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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.

  • China set for online grocery boom

    China set for online grocery boom

    Online grocery in China could more than double in growth between now and 2020, according to figures released today by international grocery research organisation IGD, with its current 3.1 per cent share of the country’s total grocery market forecast to leap to 6.6 per cent over the next three years.

    Driven by the growth of the internet, greater smartphone usage, more focused investment from retailers and shifting demographics, IGD forecasts online grocery in China to grow by almost 32 per cent year-on-year by 2020.

    “China already has the world’s largest online grocery market in terms of value and this certainly shows no signs of slowing down,” said Shirley Zhu, Asia programme director at IGD. “Last year, 3.1 per cent of all China’s grocery sales were conducted online, a figure we believe will increase to 6.6 per cent by 2020 – a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.8 per cent.

    “Set against our forecast CAGR of 5.9 per cent for China’s total grocery market over the same timeframe, the size of the opportunity for retailers looking to trade online is clear,” Zhu noted.

    This growth is being driven by a combination of factors, according to Zhu: “Internet and smartphone usage is growing across China, while the country’s demographics are changing too – there is a rising population of young, middle-class shoppers leading busier lives. In turn, this is creating an aspirational class of shoppers who want access to grocery products at the click of a button, and who are also increasingly looking to source international goods. Clearly, retailers have been responding to these trends, with lots of players looking to grab a slice of the action.”

    A combination of online ‘marketplaces’ and bricks and mortar retailers make up China’s leading online grocery players, according to IGD.

    “Alibaba’s Tmall and JD.com are the two of the largest online retailers in China and they also have a strong position in online grocery,” Zhu explained. “These platforms are a one-stop shop for all domestic and international brands and categories, as well as offering a nationwide logistics network, rapid delivery, innovative and simple payment solutions, and new technologies such as drones and virtual reality.

    “These platforms are also increasingly delivering cross-border opportunities, both selling international products in China, but also selling globally, enabling lots of international retailers to enter the Chinese market through them. We’re also seeing marketplaces like Alibaba and JD investing in bricks and mortar stores.

    “Other key online grocery retailers in China include Walmart via JD.com and Sun Art Retail, which sells via multiple platforms,” she outlined. “There are also lots of other retailers investing in online – for example, Bee Quick, which focuses on fresh products, can deliver to its shoppers within an hour in the 14 cities in which it operates, while Carrefour launched in April 2016 and is extending its service to more cities.”

    As the majority of people in China access the internet via their smartphone, getting mobile commerce right is critical for grocery retailers looking to sell online in China, according to Zhu.

    “Thinking mobile first is vital. Many retailers are rolling out apps offering exclusive discounts and special features, while other apps allow for easy e-payment solutions that allow people to shop online,” she said. “Brands and retailers are also advertising and have shops set up on WeChat, China’s biggest social media network.

    “Indeed, as China’s online grocery channel continues to grow, we expect to see more partnerships created between retailers and manufacturers,” Zhu added. “We also expect to see online grocers personalising their offers, using data to understand how and when people shop online, to deliver a better service and even personalised products. We also expect innovations such as voice-activated technology, virtual reality and smart devices to play a greater role as the market develops.”

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  • Bold bid for expansion by Food Capitals

    Bold bid for expansion by Food Capitals

    Food Capitals, Thailand’s franchisee for Domino’s Pizza and South Korean fried-chicken restaurant chain Kyochon, has acquired two companies for THB400 million (US$11.6 million) in a bid to expand both domestically and overseas.

    It has spent THB289 million to acquire Osha Group’s food business in the US, with the remaining THB121 million for its takeover of Bangkok-based G Enterprise.

    California-based Osha has five restaurant brands – After Osha, Lao Table, Osha Express, Osha Thai and Osha Thai 3rd Street – while G Enterprise’s four restaurant brands are Chingcha Chalee, Moom Muum Park, Pirate Chambre and Umami Falabella.

    Food Capitals CEO Tanakorn Angpubate expects the acquisitions to boost the group’s revenue by more than 50 per cent from THB714 million last year – following five years of red ink.

    The company has also set aside THB200 million to open two restaurants in Thailand and another two in the US.

    Food Capitals’ brands include Domino’s Pizza in Thailand and Cambodia, Kyochon in Thailand, and Red Planet Hotels across Asia.

