Retail News CRM

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.

  • Malaysia’s largest coffee chain Zus Coffee targets 200 Southeast Asian outlets this year

    Malaysia’s largest coffee chain Zus Coffee targets 200 Southeast Asian outlets this year

    Malaysia’s largest coffee chain, Zus Coffee, plans to launch 200 new outlets in Southeast Asia this year, according to CEO Venon Tian in an interview with Bloomberg.

    Zuspresso, the operator of the Zus brand, is targeting at least 107 new stores in Malaysia, 80 in the Philippines, and six in Singapore. It also eyes to set up the first stores in Thailand and Indonesia this year.

    Last year, Zus surpassed Starbucks as Malaysia’s top coffee chain after five years of operation, with 743 outlets compared to Starbucks’ 320.

    It also manages 120 stores in the Philippines.

    Zus reported a threefold increase in net income to RM37 million (US$8.4 million) in 2024, reflecting its rapid growth.

    Tian attributed the company’s success to its market-specific flavors, such as palm sugar-flavored drinks in Malaysia and purple yam-flavored coffee in the Philippines.

    Zus, which started out as a kiosk focusing on coffee delivery in 2019, now sees about 70% sales coming from online channels, including deliveries and pickups.

    Its tech-driven approach and cost-efficient store construction have enabled it to offer coffee over 20%cheaper than Starbucks, boosting its widespread appeal in Malaysia.

    Zus drinks are price in the mid-range in Malaysia, between the RM5 price tag of convenience stores and RM11 of premium stores.

    “It’s about how we make quality coffee accessible to most people,” Tian said.

  • Tim Hortons launches retail coffee range in South Korea

    Tim Hortons launches retail coffee range in South Korea

    Tim Hortons has launched its retail lineup in South Korea as part of its strategy to broaden the brand’s reach.

    The Canadian cafe brand’s retail coffee offerings include Original Blend whole bean coffee and fine grind coffee in five flavours: Original Blend, French Vanilla, Colombian, Maple, and Decaf.

    “Like all Tim Hortons coffees, our bagged coffee retail products start with 100 per cent premium Arabica beans that are roasted with care and blended to perfection,” said Mieka Burns, VP of consumer packaged goods at Tim Hortons.

    “Guests can already savour their favourite Tim Hortons beverages in restaurants and they can now complement that experience at home.”

    Tim Hortons’ whole bean and fine grind coffee are available at the Lotte Mart grocery store in Gangdong Millennial Jungheung S-Class Complex, and will soon be available in department stores and online.

    The Canadian coffee chain debuted in South Korea in 2023 and has quickly expanded to 16 locations.

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  • Indonesian coffee chain Fore Coffee’s IPO oversubscribed by 200 times

    Indonesian coffee chain Fore Coffee’s IPO oversubscribed by 200 times

    Indonesian coffee chain Fore Coffee made its trading debut on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), following a heavily oversubscribed initial public offering that attracted more than 114,000 investors.

    The East Ventures-incubated company priced its IPO at US$0.012 (RP188) per share, issuing 1.88 billion new shares to raise approximately $22.3 million (RP353.44 billion) in fresh capital.

    Fore Coffee plans to allocate around 75 percent of the funds to its domestic expansion, with a target of 140 new outlets over the next two years.

    An estimated $3.8 million (RP60 billion) will be invested in launching a new doughnut concept, while the remaining $1.1 million (RP18 billion) will go towards working capital.

    Wilson Cuaca, president and chairman of Fore Coffee, and co-founder and managing partner at East Ventures, said the strong response to the IPO demonstrates the appeal of homegrown startups to public investors.

    “The counter-intuitive decision to proceed with the IPO during the lowest IDX Composite index since the pandemic paid off,” Cuaca said.

    Mandiri Sekuritas and Henan Putihrai Sekuritas acted as joint lead underwriters and intermediaries for the offering.

  • Celsius adds Sunset Vibe flavour to energy drink range

    Celsius adds Sunset Vibe flavour to energy drink range

    American energy drink brand Celsius has added a Sunset Vibe flavour, a blend of mango and passionfruit.

    The new tropical-inspired flavour joins the brand’s existing local range, which includes Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry, Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade, Sparkling Green Apple Cherry, and Cosmic Vibe.

    In addition, it contains no sugar and is described to offer a “taste of paradise.”

    Ben Andrews, director of partnerships at  Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, highlighted the brand’s growth since its launch last year.

    “Our strong customer relationships, consumer centricity, and distribution efforts have ensured that Celsius reaches consumers quickly and efficiently,” said Andrews.

    “We are excited to continue this momentum by adding Sunset Vibe to the range, and to bring innovative energy solutions to even more consumers.”

    Celsius Sunset Vibe at an RRP of $4 per can is available in the convenience and petrol channels, with a broader rollout to Woolworths underway.

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  • Pickle Juice debuts Extra Strength Shots in Coles

    Pickle Juice debuts Extra Strength Shots in Coles

    US beverage brand The Pickle Juice Company has launched its 75ml Extra Strength Shots in Coles supermarkets nationwide.

    The Texas-based company claims that its product uses a propriety formula that is scientifically proven to help alleviate muscle cramps by interrupting the nerve signals that trigger involuntary muscle contractions.

