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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.

  • Insect restaurant educating Korean palates

    Insect restaurant educating Korean palates

    Food researcher and marketing expert Kim Young-wook is helping educate South Korean palates with the country’s first insect restaurant, Papillon’s Kitchen in Seoul, with a menu including cookies, sandwiches and pasta.

    “The biggest challenge has been the ‘disgusting factor’ that is deeply lodged in people’s psyche,” says Kim, head of the Korean Edible Insect Laboratory. “They don’t even try it if any food looks unpalatable at first glance.

    “But once you make it look good and explain the nutritional value of insects, people would think differently – one reason we have focused our attention on developing food-processing technology.

    Kitchen Papillon 1His one-table restaurant is named after the 1973 US moviePapillon, in which an inmate in solitary confinement in a remote French prison eats cockroaches and centipedes to survive. The establishment is like a laboratory where Kim and his employees – mostly his pupils – devise ways to broaden the appeal of insects as food.

    Rather than focus on their ingredients, such as mealworms, silkworms and crickets, Kim has been promoting his food products as “low-carbon and high-protein”.

    The larval form of the darkling beetle, mealworms are powdered and used to make pasta, deep-fried rice balls, soup, macaroons, ice cream and sauces.

    Kim has taken his concept beyond Korea, last month participating in Eating Insects Detroit, the first US conference dedicated to edible insects.

    Meanwhile, Edible Inc, a food-tech startup in Seoul, has a coffee shop featuring the “mealworm 500 shake”, named for its key ingredient and the number of insects involved. The shop also has cookies and energy bars made from silkworms and grasshoppers.

    CEO Ryu Si-doo opened his company with the ambition of giving customers a “fresh and intriguing” experience and help them change their prejudices against food made of insects.

    In a report this year, the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) estimated the size of the market for insects at 313.9 billion won (US$264 million) last year, up 90 per cent from 168 billion won in 2011. The government seeks to increase the size to 500 billion won by 2020.

  • Puregold chairman named top Philippine retailer

    Puregold chairman named top Philippine retailer

    Puregold Price Club chairman Lucio Co has been named top Philippine retailer for 2015.

    He received the ‘Patron of Micro-retail Entrepreneurship’ award from the Philippine Retailers Association.

    Co’s contribution to the growth of micro-retail entrepreneurs, particularly through Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring program, fulfilled the PRA’s criteria for the country’s model of a successful retailer in terms of growth and good ethical practices.

    PRA3

    The recognition marks the PRA’s 19th ‘Outstanding Filipino Retailers & Shopping Centers of the Year’ awards.

    PRA president and COO of Duty Free Philippines, Lorenzo C. Formoso, presented the trophy to Co, together with tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, trade secretary Adrian Cristobal, and Blims Lifestyle Group chairman Samie Lim.

    Formoso said during his opening speech that the association has awarded a couple of hundred retailers over the years, to encourage industry excellence that adopts world-class quality while maintaining local identity.

    “We can expect a brighter future ahead,” said Formoso, adding that the Philippine retail sector has become dynamic since it opened to foreign investors in 2000, citing Philippine Statistics Authority data on the increase in retail trade as percentage of national output.

    The PRA also recognised the most promising retailers, the best shopping centers and supermarkets, and the best retailers in specialty, home improvement, food and fashion categories. Ceremonies were held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

    Surplus and Bambu were named the best retailers under the fashion category (apparel and shoes & bags, respectively); Uniqlo Philippines, best foreign brand fashion retailer; Tropical Hut Hamburger best food; SM Hypermarket best hypermart, Robinsons Department Store best full-line department store, LCC Expressmart best regional retailer; and SM Megamall best large shopping center.

    Other finalists and winners include Robinsons Place Malolos, SM Sta Rosa, Ace Hardware, Krispy Kreme Stores, Dairy Queen, Philippine Pizza, Pacific Mall Legaspi, Newport Manila, Eastwood Mall, Lucky Chinatown, Urban Athletics, Grassroots Philippines, Runnr, Pet Express, The Travel Club, National Book Store, Abenson, Our Home, Mothercare, Esprit, Birkenstock, Clarks, Fitflop, Lacoste footwear, Karimadon, Freeway, Onesimus and La-Z Boy Gallery.