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  • Vegetables exports bring in $8.2 million per day

    Vegetables exports bring in $8.2 million per day

    Export turnover for vegetables has reached $857 million this year up to April 15, an increase of 30 per cent year-on-year and bringing in $8.2 million to Vietnam each day. Vegetables are therefore Vietnam’s third-highest agricultural and aquatic export, after seafood and coffee.

    Growth in vegetable exports is faster than for aquatic products (7.8 per cent) and coffee (21 per cent), with the gap in export turnover narrowing.

    Vietnamese fruit and vegetables can now be found in many countries and regions such as the US, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and EU countries like Germany and the Netherlands.

    The largest market, however, is China. According to the latest figures from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, exports of fruit and vegetables to Vietnam’s northern neighbor reached $512 million, accounting for 73 per cent of total export value.

    Mr. Nguyen Huu Dat from the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Vegetables and Fruit Association (VINAFRUIT) said this is a positive result for Vietnam’s vegetable exports and is supported by a number of factors.

    The first is the results of the Vietnamese Government’s trade promotion and market expansion efforts, with fruit and vegetables beginning to gain a foothold in fastidious markets like the US, Japan, South Korea, and the EU.

    “Although the value of export turnover to these markets is not large, meeting their high requirements increases the prestige of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetables,” Mr. Dat said.

    He added that high demand among international customers is a good opportunity for Vietnam’s exports in the time to come.

    He emphasized the role of scientists, the business community, and producers and farmers in efforts to diversify products and product quality and promote Vietnam’s brand.

    Total vegetable turnover stood at $2.45 billion in 2016, up 33.6 compared to 2015.

  • Egg prices drop over dioxin fear

    Egg prices drop over dioxin fear

    Retail egg prices have dropped NT$3 per 600 grams, the Poultry Association of the Republic of China said on Monday, demanding that the government provide compensation for the “innocent” egg farmers.

    Deputy Director of the Council of Agriculture’s (COA) Livestock Department Wang Chung-shu (王忠恕) said that the COA is closely monitoring egg prices, and that if they were to drop out of a reasonable price range, the council will initiate measures to counteract the drop, for instance by making mass purchases, or by implementing strategic export controls.

    An egg containing more than twice the minimum allowable level of dioxin contamination was discovered at a retail store in Miaoli last week.

    Health authorities immediately sealed off three major egg farms that had supplied the retail shop, Ho-chen store (合成), over the past three months: Chun Yi (駿億), Hung Chang (鴻彰) and Tsai Yuan (財源).

    Approximately 6,785 kilograms of eggs wholesaled from the three farms have been confiscated so far.

    The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that aside from the three egg farms that were immediately sealed off in Changhua, a further six egg farms had supplied the retail shop in Miaoli, the administration’s Director General Wu Shou-mei (吳秀梅) said on Sunday.

    Investigators have begun a probe into the six egg farms, Wu said, but refused to reveal their names.

    Wu also defended the FDA on Sunday against a midstream egg wholesaler’s criticism that the administration’s decision to seal off the store before identifying the source of the contamination was “reckless, thoughtless, and even defamation.”

    Wu argued that the FDA acted in the public interest and to ensure public food safety, with all moves that were made following appropriate legal procedures.

    However, while the three major egg farms in Changhua have been sealed off for seven days starting last Friday, the six additional farms will not be sealed off because there are no official records showing that the they have supplied the Ho-chen retail store.

    Animal Feed in Question

    The FDA, the COA and the Environmental Protection Administration launched a joint investigation into the source of the dioxin contamination last week, the results of which should be available by this Friday.

    While authorities have yet to rule out water and air as possible causes of the pollution, animal feed has been widely considered as the most likely source of the contamination.

    According to Wang Chung-shu, the council collected samples from eight animal feed manufacturers used by the nine egg farms in question on Monday.

    Wang added that there are currently no laws limiting the legal amount of dioxin residue in animal feed and that the council will discuss establishing such regulations.

     

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  • Indo and India see strong growth in processed food retail

    Indo and India see strong growth in processed food retail

    Global innovation within the processed meat, poultry and fish categories has increased over the years and many markets with the highest growth potential are from the Asia Pacific region. New research from global market intelligence agency Mintel reveals that Asia is home to the world’s fastest growing retail markets for processed meat, poultry and fish, with Indonesia and India playing key roles across these categories.

