Market will present a wide array of Asian foods, including Korean products.

    PK Market currently has branches in the Starfield malls in Hanam and Goyang, Gyeonggi. It is built around a “grocerant” concept, in which restaurants, food stalls and a high-end grocery store coexist in one space.

    Emart added that, while the concept will remain the same, the name PK Market may be changed for the U.S. market.

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  • Coca Cola Australia buys Mojo Kombucha

    Coca Cola Australia buys Mojo Kombucha

    Coca Cola Australia announced on Tuesday it has acquired the Organic & Raw Trading Co., the Australia-based owner of Mojo Kombucha.

    The terms of the deal were not disclosed. In a move that sees the soft drink maker diversify into low-sugar, natural beverages, Coca Cola will add Mojo brands to its portfolio of 165 products and 25 brands across Australia.

    “The addition of Mojo Kombucha fits perfectly with the growing popularity of organic, probiotic drinks,” Vamsi Mohan, president of Coca-Cola Australia, said in a statement.

    In the last twelve months, Coca Cola has been buying up healthier drink companies, including sparkling water, as consumers become increasingly health conscience.

    More recently, the soft drink heavy weight acquired UK coffee chain Costa for $5.1 billion and invested a small stake into Kobe Bryant’s sports drink BodyArmor in August.

    For the second quarter 2018, Coca Cola reported net revenues declined 8% to $8.9 billion, impacted by a 15% headwind from the refranchising of company-owned bottling operations.

    However, organic revenues grew 5%, driven by concentrate sales growth of more than 2% and price/mix growth of more than 2%.

    “We’re encouraged with our performance year-to-date as we continue our evolution as a consumer-centric, total beverage company,” said James Quincey, President and CEO of Coca-Cola. “We have the right strategies in place and remain focused on achieving our full year guidance.”

  • Yildiz Looking to Sell Godiva in Japan

    Yildiz Looking to Sell Godiva in Japan

    A sale of Godiva Japan is being considered which could value the business at US$1.5 billion.

    Parent Yildiz Holding is considering an offer which would allow it to use the proceeds to reduce debt and invest in other markets with larger growth prospects.

    Gidova Japan has annual sales of about $350 million a year.

    Yildiz Holdings was founded by Turkish brothers as a biscuit shop in 1944, acquiring Godiva in 2007 for $850 million. It now operates hundreds of Godiva cafes around the world as well as marketing Godiva-branded chocolate products, and its assets include UK brand McVitie’s biscuits.

    Unnamed sources said a formal sale process would commence within weeks.

    Prospective bidders include rival confectionery companies or private equity funds, along with Japanese trading groups.

  • Jollibee to bring Panda Express to the Philippines

    Jollibee to bring Panda Express to the Philippines

    Jollibee Food Corp on Thursday said it would bring Panda Express to the Philippines, the popular “Chinese kitchen” in the US.

    The initial phase of the 50/50 joint venture between JFC and Panda Restaurant Group Inc intends to develop 5 Panda Express outlets in Metro Manila, JFC told the stock exchange.

    “With proven track records in providing great tasting food at a great value, JFC and Panda join hands to introduce American Chinese food, a globally-influenced cuisine inspired by authentic Chinese culinary principles, to the Philippines,” JFC said in a statement.

    JFC chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said Panda Express is “very much in line with JFC brand portfolio.”

    “We look forward to tapping into JFC’s market expertise to grow the Panda Express brand into a household name in the Philippines and, more importantly, actioning our shared value of inspiring people to better their lives,” Andrew Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda.

    Jollibee Group’s worldwide store network reached 4,324 as of Aug. 31, 2018.

    JFC said Panda Express has operations in the US, Canada, Mexico, Korea, Japan and Russia, among others.

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  • Everstone puts on the block a piece of Burger King India

    Everstone puts on the block a piece of Burger King India

    Five years after setting up the franchise for Burger King in India, homegrown PE firm Everstone Capital is set to offload a minority stake in the quick service restaurant (QSR) chain. Everstone, which holds about 88% of Burger King India, will offload 20%, valuing the chain at $300-350 million, according to two people aware of the development.