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  • Indonesia promotes specialty coffee in the Netherlands

    Indonesia promotes specialty coffee in the Netherlands

    Indonesia has again promoted its specialty coffee in the Netherlands to draw the attention of several people in The Hague.

    The promotional activity, being conducted through the Indonesia Coffee Festival, complied with the Indonesian governments policy to conduct economic diplomacy in the Netherlands.

    The promotion at the New Babylon Meeting Center was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague along with the Indonesian Students Association (PPI) in the Netherlands and PPI in The Hague, Minister Counsellor of Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs for the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague Azis Nurwahyudi informed Antara here on Monday.

    In his remarks, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Wesaka Puja stated that coffee was one of Indonesias leading export commodities as the country was the fourth-largest coffee producer in the world.

    The Indonesian government has continued to expand its overseas markets, especially in Europe, he remarked.

    Chairman of the Committee on The Hagues PPI Priska Astasari stated that the joint activity was also aimed at promoting economic development in Indonesia.

    Some seven companies from Indonesia were invited to participate in the festival: Adena Coffee, Javanusa, De Ngokow Coffee, Ephraim Coffee, Asasta Power, Mr O, and Blanco Coffee and Book.

    During the festival, some talk shows were organized to hold discussions on the various traits of Indonesian coffee.

    For instance, Charis Christian Julianto from the Ephraim Coffee Company disseminated information on coffee farming in Indonesia, including the history of the emergence of coffee beans in Indonesia and the concept of sustainable coffee production adopted by the Indonesian coffee farmers and entrepreneurs.

    Thereafter, Sara Datuk from the Javanusa Company provided information on the different flavors of coffee from various regions in Indonesia, such as the provinces of Aceh, West Java, and Papua.

    Aki Baihaki noted that fair trade in coffee should be profitable for entrepreneurs and the coffee farmers.

    Barista Yakup Aydin also demonstrated the ways of making espresso and latte art.

    Bimo Pramana from the Blanco Coffee and Book Company in Yogyakarta Province stated that by attending the Indonesia Coffee Festival in The Hague, he had gained a new experience and had increase his knowledge regarding the demand in the European market, especially in the Netherlands.

    The event also offered an opportunity to build a network among coffee entrepreneurs in both countries.

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  • Indonesia plans to implement certification to prevent fish laundering

    Indonesia plans to implement certification to prevent fish laundering

    Indonesia will implement a certification system to prevent fish laundering, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Susi Pudjiastuti said here on Tuesday.

    “I will make sure that all imports of fish will require a catch certificate in order to prevent so-called fish laundering,” she stated.

    She admitted that Indonesia imported fish to meet the demand from the industrial sector such as certain restaurants which need salmon fish, a species not found in the country.

    The minister explained that she has allowed these imports because she believed it will not hurt the price of local fish.

    “Our fish imports have dropped,” she continued, adding, “Indonesia imported many kinds of fish, not only salmon, which are not found in the country.”

    Susi pointed out that skipjack tuna is not found all year round in Indonesia. In addition to the decreasing trend of fish imports, the fish culture in Indonesia has also helped reduce dependency on fish feed, she noted.

    She praised her offices program of distributing various types of fish feed machines to various regions as it seemed to have yielded results.

    The office has increased the number of auditors from 700 to 1,000 this year to certify good fish culture practice.

    “We want more counselors and auditors as the number of people involved in fish culture has also increased. Similarly, production, exports and fish consumption have also increased,” the director general of fish culture, Slamet Soebjakto, informed in Mataram on May 26.

  • Charoen welcomes Salim Group into poultry feed business

    Charoen welcomes Salim Group into poultry feed business

    Salim Group’s decision to enter the poultry feed business in Indonesia in a bid to expand has yet to deter publicly listed poultry firm Charoen Pokphand Indonesia — whom currently holds 34 percent of the market share.