    Indonesia is currently among the fastest growing processed meat and poultry markets globally with a CAGR of 26.7% between 2011 and 2015, followed by India* (22%), Vietnam (15.5%), China (13.9%), and Brazil (10.9%). Mintel estimates Indonesia’s processed meat and poultry market reached a value of IDR 16 trillion in 2016**, while India is estimated to have reached a value of INR 11 billion. Vietnam, China and Brazil have estimated retail values of VND 10 trillion, CNY 275 billion, and BRL 12 billion, respectively.

    Meanwhile, India* is one of the fastest growing retail markets for processed fish and seafood globally, growing at a CAGR of 24.9% between 2011 and 2015, while Indonesia has seen a CAGR of 19.5%, with Turkey (11.8%), South Africa (11.2%) and Russia (10.8%) rounding out the top five growth markets. In 2016**, Mintel estimates India’s processed fish and seafood market reached a value of INR 2,422 million, while Indonesia is estimated to have hit IDR 32 trillion, Turkey TRY 372 million, South Africa ZAR 3 billion and Russia RUB 148 billion.

    In the five years between 2011 and 2015, Thailand also experienced a positive CAGR of 9.4% for the processed fish and seafood market and a CAGR of 7.5% for the processed meat and poultry market. In terms of retail market value for 2016**, Thailand’s processed fish and seafood market is estimated to have reached THB 65 billion and its processed meat and poultry market, THB 60 billion.

    Driven by a surge in innovation activity, the global processed meat, poultry and fish markets saw an 18% increase in product launches in 2016, compared to 2014, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD). In 2016, Asia Pacific was the second most active region globally in terms of processed meat, poultry and fish new product development (NPD), accounting for 24% of processed meat, poultry and fish product innovations, led by China, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.

    Patty Johnson, global food and drink analyst at Mintel, said: “The need for convenience is the key driver behind Asia’s growing processed meat, poultry and fish retail markets in Indonesia, Thailand and India. Demand for processed and ready-to-eat foods, particularly frozen foods, is growing across Asia as increasingly time-pressed consumers have embraced the convenience of the freezer and of microwave cooking. Aligned with consumer interest in the region, processed meat, poultry and fish product innovation in 2016 saw strong focus on convenience claims, such as ease of use and microwaveable.”

    Indeed, according to a consumer study*** conducted by Mintel, over two in five (43%) metro Indonesians and 39% of metro Thais aged 18 and over tend to shop closer to home or work due to a lack of time. Furthermore, over one in four (28%) consumers in Indonesia prefer to buy smaller, bite sized or convenient packs as they can eat these anytime, anywhere, rising to over one in three (37%) Indonesians that fall within the monthly household income bracket of IDR 15,000,000 and above. In Thailand, as many as one in five (22%) consumers prefer to buy smaller, bite sized or convenient packs for the same reason.

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  • Yellow Cab Pizza Vietnam to open in suburb district

    Yellow Cab Pizza Vietnam to open in suburb district

    The Philippines’ Yellow Cab Pizza is about to open its first restaurant in Vietnam.

    The chain, owned by Max’s Group, which is rolling out franchised eateries across Southeast Asia, will launch in Ho Chi Minh City.

    But instead of debuting in the CBD suburb, District 1, as most international brands have traditionally done, Yellow Cab Vietnam has chosen the suburban area of Hau Giang street in District 6.

    Yellow Cab Vietnam

    Rapidly rising retail rents in District 1 are the most likely reason for the location chosen. While it is attractive to open the first store in District 1, the rent is now likely to cost as much as four times that of neighbouring districts.

    Good locations are becoming increasingly rare with so many international and local brands competing for the same space. However, it is expected that Yellow Cab will open in the CBD once it has tested its model and offer on Vietnamese consumers.

    “When F&B chains enter Vietnam, they will enter with multiple unit commitment, so eventually they must have stores outside of District 1,” commented Sean Ngo, CEO of VF Franchise Consulting.

    He said in District 6, there would be less competition from similar products and services in these non-central districts, and providing brands like Yellow Cab more opportunities in their early days in the city.