    As per the proposed transaction, about 30-35% of Burger King India will be sold through secondary and primary offerings. Parent Burger King Worldwide holds 12% of Burger King India.

    Advisory firm EY has been mandated to run the sale process, which is expected to be launched in a few weeks, said one of the persons cited above. Everstone will remain the controlling stakeholder after the transaction.

    F&B Asia Ventures, a pan-Asian food and beverage business platform controlled by Everstone Capital, owns and operates Burger King’s branded restaurants in India and Indonesia. Everstone joined hands with US fast-food chain Burger King Worldwide in 2013 to set up the franchise for the two countries.

    Burger King India grew 68% to post sales of Rs 237 crore in FY17 from Rs 141 crore in FY16. In FY17, the company generated average sales of Rs 2.7 crore from each of its 88 outlets opened till March 2017, while rival Westlife Development, which runs McDonald’s in the south and west, posted average sales of Rs 3.6 crore from each outlet. Burger King, however, notched up higher numbers than Jubilant FoodWorksNSE -0.78 %, where average sales per outlet were at Rs 2.1 crore from both its brands, Dominos, Dunkin’ Donuts, ET reported last year.

    Since its first outlet was opened in November 2014, Burger King India has grown into 140 outlets in more than 30 cities in India and is expected to cross 200 by FY19. The chain is present in Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Delhi-National Capital Region and Pune.

    If the deal materialises, it will be Everstone’s second part exit from the food and beverages (F&B) portfolio in the past year. In December, Everstone sold a stake in Massive Restaurants, owned by Jiggs Kalra and son Zorawar Kalra, to PE firm Gaja Capital.

    Brands on its F&B Asia platform include Harry’s, Domino’s (Indonesia), Burger King, Pind Balluchi and Duck & Rice. The fund has invested over `1,200 crore in the sector so far. Besides F&B Asia, Everstone also owns Pan India Foods Solutions, a platform with brands such as Spaghetti Kitchen, Copper Chimney, Gelato Italiano, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Bombay Blue and Noodle Bar.

    “Investor interest in Indian QSR is driven by the same trends that are driving consumption theme across categories such as demographics, urbanisation and eating out,” said Harminder Sahni, managing director of retail consultancy firm, Wazir Advisors. Multinationals have the advantage of global brand equity and experience. Indian brands are too young to compete as of now and have to tackle issues such as product development, supply chain, store expansion and consumer connect, Sahni added.

  • Jollibee goes to London

    Jollibee goes to London

    Brits are about to have a taste of “bida ang saya” (joyful experience) as Jollibee Foods has started its expansion in the United Kingdom with a ceremonial launch of its first store on Sept. 25.

    Cabinet secretaries visited the store on the sidelines of an investors’ roadshow in the UK, a month before its grand opening next month.

    JFC officials, led by chief executive officer (CEO) Ernesto Tanmantiong and JFC president and head of Jollibee International Business for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia Dennis Flores, welcomed the government officials.

    “We are truly delighted and excited to be opening and introducing Jollibee to this part of the world. I, together with our Jollibee International and store teams, sincerely appreciate your presence here. We are sincerely humbled by your visit as we partner for economic progress and help contribute to bringing honor to our country,” said Tanmantiong.

    Tanmantiong noted that as JFC has done in Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore and Hong Kong, it also envisions to successfully serve the Filipino community as well as the British in the UK.

    The Cabinet officials’ visit coincided with the Philippine Economic Briefing in the UK, where they presented before the UK-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Council the latest updates on various government programs.

    The officials present were Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, National Economic and Development Authority director general Ernesto Pernia and Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Vivencio Dizon.

    Lawmaker Pia Cayetano and Philippine Ambassador to the UK Antonio Manuel Lagdameo joined the Cabinet officials.