    Charoen Indonesia voiced optimism that its parent company, Charoen Pokhand Group will support the company, especially in terms of technology. The Thailand-based conglomerate is currently one of the biggest poultry business players in the world.

    “We have not prepared any special strategy to anticipate their entrance into the market. We welcome newcomers in the competition,” said Charoen Pokphand Indonesia president Director Tjiu Thomas Effendy on Wednesday.

    In December 2015, Salim Group purchased a controlling stake in Malaysia-based poultry firm CAB Cakaran Bhd. The conglomerate, through its shell company Plant Wealth Holdings Ltd, took 11.05 percent of shares in Cakaran.

    It plans to form a joint-venture in Indonesia this year. “Our Malaysian partner will do the technology transfer, while Indofood will support the operations,” Salim Group Chairman Anthoni Salim told thejakartapost.com recently.

    While Charoen is strong in poultry feed and day-old chicks, its poultry-based food business is low. This opens a door for Salim, as the big player in food industry, to enter especially as Salim has 35.8 percent shares in Fast Food Indonesia, the license-holder for the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in Indonesia.

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  • Indonesian coffee introduced in Southeast European market

    Indonesian coffee introduced in Southeast European market

    Indonesian coffee was introduced in Zagreb, Croatia, on June 8-10 during an event titled “Indonesian Specialty Coffee: From Cup to Cup” organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Zagreb in cooperation with local entity, Tanamera Coffee.

    During the program held in two locations — the Indonesian Embassy in Zagreb and a coffee shop in the Croatian capital — a representative from Indonesia introduced a variety of Indonesian coffee beans, including Gayo Aceh, Solok Sumatera, Toraja Sulawesi, Flores, and Malabar.

    “The last day of promotion in the cafe was open for the public, and some 600 people had the opportunity to sample the single origin coffee that our team had brought,” Dini Criddle, Tanamera Coffee owner, noted in a press release received on Monday.

    Tanamera Coffee, as the governments partner in promoting Indonesian coffee in the global market, also presented the process of coffee production, from the enhancement of farmers harvest results and the process of coffee production to the simulation of roasting techniques as well as brewing methods using filters or espresso machines.

    The Indonesian Embassy in Zagrebs Economic Functions Executive Widjoseno Sastroamidjojo remarked that the promotion efforts had drawn the interest of several coffee roasters, industry makers, and Croatian coffee importer to buy Indonesian coffee products and coffee beans that are deemed high in quality.

    This interest will boost the entry of Indonesian coffee into the Croatian market, as well as other European countries, he emphasized.

    “Not a lot of Croatians are familiar with Indonesian coffee. Seeing the high demand for Indonesian coffee and the potential to attract Croatian tourists that reached 12 million in 2015, we are confident that Indonesian coffee products can be successful in the southeast European market,” stated Sastroamidjojo.

    Coffee consumption in Croatia is high as its people prefer spending time in coffee shops in addition to the rapid growth in the number of such outlets in the southeastern Europe country.

    Despite having a total population of only 4.2 million, the coffee consumption rate in Croatia is rather high, reaching 15.9 tons, or 2.8 kilograms per capita in 2013.

    Based on the data retrieved from Euromonitor, Croatia was ranked 14th on the worlds coffee consumption index.

    Meanwhile, other Southeast European countries, such as Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, are also listed among the 15 countries, with the highest per capita coffee consumption rate, with each reaching 6.1, 5.4, and 4.3 kilograms.

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  • McDonald’s Malaysia embraces Ramadan spirit

    McDonald’s Malaysia embraces Ramadan spirit

    McDonald’s Malaysia is marking Ramadan with a series of activities to commemorate the holy month of self-reflection and spiritual rejuvenation.

    For the third year running, the group is sponsoring McChicken burgers and apple pies once a week to 91 mosques across the nation for after-prayer meals (moreh). This time it is extending the sponsorship to the mosques of 15 universities.

    “In our 34 years in Malaysia, McDonald’s has seen that Ramadan brings out the best in us,” says MD Azmir Jaafar.