    Yellow Cab Vietnam will open 12 stores in the country within five years under a partnership between Max’s Group and Blue Star Food Vietnam.

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  • Vietnam in gradual shift to exporting more roast and ground coffee

    Vietnam in gradual shift to exporting more roast and ground coffee

    A decade ago most of the country’s coffee exports were semi-processed beans. The TNI King Coffee Factory that recently opened in Vietnam’s southern province of Binh Duong is the latest player to join the race to ship more finished coffee products from the world’s second-biggest producer.

    With an investment of $15 million, the factory aims to produce 9,000 tons of roast and ground coffee and nearly 20,000 tons of instant coffee annually for export, according to Le Hoang Diep Thao, director of TNI Corporation and the co-founder of Trung Nguyen Coffee. She has also helped build five plants for Trung Nguyen, one of Vietnam’s biggest coffee makers.

    TNI Corporation, which has recently gained a foothold in China’s online market for instant coffee and plans to start distribution through a supermarket chain there, did not give the size of its annual green bean demand for the new factory.

    But to reach the targeted annual output, the Binh Duong-based facility will need at least 13,000 tons of green beans for roast and ground coffee and another 50,000 tons for the instant variety, according to a Vietnamese coffee expert at a European firm based in Ho Chi Minh City.

    TNI’s factory will have to compete with 200 plants already in operation or which will be going into operation this year and the next, before the government puts a stop to new coffee processing plants in 2020 to ensure quality.

    In December 2016, India’s Tata Coffee said it will set up a freeze dried coffee plant in Vietnam to expand its market. In mid-January 2017, Tin Nghia Coffee Co began construction of a $28 million instant coffee plant in the southern province of Dong Nai, which is slated to open in early 2018.

    Demand for raw materials from the new plants will eat into exportable green bean stocks in Vietnam, the world’s largest exporter of semi-processed robusta beans, which has seen a smaller harvest this season due to adverse weather.

    “Demand is rising about 10 percent a year, and with a higher ratio of bad-quality beans from the last harvest due to bad weather, Vietnam may face shortages in the third quarter,” said the expert, who declined to be identified by name, referring to the three-month period starting this July.

    Top exporter Intimex expects the supply crunch to emerge in May or June, citing Vietnam’s fast export pace in the first months of 2017.

    Smaller harvest

    Vietnam’s 2016/2017 output has dropped 8 percent to an estimated 26.7 million bags (1.6 million tons) due to high temperatures and dry conditions brought by El Nino, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in its December 2016 report. One bag contains 60 kilograms of beans.

    Green coffee bean shipments are forecast to drop 13 percent from the previous 2015/2016 season to 23.5 million bags due to smaller output and more beans being used for domestic consumption or processed for export, the USDA said in its latest report.

    As such, green beans accounted for 90 percent of Vietnam’s total export volume, while roast and ground beans and instant coffee – or finished products – made up the rest. Vietnam’s crop year lasts from October through September.

    The forecasts mark a slow change to the country’s coffee export structure. Five years ago, finished products made up only 2 percent of Vietnam’s coffee shipments, the government said.

    Exports of roast and ground beans in the current 2016/2017 season are projected at 550,000 bags, unchanged from 2015/2016, but above the 457,000 bags shipped in the 2014/2015 season, based on the USDA report. The forecast volume represents 2 percent of Vietnam’s total projected shipments.

    The USDA also forecasts instant coffee exports to remain steady at 2 million bags, which shows a surge of 56 percent from the 2014/2015 season, while it said domestic consumption of roast and ground coffee would rise nearly 10 percent from the previous season to 2.5 million bags.

    Consumption of green beans in Vietnam is estimated at 2.87 million bags, up 9 percent from a year earlier, the USDA said.

    Vietnam does not publish breakdowns for its coffee exports.

    The Vietnamese government has plans to raise the output of roast, ground coffee and instant coffee to 25 percent of total output by 2020, while the output of instant coffee alone will increase to 5.83 million bags by 2030 from the 255,000 tons targeted for 2020.

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  • Pernod Ricard brands release GTR exclusives

    Pernod Ricard brands release GTR exclusives

    Following the release of Chivas Regal 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish in October 2015, Chivas Regal is introducing the collection’s second limited edition expression, exclusive to travel retail. The Chivas Regal 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill French Oak Finish is an intense re-interpretation of the  Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, and a new blend in the Chivas Regal range.