    “From our family, to our people, to those who invested in us, to our suppliers and to our customers, the journey has become not just our own, but a journey of the Filipino people. We look forward to traveling to the next destinations together,” Tanmantiong said.

    The UK store, which is opening on Oct. 20, is among the latest branches JFC is opening abroad.

    JFC will also open stores in Macau and New York this year.

    “(JFC’s) success is becoming the success of the Philippines as they represent, in a way, the dynamism and world class, hardworking and happy character of Filipinos,” Lopez told.

    Lopez said the economic team is pleased to be part of the JFC milestone in the UK.

    JFC is the parent company of Jollibee and has 12 brands with over 4,000 stores across 20 countries.

    In 2013, JFC became the number one restaurant company in Asia in terms of market capitalization and is now the world’s largest Asian restaurant company.

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  • Walmart Canada launches grocery delivery in Metro Vancouver with Food-X

    Walmart Canada launches grocery delivery in Metro Vancouver with Food-X

    Walmart Canada has announced the launch of sustainable grocery delivery for Metro Vancouver consumers in collaboration with Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery (SPUD)’s food delivery platform, Food-X Urban Delivery (Food-X). Metro Vancouver residents can now shop on walmart.ca/grocery or via the Walmart app and have their grocery orders delivered to their door by Food-X. Food-X helps Walmart with home delivery through shared warehousing and consolidation of orders.

    “It’s never been easier for customers to shop for fresh groceries – however and whenever they want,” said Daryl Porter, Vice President, Omnichannel Operations and Online Grocery. “Consumers are seeking out options to save time and money and Walmart is proud to offer more choices – including sustainable delivery.”

    Walmart remains committed to making everyday easier for busy families. This new grocery shopping option is faster and more affordable for customers in urban centres like Vancouver where there may not be convenient access to a Walmart Supercentre, and for customers who prefer to shop online.

    Customers can shop at walmart.ca/grocery or via the Walmart app. When done, they simply pay by credit card a then select a delivery window and their order will be delivered by Food-X right to their door in reusable totes as early as the next day. Customers can fill their cart with fresh groceries, including Canadian No. 1 grade fruits and vegetables such as BC-grown produce as well as an expanded selection of organic produce, Canadian beef, chicken and pork, dairy, baked goods, frozen foods and pantry items. They can also add health and beauty products, household supplies, pet food, baby food, diapers and lots more. All fresh groceries come with a 100 percent satisfaction, money-back guarantee. Minimum order is US $50 before taxes and delivery is US $9.97.

    The 74,000 sq. ft. sustainable warehouse features proprietary technology SPUD has been refining for the past 20 years to minimize the environmental impact of grocery delivery from reducing food waste to ensuring trucks are making fewer trips on the road. The Food-X warehouse has technology, several bio-digesters used to compost meat, produce, and compostable packaging bringing their food waste to 0.5 percent, which is leading the retail industry.

    Earlier this year, Walmart announced a commitment to achieve zero food waste by 2025 in its Canadian operations. The company’s journey to zero food waste in Canada by 2025 was announced in April 2018 with a three-part strategy that includes improving operational efficiencies, as well as increasing food donations and providing philanthropic support.

    “Our strategic collaboration with Food-X supports our belief that environmental and business sustainability go hand-in-hand,” said Porter. “Food-X is a leader in sustainability in Vancouver and we are proud to partner with a like-minded, environmentally-conscious operation.”

    “Consumer demand for online grocery shopping is growing and that means more trucks on the road,” said Peter van Stolk, CEO of Food-X. “We have built a best-in-class platform to get fresh food and groceries from the supplier to the kitchen while reducing waste and lowering emissions. We are very proud that Walmart is committed to zero food waste by 2025, and we are excited to be partnered with them on this goal.”

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  • Leica Thailand opens second global cafe

    Leica Thailand opens second global cafe

    Leica Thailand distributor A-List Private has opened a lifestyle cafe for the Leica community – Cafe Leitz by Pacamara.