    Meanwhile, the group is offering 30,000 sets of dates and drinking water free to commuters during rush hour at five Putra LRT stations twice a week. Also, more than 100 children in need will be treated to an evening of festive cheer including a shopping spree for baju raya and school necessities, as well as an Iftar dinner.

    Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) will be sponsoring the breaking-of-fast dinner at Hotel Vistana Kuantan, and also be making a donation of RM5000 (US$1215) to children’s homes. In turn, McDonald’s Kuantan will be handing out duit raya to the children while township developer Kotasas will foot the baju raya bill.

    Furthermore, McDonald’s and RMHC will join again to celebrate Ramadan at Pusat Lambaian Kasih in Kuala Lumpur next week. RMHC will contribute RM6000 to the charity home and McDonald’s employees will volunteer to spend quality time and break fast with the children.

    In Malaysia, McDonald’s serves more than 13.5 million customers a month at more than 260 restaurants.

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  • India may import pulses from Myanmar, African nations

    India may import pulses from Myanmar, African nations

    Faced with the highest-ever surge in food prices in the past two years, the NDA government did some brainstorming on Wednesday to devise steps to check prices, especially of pulses.

    At a review meeting convened by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here, it was decided to boost supply by increasing buffer stocks and imports.

    The Centre may look to Myanmar and Africa to import lentils and pulses, it is learnt. India has already submitted a draft agreement for import of tur from Myanmar via the government route.

    Many African nations have also evinced interest in supplying lentils to India.

    “The Finance Minister said imports via public and private agencies should be strengthened to meet the deficit,” Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told newspersons after the meeting. He added that the demand-supply gap of about 7.6 million tonnes of pulses was being met by imports and local procurement to create a buffer stock of 1.5 lakh tonnes this year.

    It is not only the runaway increase in prices of pulses, which have soared to as much as ₹170/kg, that has hurt the aam aadmi; even vegetable prices have shot up in recent weeks.

    Tomato prices in most retail markets have doubled to ₹80-100/kg in the last fortnight due to sluggish supply owing to crop damage. Potato prices have also been on the rise.

    Besides Paswan, the high-level meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

    Discussions involved releasing more pulses from the buffer stock whenever there is a demand from the States. However, Paswan passed some of the blame for high prices to the States.

    “If prices rise despite this move, the Centre is not responsible. In a federal structure, States have equal responsibility in controlling prices,” he said, adding that the Centre had created a buffer stock, but “not many States had shown interest.”

    Against this year’s procurement target of 1.5 lakh tonnes of pulses for buffer stocks, 1.15 lakh tonnes has been purchased, he added.

     

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  • Cheesecake Factory China opens at Disney Resort

    Cheesecake Factory China opens at Disney Resort

    US food brand has opened the first The Cheesecake Factory China under a licensing agreement with its affiliate CCD China Operating Corporation.cheesecake_factory_counter

    Being run by Hong Kong-based Maxim’s Caterers, the restaurant is in Disneytown, the shopping, dining and entertainment precinct in Shanghai Disney Resort. The outlet has a menu of more than 200 items – all handmade in-house with fresh ingredients – featuring its signature cheesecakes and desserts.

    “China is an exciting new area of development for us and we are so pleased to be able to bring The Cheesecake Factory’s guest experience to Disneytown,” says The Cheesecake Factory founder/chairman/CEO David Overton, from California.

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  • BFood sales rise despite consumer caution

    BFood sales rise despite consumer caution

    Malaysian food outlet group Berjaya Food (BFood) has had an 8 per cent rise in revenue to RM139.05 million (US$34.03 million) for its fourth quarter, ended April 30.

    BFood, which runs Jollibean, Kenny Rogers Roasters (KRR) and Starbucks outlets, says the increase is mainly because of higher sales in existing cafes along with income from new cafes.

    The group’s pre-tax profit dropped to RM7.67 million from RM10.06 million in the same quarter last year, mainly because of a lower contribution from KKR outlets as Malaysian consumers have been more cautious about spending after the implementation of the GST tax, plus the steep depreciation of the ringgit, affecting the profit margin of Berjaya Starbucks Coffee Company (BStarbucks).