    To create the limited edition – the second in a series of three – the blending team selected first fill French oak casks in which to finish Chivas Regal 18 Year Old. Hand-crafted by master coopers in the Limousin region of France, the casks are only used solely to mature spirits.

    Chivas Regal 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill French Oak Finish pays tribute to French luxury with a new box designed in textured paper of a deep navy blue colour and featuring a matte silver bow-tie shaped label distinct to Chivas Regal.

    To mark the launch, Pernod Ricard Travel Retail EMEA is creating in-airport experiences throughout May 2017, including merchandising in Dubai International Airport Concourse B and offering travellers the opportunity to take part in tastings of the blend at a specially created bar in London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4.

    The Glenlivet has released three Single Cask limited editions which will be exclusive to travel retail: The Glenlivet Fore Burn Single Cask, The Glenlivet Watercairn Single Cask and The Glenlivet Tarland Single Cask.

    The Glenlivet Fore Burn Single Cask is a 19 year old whisky. The Glenlivet Watercairn Single Cask is aged for 18 years in American bourbon casks, while The Glenlivet Tarland Single Cask is bottled at cask strength.

    To mark the launch, Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Asia Pacific is activating in airports in single malt hubs across Asia. Until the end of April 2017, travellers to Taoyuan International Airport have the opportunity to be in a distillery themed pop-up space and learn about The Glenlivet Fore Burn Single Cask through comparative tastings with travel exclusive range The Glenlivet Master Distiller’s Reserve. Upon purchase of The Glenlivet Fore Burn Single Cask, customers will receive a personalised luxe leather neck tag featuring their initials.

    At Hong Kong International Airport, travellers can participate in tastings to discover The Glenlivet Watercairn Single Cask throughout April 2017. This is coupled with further activity at Singapore Changi Airport; visitors will be treated to sensorial tastings of The Glenlivet Tarland Single Cask from May to June 2017 and have the opportunity to visit The Glenlivet bar in Terminal 2 to experience the full flavour profiles of single malt whiskies.

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  • Ricola uses consumer insights to revamp travel retail range

    Ricola uses consumer insights to revamp travel retail range

    Swiss herb confectionery specialist Ricola is redefining its travel retail portfolio of herb drops following research carried out by m1nd-set in Frankfurt and Hong Kong airports.

    The findings, along with new travel retail-exclusive lines, will be revealed at next month’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference in Singapore (Basement 2, H6).

    The full new product line-up will be launched at the 2017 TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes in October.

    Ricola Head of Travel Retail and Middle East Andreas Reckart said: “Interestingly, we found that at both Hong Kong and Frankfurt airports the majority of candy purchases were for self, with mouth refreshment and/or breath freshening a key driver.”m1nd-set research considered key drivers of candy sales, the perception of Ricola as a brand and the perceived benefits of its herb drop range.

    When purchasing, consumers considered taste and self-treat along with other factors including soothing a sore throat and the need for healthy and sugar-free products. The research indicated that pocket-size boxes or tins could prompt purchases; price was not a consideration.

    “In both airports the brand scored highly as being of high quality, a trusted brand from Switzerland, with soothing and refreshing benefits,” Reckart said.

    Ricola’s new SKUs have prompted the development of smaller, travel retail-exclusive packaging which maintains premium pricing but is competitive compared to domestic markets, the company stated.

    “Ricola has a global reputation as the world’s leading supplier of premium herb drops but this does not automatically translate into travel retail success,” noted Reckart. “Now that we clearly understand the reasons for purchase – primarily for self rather than for gifting – it puts a completely new perspective on how we present, package and merchandise Ricola.”The new products will be phased in over the summer period with further lines added over the next year. They include 75g tins in three designs, developed as checkout items for individual consumption. The tins contain unwrapped 2.5g sugar-free herb drops in three flavours: Original Herb, LemonMint and Cranberry.

    A 125g doypack of wrapped 3.6g sugar-free herb drops is designed as a shelf item for individual consumption. Flavours include Original Herb, LemonMint, and Eucalyptus.

    Reckart commented: “We now have a clear vision and strategy for travel retail, a clear purpose and positioning within travel retail as the ‘Herbal Travel Essential’ to combat the problems associated with travel: dry cabin air, lack of water, mouth freshness/breath and change of climate.