    The cafe, opened in partnership with Thai coffee brand Pacamara, is located in a 214sqm space on EmQuartier’s mezzanine level. Modelled on a similar cafe in London it is just the camera brand’s second such cafe in the world.

    The central Bangkok venue is a meeting place for Leica Thailand enthusiasts to share knowledge, techniques and experiences. Leica specialists are on hand to discuss and reveal on how to use some of the cameras’ more advanced functions professionally and options that the Leica cameras possess.

    The cafe was designed in a modern style featuring relaxed colours like black, white, gray and brown, sure to be familiar with any Leica user.

    A-List MD Danai Sorakraikitikul said there will be experiential activities for customers, such as the opportunity to try out Leica cameras. It will also host workshops and serve as a gallery for photography exhibitions by upcoming photographers from the Leica Akademie.

    “Visitors will see, smell, taste, hear and feel the Leica experience,” he said.

    View the gallery below (6 images) :

     

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  • Pan Malaysia to form JVCO with Singapore’s Baker & Cook

    Pan Malaysia to form JVCO with Singapore’s Baker & Cook

    Investment holding company Pan Malaysia has entered into a partnership with Singaporean artisan baker and food store Baker & Cook.

    The 50-50 joint venture will serve to diversify Pan Malaysia’s business to include F&B retail outlets, trading as Baker & Cook and Plank Sourdough Pizza. Pan Malaysia’s investment is being made through its wholly owned unit Megafort.

    Under the agreement, Baker & Cook will manage day-to-day operations while Megafort handles concession and sub-franchisee agreements.

    The stock exchange filing announcing the joint venture read: “The group (Pan Malaysia) intends to diversify its business profile and income stream, and it believes that the JV is expected to contribute positively to the earnings of the group in the future.”

  • Chocolate maker Mars sees India as a key accelerate market

    Chocolate maker Mars sees India as a key accelerate market

    US-based chocolate maker Mars sees India as a key ‘accelerate’ market and is ramping up its distribution network in the country to tap the high growth potential, a senior company official said.

    According to a report: The company, which has brands such as Snickers, Mars, Bounty, M&M, Double Mint, Boomer, Orbit, Galaxy and Twix in India, also plans to introduce one more brand in the next six to eight weeks to enhance its presence here.

    “India is a key ‘accelerate’ market in Mars Wrigley Confectionery Asia, Australia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA),” Andrew Leakey, Mars Wrigley Confectionery General Manager – India said.

    The company is investing to strengthen its distribution network and is building a sustainable supply chain here to expand its reach beyond metros and some key cities. The company has stronger growth ambitions and is taking a long-term view on the Indian market, he said.

    Presently, Mars Wrigley products are distributed through around 3,00,000 outlets and it is eyeing to take the number to over 5,00,000.

    “With our continued focus on growth in the India market through our expanding distribution network, flexibility to scale as per demand, ongoing efforts to build sustainable supply chain and strong market potential, we anticipate one-fourth of our growth contribution for AMEA region, coming from India, over the next few years,” he further said.

    However, he declined to share revenue or other financial details.

    Last year, Mars Inc integrated its Mars Chocolate and Wrigley segments in India, creating Mars Wrigley Confectionery (MWC) to tap high growth potential here.

    “We are taking a long term view over the business in India and the company is less concerned about the immediate paybacks,” he was quoted as saying.

    Leakey said that the company looks to introduce “products which are more relevant to the Indian market”.

    The company has an innovation centre in Bengaluru which is helping it to localise some of the flavours here.

    Asked about growth, he said, “Confectionary market is growing with CAGR of 9 percent in last 5 years and we are growing double than that and we would continue to grow at that rate.”

    To expand its reach in the mass market, Mars has introduced a small Rs 10 pack of Snickers as in India around 80 percent chocolates are sold in the Rs 10 price segment, he added.

    “Since we have launched it, we have doubled our distribution of Snickers,” he was further quoted by PTI as saying.

    Mars has manufacturing plants in Pune, Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), Hyderabad and Bengaluru and has plans to expand capacity when the demand increases.

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