    As well as this, during the quarter about RM600,000 was paid to Royal Malaysian Customs Department by BStarbucks for additional import duty and sales tax on purchases from its principal over the past few years.

    For the financial year, the group’s revenue grew 47 per cent to RM554.15 million from RM376.78 million the previous year. The higher revenue was mainly because of the full effect of consolidating BStarbucks, which became a subsidiary the previous financial year.

    With the weak consumer sentiment brought on by the introduction of the GST and various other factors, BFood will be working in a challenging environment in the next financial year, says the group. Nevertheless, it expects BStarbucks to maintain its revenue growth momentum.

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  • Bo’s Coffee founder selected as high-impact entrepreneur

    Bo’s Coffee founder selected as high-impact entrepreneur

    Having traded a law degree to start a sustainable coffee shop,  is now set to make greater impact on Philippine development.

    Endeavor chose the founder of Bo’s Coffee as the latest Filipino high-impact entrepreneur during its 64th International Selection Panel in Madrid, Spain, held from May 25 to 27.

    A global non-profit group, Endeavor aims to transform emerging economies by providing support to local entrepreneurs capable of creating high-growth businesses. The aim is to help them build companies that others can feed off, creating a healthy job-creating ecosystem similar to Silicon Valley.

    Benitez joins a select group of globally-selected, Philippine-based Endeavor entrepreneurs that include Xurpas founder and president Nix Nolledo and PSG Global Solutions founders Brian Cotter and Vivek Padmanabhan.

    “As a high-impact entrepreneur, Steve convinced panelists of his ability to build a successful business, but just as importantly, he has also supported and mentored other entrepreneurs to grow their own businesses,” said Manny Ayala, managing director of Endeavor Philippines.

    Sustainable scaling

    Benitez recounted how his appreciation for coffee began when he was a law student – he realized that he would rather be a barista than a barrister.

    After a trip to a coffee trade show in the United States, Steve decided to put up his own kiosk in 1996, with an initial capital of P150,000. Bo’s Coffee has since grown to be the largest specialty coffee store in the Visayas and Mindanao.

    The ability to scale up is a major factor in the selection process which Bo’s Coffee continued to exhibit last year, Endeavor pointed out.

    Benitez grew the business to 75 chains with 500 employees in 2015, and the company is planning to at least double in size by 2020.

    Screenshot 2016-06-17 12.42.06

    The firm’s social impact was another consideration for its selection. The panel noted that Bo’s Coffee sets an example for Philippine retail by partnering with social entrepreneurs for its nationwide distribution channel, allowing them to grow alongside the firm.

    These social entrepreneur partners practice sustainability by working with, and sourcing coffee from, local communities.

    As a newly-minted Endeavor high-impact Entrepreneur, Benitez will have access to Endeavor’s global network of over 4,000 business leaders who can help him accelerate the process of scaling up.

    The benefits also extend to free consulting services from top firms Ernst and Young and Bain Consulting, and potential access to Endeavor’s investment fund, should Benitez require it.

    “Bo’s Coffee is well-positioned for growth with plans to expand distribution in Luzon and Metro Manila. Further, Bo’s Coffee will push their message of supporting local communities and sustainability as the Philippines’ best homegrown brew,” Ayala said.

  • Robinsons Retail Philippines eyes 200 stores

    Robinsons Retail Philippines eyes 200 stores

    Robinsons Retail Philippines has announced it will add 200 stores, mostly convenience stores and supermarkets.

    The boost in its retail chain will add to its existing 1506 stores.

    For 2016, Robinsons Retail Holdings has earmarked P5 billion in capital spending, nearly 60 per cent higher than the P3.14 billion in 2015.

    Robina  Gokongwei-Pe, president and COO of Robinsons Retail Holdings, said “2016 is expected to be a good year. With the national elections in May coupled with the rising purchasing power of consumers fuelled by low fuel prices, we expect same store sales growth to stay healthy for the whole of 2016,” Gokongwei-Pe said.