    “Our aim is to position Ricola as a truly global yet unique brand in the global travel retail business with distribution through the top ten retailers globally.

    “We are looking at supporting the new range with strong branding, merchandising and promotion to secure personalised space in the top ten international airports. While Europe remains an important market for travel retail, our focus is on further developing our travel retail and domestic business outside our European stronghold.”

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  • Hong Kong’s fresh retail chicken shops may make a comeback

    Hong Kong’s fresh retail chicken shops may make a comeback

    Chicken rules the roost when it comes to Cantonese cuisine, and the fresher the better. But past government efforts to discourage retail sales of live chickens had almost put the once ubiquitous chicken shop on the endangered list.

    In the not so distant past, people in Hong Kong would visit their neighborhood chicken shop — easily identified by the cages of squawking chickens out front — where they had the butcher ‘process’ their chosen bird on the spot.

    “Live poultry is much tastier than frozen meat, especially when steamed,” says a local woman in her 60s, presumably reflecting the sentiments of the territory’s residents, who like their chicken steamed, boiled or as a base for soups.

    But having so many live chickens around increases the possibility of an avian flu epidemic, which can be devastating to both birds and people. Since the late 1990s, with each outbreak of the bird-born disease that resulted in human deaths, government officials have ordered the wholesale slaughter of chicken stocks.

    Because of this, the government had stepped up measures over the years to restrict the live poultry business, including encouraging poultry farms and chicken retailers to relinquish their live poultry licenses. At the same time, safety measures, such as vaccinations and inspections, were implemented to halt the spread of the disease at production and distribution centers.

    As a result, there have been no recent outbreaks of bird flu in the territories, prompting the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau earlier this month to change its stance and let the live poultry trade flourish again.

    Meanwhile, the number of chicken retailers — once numbering more than 800 shops — has fallen to about 130 as of the end of 2016, putting a premium on live poultry, which has been trading at the high range of 200 Hong Kong dollars ($25.72) per chicken. This price surge has forced Hong Kong shoppers to turn to cheaper frozen birds available in supermarkets.

    But with the government’s new recommendations, there may soon come a time when Hong Kong’s chicken lovers can buy their birds fresh without putting a dent in their wallets.

  • Appetite in Europe, Philippines may boost Vietnam’s 2017 rice exports

    Appetite in Europe, Philippines may boost Vietnam’s 2017 rice exports

    Vietnam’s global rice export ranking this year is expected to remain unchanged, trailing behind Thailand and India. Preferential import taxes in Eastern European countries and an extended rice supply agreement with the Philippines may help boost Vietnam’s rice exports this year by around 9 percent to 6 million tons, a U.S. Department of Agriculture attache said.

    The 2017 forecast, up from the 5.5 million tons shipped last year, leaves Vietnam’s global rice export ranking unchanged in third place, trailing Thailand and India, according to USDA projections.

    Vietnam can benefit from preferential import duties in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan after the Vietnam-Eurasia Economic Union Free Trade Agreement came into effect in October 2016, the USDA attache said in a report released on Tuesday.

    It also cited a rice trade agreement renewed in January, under which Vietnam can supply up to 1.5 million tons annually to the Philippines from 2017-2018.

    Rice exports to China, the biggest buyer of Vietnamese rice, are also expected to stay strong, now that China has approved 22 Vietnamese export firms, the report said.

    In a separate report released on Wednesday, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization also forecast Vietnam’s rice exports this year to jump 11 percent from 2016 to 6.9 million tons, citing demand from the Philippines and China.

    Exports slow

    Despite a positive outlook, Vietnamese export businesses said rice sales to eastern European countries have not been made easier because countries such as Russia often require high-quality grain.

    “There may be preferential import duties, but the cost to process rice and keep it pest-free would be higher than paying the import tariffs,” a Ho Chi Minh City-based exporter told VnExpress International.

    Asked about the Philippines, he said there were mixed reports, with some saying Manila was going to buy soon, while others said the National Food Authority, the country’s logistics agency in charge of importing rice, has not finalized any purchasing plans.

