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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.

  • 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.

  • One of the final hurdles for biggest beer deal almost cleared

    One of the final hurdles for biggest beer deal almost cleared

    Anheuser-Busch InBev’s $107bn acquisition of SABMiller is nearing Chinese approval after the companies agreed to divest the maker of Snow beer, the world’s top-selling brand, according to people familiar with the matter.

    Approvals for both transactions could come as soon as this month based on typical review timelines, clearing one of the final hurdles for the biggest beer deal in history.

    DEBT BREWING: AB InBev agreed to buy SABMiller in October for about $110bn. Picture: REUTERS

    Though China’s Ministry of Commerce may attach some conditions to the deal, including the Snow divestiture, regulators see no major hurdles, said one of the people, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private. Some local beermakers told the ministry that they don’t object to the takeover as it won’t have a big impact on the Chinese market, another person said.

    SABMiller shares closed up 3 pence to £43.06 in London, erasing an earlier decline. AB InBev shares fell less than 1% to €114.95 in Belgium.

    The merged company would redraw control of the global beer market. Following divestitures, the deal will keep Budweiser, Beck’s and Stella Artois under AB InBev’s roof, while ceding control of brands including Miller in the US and Peroni and Pilsner Urquell in Europe.

    In China, the companies agreed to sell SABMiller’s 49% stake in its joint venture with China Resources Beer, which controls Snow beer, back to its partner.

    Deals unravelled

    In clearing these global hurdles, the beer megadeal contrasts with other big proposed tie-ups that unravelled amid antitrust scrutiny, including Halliburton’s failed bid for Baker Hughes, Staples’s foiled merger with Office Depot and General Electric’s decision to abandon the sale of its appliance business to Electrolux. In the beer deal, the sides were aggressive in offering divestitures from the start — including the plan for SABMiller to sell Snow — which may have ultimately helped reduce regulatory resistance, antitrust lawyers have said.

    The US Justice Department may clear the tie-up as soon as this month, people familiar with the process have told Bloomberg News. SA has yet to bless the deal, which has hit some obstacles amid protests from local unions.

    AB InBev and SABMiller declined to comment. China Resources and the commerce ministry didn’t immediately respond to queries.

    The merger plan, which the two companies reached in November as a way to gain access to emerging markets, has already won antitrust approval in more than a dozen jurisdictions, including the European Union.

    In March, China Resources announced it would buy out SABMiller’s stake in their Chinese venture for $1.6-billion. That deal is also nearing approval from China’s commerce ministry, the people said.

    In the US, AB InBev has agreed to sell SABMiller’s stake in the MillerCoors joint venture. It may also have to agree to further conditions related to beer distribution, according to people familiar with the matter. Smaller brewers and wholesalers want officials to restrict AB InBev’s control and influence over how beer gets on to store shelves, according to the people.

     

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  • FairPrice cuts prices on health grounds

    FairPrice cuts prices on health grounds

    Citing social concerns, Singapore grocer NTUC FairPrice cuts prices on wholegrain rice in a public commitment to aiding the fight against diabetes.

    The supermarket says a 5 per cent discount on all FairPrice housebrand wholegrain rice for the next three months will be matched by a similar reduction in the prices of all of its 1000+ Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) certified items for a fortnight, across its 133 supermarkets islandwide.

    The measure is part of FairPrice’s healthy eating campaign, the start of a series of initiatives by the organisation this year to promote healthy eating and drive awareness on diabetes. Total savings from these discounts are expected to amount to more than S$500,000 for customers.

    NTUC FairPrice chairman Bobby Chin says the trade union owned grocer “serves to make lives better by offering greater value on healthier daily essentials”.

    “Rice is a commonly consumed staple in Singapore and by promoting wholegrain rice as a healthier alternative,we are taking a proactive approach in the prevention and management of chronic diseases like diabetes. Beyond rice, we also support the government’s call in advocating a holistic approach towards healthy eating by also providing quality and value for all our Healthier Choice Symbol products.”

    Diabetes is fast becoming a major focus of health initiatives globally with the 422 million diabetic adult population in the world expected to double in the next 20 years. Singapore has been found to have the second-highest diabetes prevalence among developed nations, after the US, with one out of nine Singaporeans affected by diabetes and one in three having a chance of getting diabetes in their lifetime.

    As an alternative to white rice, wholegrain rice has been shown to lower the risk of developing diabetes while containing more fibre, vitamins and minerals.

    “The 5 per cent discount for all FairPrice housebrand wholegrain rice serves to encourage customers to consume these healthier alternatives. The discount is applicable namely to FairPrice Thai Brown Unpolished Rice, FairPrice Thai Red Unpolished Rice and FairPrice Thai Rice Blend, which is a mix of white and brown rice,” the company said in a statement.