    “We however, foresee competition to remain intense as more retailers are expanding aggressively in areas outside Metro Manila to cash in on the still low modern retail penetration in these areas,” she said.

    robinsons storerobinsons supermarketRobinsons Townville facade 2

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  • Sylvie Chantecaille’s Favorite Hong Kong Restaurants and Shops

    Sylvie Chantecaille’s Favorite Hong Kong Restaurants and Shops

    Chantecaille, the botanical-based luxury skincare and beauty brand, has opened a shop in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s premier retail destination. The 1,600-square-foot La Boutique Hong Kong was designed in consultation with innovative French architect and designer Patrick Naggar. On the outside, oversize windows and a limestone façade channel Paris, while whimsical furnishings and bespoke fixtures create an elegant atmosphere inside.

    Aside from the store, there’s a skin clinic with two private rooms where clients can get signature Rose de Mai facials among other treatments. There’s also a salon that offers makeup consultations and brow-shaping services. “The city has been incredibly good to us—we wanted to give back and set up our first true flagship here, giving the women of Hong Kong a spa where they can get an excellent facial and a private salon where they can enjoy a quiet moment or share a macaron with a friend,” says company founder Sylvie Chantecaille. We asked the French skincare guru about her favorite places to eat, shop, and play in the buzzing city.

    Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel

    “Caprice Bar is a very sexy and cozy spot I love to go with a friend. The atmosphere is sophisticated with mesmerizing deep earth and purple tones. It has an incredible selection of delicious cheese and wine. I like to sit by the window to watch the flickering lights over Victoria Harbour.” 8 Finance Street, Central Hong Kong; fourseasons.com

    Hutong

    “This is a gorgeous and romantic old-world Chinese restaurant designed by David Yeo. When the elevator opens, you are greeted by glistening red lanterns of all shapes and sizes that transport you back in time. It offers chic and fantastic food. Request a table by the window and get there by 8 P.M. to see the light show.” 28/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui; hutong.com.hk

    Aqua Luna

    “The Hong Kong junk boats represent the old values still present in this modern city. There aren’t that many traditional sampans [wood boats] in operation anymore, but Aqua Luna offers sightseeing trips across the bay on the red-sail vessels.” aqualuna.com.hk

    Chantecaille La Boutique

    “Ice, our facialist, has golden fingers. You will be rejuvenated and experience the best neck massage you have ever had. By the time she applies the third or fourth mask, your skin will be as soft as a baby’s bottom.” G/F 2-4 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay; chantecaille.com

    Sevva

    “This restaurant has an amazing terrace with a stunning view of the city—it’s on the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building. People sit there for hours, listening to music and enjoying the glamorous Hong Kong style. When the weather is nice, this is my favorite place.” 10 Chater Road, Central Hong Kong; sevva.hk

    Lane Crawford

    “I am partial to this iconic luxury department store because you can find everything there. They have an incredible selection of more than 800 international brands.” Several locations; lanecrawford.com

    Dries Van Noten

    “As a Dries devotee, I always find amazing pieces at this store that I don’t find anywhere else. It’s also conveniently located near the Marni boutique, which is my other obsession.” 215 Landmark, Queens Road, Central Hong Kong; driesvannoten.be

    Café Gray Deluxe at the Upper House Hotel

    “The best weekend brunch is at Café Gray Deluxe, located in the chic boutique hotel Upper House. It has wonderful city views. There is a big variety on the menu, and they also have decadent desserts.” Pacific Place, 88, Queensway; cafegrayhk.com

    Asia Society

    “I love to take friends visiting Hong Kong for the first time to experience the marvelous art and architecture of this peaceful oasis. There is an exquisite garden, and inside there is a labyrinth-like jungle of foliage that leads you to Chantal Miller Gallery, home to wonderful and unexpected art. They also have a theater with lectures and films.” 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty; asiasociety.org

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  • Nestle offers overseas products to Chinese consumers through new partnership with Alibaba

    Nestle offers overseas products to Chinese consumers through new partnership with Alibaba

    Nestlé has strengthened its global capabilities in e-commerce by signing a partnership with Alibaba in China, to grow online sales, build key brands and offer new products to millions of consumers.