    Vietnam’s first-quarter rice exports fell 17.5 percent from a year ago to 1.29 million tons, extending a decline seen since May 2016, even though demand from China, Singapore and the Ivory Coast pushed March shipments alone to 550,700 tons, the highest monthly figure in a year, Vietnam Customs data shows.

    China is projected to import 5 million tons of rice in the 2016/2017 marketing year ending June 2017, up 4 percent from the previous year, a USDA report said in January.

    China bought 1.74 million tons of Vietnamese rice in 2016, down 17.5 percent from the previous year, based on customs data. The statistics did not include an estimated 1.5 million tons sold across the land border, according to a Vietnamese industry analyst.

    Shipments to the Philippines last year plunged 65 percent from 2015 to 396,000 tons, based on customs data.

    Vietnam is projected to export around 5 million tons this year, the Vietnam Food Association has said. Last year, the Southeast Asian nation shipped 4.8 million tons, the lowest since 2008, due to rising competition and growing production in key regional buyers, as well as higher stocks in Africa.

    In 2016, rice slipped to the third-biggest earner among Vietnam’s agro-exports, after seafood and fruit.

    Thinner stocks

    With rising exports expected in 2017, Vietnam’s stocks could drop to 1 million tons at the year-end from 1.42 million tons last year, the USDA report said, adding that output and domestic consumption would remain steady.

    Vietnam’s 2017 milled rice output is projected at 28.1 million tons, 0.7 percent up from last year due to higher yields, and domestic consumption and residual would edge up 0.4 percent to a combined 22.8 million tons.

    While per capita consumption has been easing thanks to rising incomes, there is “higher use of rice in home-made animal and aquaculture-feeds, and growth in the food processing sector, especially in the beer and rice wine industries,” the report said.

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  • Major Vietnamese sugar firms in merger talks

    Major Vietnamese sugar firms in merger talks

    Once established, the new company, will be the biggest sugar firm on Vietnam’s stock market. Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Thanh Thanh Cong Group, and Bien Hoa Sugar Joint Stock Company are planning to merge.

    Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh’s board of directors will submit the plan for approval at a snap company general meeting set for late May or early June.

    The board plans to ask shareholders to agree to issue new shares to replace all of Bien Hoa Sugar’s shares on the stock market.

    Following the merger, the new company’s market capitalization will be an estimated VND10 trillion ($440 million).

    Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh and Bien Hoa are currently among the largest listed sugar companies in Vietnam.

    At the end of 2016, Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh had total assets of more than VND7.3 trillion ($321.2 million) and equity of nearly VND3 trillion ($132 million), while Bien Hoa had over VND6 trillion and roughly VND2.28 trillion.

    The current market capitalization of Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh is VND6.2 trillion, while Bien Hoa’s is estimated at VND3.7 trillion.

    Bien Hoa Sugar shares were up 4.58 percent to VND13,700 at the end of Thursday’s trading session, while Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh’s were down 0.2 percent at VND24,450.

  • Jamies’s Italian Siam Discover Joins With Food Panda

    Jamies’s Italian Siam Discover Joins With Food Panda

    Jamie’s Italian Siam Discovery is proud to announce that it will launch a food delivery service alongside foodpanda – a popular and reliable food delivery team. Simply place your orders at www.foodpanda.co.th or on “foodpanda” mobile application and enjoy delicious Italian food delivered directly to you! A 40-baht delivery fee will be charged per order.

    Sarah Smith, General Manager of Jamie’s Italian Siam Discovery, says, “Jamie’s Italian Siam Discovery proudly presents our food delivery service, directly delivered to customers in Bangkok. We have joined forces with “foodpanda”, who are renowned for their food delivery service in Bangkok. We are going to launch our delivery service , allowing those who want to keep dry to enjoy Jamie’s Italian food at home. This is a great opportunity for those who haven’t been able to visit the restaurant to try our delicious Italian comfort food, without leaving their home or office.”

    Jamie’s Italian Siam Discovery strives to source only the best free-range, higher-welfare meat and sustainable and ethically produced ingredients. All the recipes are Italian classics with a Jamie twist. The restaurant will also work closely with Thai farmers and suppliers to showcase local produce.

    Menu recommendation

    The menu available on foodpanda has been chosen by the Jamie’s Italian team to give you a taste of Italian home cooking wherever you are. Enjoy antipasti and appetisers, including Ultimate garlic bread, Tomato bruschetta, Primavera bruschetta, Roasted carrot & avocado salad, and Porcini arancini .