    Back in 2014, FairPrice began advocating consumption of brown rice through its annual Walk for Rice event by donating brown rice to low-income families. FairPrice has also seen the sale of housebrand brown rice increase by 25 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the year before.

    Zee Yoong Kang, CEO of the Singapore Health Promotion Board said it was pleasing to see the retailer taking active steps to raise the awareness of healthier choice options amongst consumers.

    “The market share of Healthier Choice Symbol products has been gaining market share with sales of Healthier Choice Symbol products growing at 9 per cent annually. This is a very encouraging sign that more and more Singaporeans are taking steps to select healthier options when grocery shopping. We encourage more F&B retailers to join in this effort so that together we can increase the pervasiveness of healthier options for Singaporeans.”

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  • Shake Shack Korea is coming closer

    Shake Shack Korea is coming closer

    New York burger chain Shake Shack is set to make its Korean debut as early as July.

    The Shake Shack Korea licence was secured by Korean food and confectionary giant SPC Group last year and the first outlet is currently under construction in the Gangnam district of Seoul.Shake Shack meal

    The company says the grand opening of the debut store is planned for some time in July or August.

     

    Shake Shack, an American fast casual restaurant. is best known for its burger and milkshake combo.

    SPC says construction of the first store is well under way. “Gangnam is one of the most vibrant and energetic areas of Seoul,” said a spokesman. “It’s the perfect place to reenact the dynamic atmosphere of Shake Shack’s flagship restaurant in Madison Square Park.”

    CH7_9911b-540x360.0.0

    Last year Shake Shack signed a licensing agreement with Japanese company Sazaby League, local operator of Starbucks. The two companies plan to open 10 Shake Shacks in Japan by 2020, with the first, in Tokyo, scheduled to open in 2016.

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  • Los Angeles hotdog chain opens Pink’s Manila

    Los Angeles hotdog chain opens Pink’s Manila

    Los Angeles’ Pink’s Hotdog chain opens in the Philippines today at the Shangri-la Fort in Bonifacio Global City.

    Pink’s Manila is the chain’s first international branch.The Hollywood legend established in 1939 has partnered with Pink’s family and Wildflour & Farmacy Manila to enter the Philippine market.

    Owners Richard and Gloria Pink are in Manila to attend the grand opening of Pink’s Manila at the ground floor of the newly opened hotel.

    Architect Lara Fernandez Barrios designed the “L.A. style biergarten” interiors based on Chef Walter Manzke’s concept for the Manila  branch.

    The new store features a converted Volkswagen Combi housing Farmacy’s ice cream shop and soda fountain stand, and soon, a bar that will be serving cocktails and mostly craft beers on draft.

    Tentative opening store hours will be from 11am to 2am, but are subject to change.

  • Lawson Japan eyes US for expansion

    Lawson Japan eyes US for expansion

    Convenience store owner Lawson Japan is seeking to buy chains in the US with the aim of boosting its number of overseas outlets by about a quarter within a year.

    “In the US, where the market is mature, mergers and acquisitions are a simple and straightforward way for us to expand, which would also allow us to buy time to boost the number of shops,” says Sadanobu Takemasu, who became Lawson president and COO this week.

    He says the group will also focus on expanding in Southeast Asia.

    Lawson has about 12,500 stores in Japan and 793 outside the country, and is targeting a 26 per cent increase to 1000 overseas outlets by February.

    Lawson joins other chains such as Seven & I Holdings’ 7-Eleven and FamilyMart in seeking overseas expansion while competing to displace conventional grocery shops and restaurants domestically amid Japan’s economic malaise and falling population.

    Lawson has a 5.3 per cent market share of Japan’s grocery retail sales, second only to 7-Eleven’s 12.2 per cent share, according to data from Euromonitor International. The situation is the same in the fast-food market, with 7-Eleven holding a  33.8 per cent share followed by Lawson with 12.4 per cent.

    Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he is postponing an increase in sales tax until October 2019 as the government seeks to avoid depressing private consumption.

    But Takemasu says any changes in sales tax timing would have had only a temporary impact on Lawson’s business.

    “In Japan, I want to focus resources on the existing businesses to strengthen them, so I’m not considering adding new businesses through mergers and acquisitions for now.”

    Trading conglomerate Mitsubishi Corporation, where Takemasu was an aide to the president before joining Lawson, is Lawson’s top shareholder with a 33 per cent stake.

    Lawson bought the Seijo Ishii supermarket group in 2014, and the United Cinema chain the same year.

    While Lawson has outlets in China, Indonesia and the Philippines, Seven & I has about 40,000 shops outside Japan while FamilyMart has about 6000.

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