    Nestlé has introduced products including Nido milk powder, Damak chocolate and Nescafé Dolce Gusto BMW MINI coffee machines on Tmall.com, China’s largest shopping website for brands and retailers. Using Taobao.com, the country’s largest shopping site overall, Nestlé is expanding its distribution in rural areas.

    Nestlé e-commerce successes to date include the Nespresso online boutique, and the recent global launch of super-premium chocolate brand Cailler using Amazon as the primary retailer.

    Sebastien Szczepaniak, Vice President of Group Sales and eBusiness, said that Nestlé’s online sales are growing more than 25% per year.

    “Moreover, offline purchases are increasingly influenced by what we see online, so brand building has gone beyond having good television advertising and nice packaging. Our ability to build brands on any touchpoint, be it digital or analogue, is vital,” he said.

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  • Starbucks Disneytown cafe opens

    Starbucks Disneytown cafe opens

    Starbucks has opened its first flagship store within a Disney resort in Asia.

    The new Starbucks Disneytown Shanghai cafe opened on Wednesday. It will employ 110 staff creating a destination for resort-goers to relax and recharge.

    “We will bring to life the craft of coffee in an immersive environment which will include new menu ordering options through a variety of mobile devices,” said Starbucks in a statement.

    Starbucks_Disneytown_China_(2)

    With the addition of this latest flagship store in Shanghai, China will be the only market in Starbucks China and Asia Pacific region to pioneer and operate four distinct flagship stores.

    “China today represents the most significant and exciting opportunity ahead for Starbucks and our aspiration is to delight our customers and partners throughout China with an extraordinary store experience,” said John Culver, group president of Starbucks China and Asia Pacific.

    “We expect the Starbucks Disneytown flagship store to be one of our busiest stores globally, serving and bringing the unique Starbucks experience to thousands of customers daily,” said Culver.

    “This store builds on our ongoing commitment to the China market, following the announcement of our plans to open a Starbucks Roastery and Reserve Tasting Room in Shanghai late next year.”

    “First of its kind experience”

    Reflective of Starbucks unique, sophisticated and locally relevant design, customers will immediately recognise the two-story Starbucks Disneytown store located at the crossroads of the shopping, dining and entertainment district just outside the main entrance to the theme park, adjacent to the Wishing Star Park. Atop the store, a specially crafted wind vane will evoke the playfulness of Disney with the Starbucks siren.

    Starbucks_Disneytown_China_(3)

    Upon entering through grand, castle-like doors customers will be greeted by a Starbucks barista and a sweeping view of a warm, inviting environment created out of natural woods and materials reflecting the raw, agricultural roots of coffee. Seating will surround the cafe bar allowing families and friends to gather, creating connection and community as they immerse in the story of coffee.

    The first and second floors of the store will be joined by gently terraced stairs, and the copper wall panels celebrate the different degrees of coffee roasting highlighting the proud coffees in Starbucks portfolio.

    Starbucks_Disneytown_China_(5)

    Hanging from the ceiling is a delicately constructed piece of artwork designed from gold and white metal wiring inspired by latte art crafted by baristas, while a mural of the Starbucks siren is made out of Starbucks cups. A centerpiece, this mural includes intricately designed silhouette scenes inside a handful of cups designed by local artists representing China’s cultural heritage.

    Technology

    Starbucks_Disneytown_China_(1)

    For the first time in China, the traditional menu board is replaced by a digital menu. Customers can order their favorite beverages and food using a mobile handheld device available at the store or from their personal mobile device. This integration of technology offers a convenient experience that was inspired by Starbucks stores in the US, including its express format on Wall St in New York and the Starbucks Roastery located in its hometown of Seattle, Washington.

    “This new Starbucks Disneytown Flagship store will bring its own distinctive, unforgettable moments of connection while inspiring playful imagination for customers of all ages,” added Henry Xie, GM of President Starbucks Coffee Shanghai Co.

    This new Shanghai location is the 12th Starbucks store globally to open as part of a Disney resort.