    Customers can also choose from a delicious selection of pasta and pizzas – think Sausage casarecce, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Prawn linguine, Penne arrabbiata, Margherita pizza, Gennaro’s Italian sausage pizza, Funghi pizza, Italian hot pizza, and The Parma pizza.

    For mains or sides, customers can enjoy Chicken al mattone, Classic super food salad and the Jamie’s Italian Caesar salad. Plus, you can add delicious sides to your meal, from Crispy polenta chips to Spicy fries, Rainbow slaw, and Rocket salad.

    To finish, you can even order something sweet – try the Epic chocolate brownie, Raspberry rippled pavlova and Tiramisù. Don’t forget to try special drink like Italian lemonade and Italian sodas.

    Jamie’s Italian Siam Discovery and foodpanda are ready to serve you incredible Italian food made with the best ingredients – visit the website www.foodpanda.co.th or the foodpanda mobile application. A 40-baht additional delivery charge will be required per one-time order.

    Those who want to enjoy a full-option dining experience are invited to Jamie’s Italian Siam Discovery on G floor, Siam Discovery. The restaurant opens every day from 12.00 to 22.00 hrs. Bookings are available at www.jamiesitalian.co.th or call 0 2255 5222

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  • Sales of Indonesian Coffee in Italy Expected to Rise

    Sales of Indonesian Coffee in Italy Expected to Rise

    Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Esti Andayani targets economic growth of Indonesia-Italy investment and trade to rise 25 percent during her term of office in Rome.

    “25 percent is the overall figure, yes, both in investment trade,” Esti said in Jakarta (15/4).

    In 2015, the total of Italy investment realization reached US$ 97,99 million that made it the tenth largest investor in Indonesia. Based the data of Foreign Affair Ministry, the trade volume of both countries was US$ 3,82 billion with Indonesia’s surplus as much as US$ 433 million.

    Esti said that coffee is the main commodity promoted in Italy. Its export is worth US$ 58,8 million or the third largest export after palm (US$ 975 million), and resin (US$ 93 million).

    Esti claimed to have prepared a number of strategies to draw the attention of Indonesian coffee exporters to Italian market, one of which is by means of integrated promotion through participating in annual “World Tourism Expo” in Italy.

    “Well, tourism here not only promotes the place, but also everything, including coffee,” she added.

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  • Strong first quarter for Yum China

    Strong first quarter for Yum China

    Sales, profits and margins all grew, along with store expansion, for Yum China Holdings in its unaudited results for its first quarter to the end of February.

    Same-store sales grew 1 per cent, including growth of 1 per cent at KFC and 2 per cent at Pizza Hut Casual Dining. Total system sales grew 4 per cent (3 per cent at KFC and 9 per cent at Pizza Hut).

    The group opened 133 restaurants during the quarter.

    Total restaurant margin increased 3.7 points to 23 per cent, mainly helped by retail tax structure reform implemented on May 1.

    Operating profit grew 22 per cent and 27 per cent excluding foreign exchange, which negatively impacted operating profit by $12 million.

    Net income increased 21 per cent to $175 million, while adjusted pre-tax earnings rose 14 per cent to $320 million.
    Yum China has more than 7600 restaurants, with a two-to-one lead over the nearest Western quick-service restaurant competitor and an approximate six-to-one lead over the nearest Western casual-dining restaurant competitor in China, says CEO Micky Pant.

    “We are especially gratified with the progress made on two key drivers of growth – digital and delivery,” he says. “More than 4400 restaurants in our system offer deliveries, and we believe we have established an infrastructure for continued growth.

    “In the first quarter, delivery represented about 12 per cent of our company sales. With about 93 million loyalty program members between KFC and Pizza Hut Casual Dining, we believe we have unprecedented insights into consumer behaviour and have been engaging with them across the digital eco-system: from pre-order to payment.

    “We remain confident in our ability to deliver 550 to 600 new builds while delivering double-digit growth in operating profit, excluding foreign exchange, this year.”

    Members in the loyalty programs increased to about 70 million for KFC and 23 million for Pizza Hut.
    Mobile payments reached about 30 per cent of company sales, with more than $500 million in sales paid via cashless payment methods.

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