    Pickle Juice uses a blend of vinegar, grain ingredients, and a mix of vitamins and minerals.

    In addition, it contains no sugar, caffeine, or artificial additives and is rich in electrolytes.

    Blake Boulton, head of global sales at The Pickle Juice Company, said the rollout reflects the company’s strategy to improve accessibility globally.

    “Australia has always been a key market for us, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact Pickle Juice has had in the sports and wellness communities,” explained Boulton, head of global sales for The Pickle Juice Company.

    “By partnering with Coles, we’re making it easier for everyday Australians to access an effective solution for muscle cramps, superior hydration and enhanced recovery.”

    The Pickle Juice Company Extra Strength Shots is available for an RRP of $24 for a four-pack and $47.50 for a 12-pack in Coles stores across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, WA and Tasmania.

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  • Lakanto launches no-sugar-added BBQ Sauce & Tomato Ketchup

    Lakanto launches no-sugar-added BBQ Sauce & Tomato Ketchup

    Monkfruit sweetener brand Lakanto Australia has launched the No Sugar Added Tomato Ketchup and BBQ Sauce, offering a healthier alternative.

    According to the company, the sauces are naturally sweetened with Lakanto’s monkfruit sweetener, feature no artificial colours or tastes, and are low in carbs, making them suitable for individuals following keto, low-carb, or diabetic diets.

    “We’re excited and really proud to offer these delicious, healthier alternatives to classic condiments,” said Leon McIndoe, GM of Lakanto Australia.

    “With our BBQ Sauce and Ketchup, we’re continuing our mission to help people ‘Live a Responsibly Sweet Life’ – making it easier to enjoy flavourful meals without compromising on their health goals.”

    The Lakanto Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce and Lakanto Tomato Ketchup are available with an RRP of $12.95

    Last year, Lakanto re-launched its caramel and chocolate toppings derived from monkfruit, which naturally adds sweetness.

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  • Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha hits US$600m in global sales

    Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha hits US$600m in global sales

    Taiwanese bubble tea chain Gong Cha has reached US$600 million in global system sales for the 12 months ended December, driven by its rapid global expansion.

    Group revenue also rose 12 percent year-on-year to US$190 million as the brand expanded operations in Japan, South Korea, and the US.

    The company opened 240 new stores and entered five new markets: Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Mauritius, Honduras and Puerto Rico. Gong Cha now operates 2162 stores across 28 countries.

    “It’s been a fantastic year for Gong Cha,” said Paul Reynish, global CEO. “We’ve invested heavily in our supply chain and operations, expanded our footprint through new stores and geographies, and focused on making our existing stores more efficient and profitable for our franchisees.”

    The company recently introduced a new store format, Gong Cha 2.0, alongside a digital kitchen system that features ordering kiosks and automated drink machines.

    The brand also launched several marketing campaigns, including a high-profile collaboration with Final Fantasy XIV and limited-time drink offerings, resulting in more than 1.3 billion media impressions last year.

    “Looking ahead, we see huge potential for Gong Cha to become a global brand,” Reynish added.

    Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong Cha relocated its global headquarters to London in 2019. The company plans to enter at least six new markets this year and reach 10,000 stores globally by 2032.

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  • McDonald’s renews 20-year franchise deal in the Philippines

    McDonald’s renews 20-year franchise deal in the Philippines

    McDonald’s has renewed its 20-year master franchise agreement in the Philippines, extending its partnership with Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC) until 2045.

    Under the new agreement, the company retains exclusive rights to own, develop, operate and sub-franchise McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

    GADC, led by founder and chairman George Yang, has operated the fast food giant’s Philippine business since opening the first McDonald’s store in 1981.

    The chain operates 792 stores in the Philippines, with the majority in the National Capital Region.

    Reflecting on the franchise’s early days, Yang recalled applying for the rights in the late 1970s.

    “I confidently said 10 stores,” he continued. “This year, we’ll be opening our 800th store.”

    McDonald’s Philippines has introduced several firsts to the local quick-service restaurant sector. It was the first in the country to launch an online delivery platform in 2009, followed by the McDelivery app in 2014.

    The brand was also an early adopter of third-party delivery aggregators such as Grab and Foodpanda, where it is now one of the largest merchants.

    Last year, McDelivery accounted for 19 per cent of the company’s total sales.

    Kenneth Yang, GADC president and CEO, said digital transformation has played a key role in McDonald’s growth in the market.

    “These platforms have helped scale the business and improved how we operate,” he said.

    “We are not stopping here. Our teams constantly work on new opportunities driven by evolving customer preferences and behaviours.”

    GADC is 51 percent owned by the Yang family, with the remaining 49 percent held by Alliance Global Group Inc, chaired by tycoon Andrew Tan.

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  • Thai rice prices hit over three-year low

    Thai rice prices hit over three-year low

    Prices of rice shipped from Thailand declined to an over three-year low this week due to US President Donald Trump’s move to impose import tariffs and an existing market surplus.

    Meanwhile, India’s rice export prices neared a two-year low on subdued demand. The US announced to impose a flat 26% tariff on all goods being exported by India to the US, a 36% tariff on goods from Thailand, and 37% on Bangladeshi products.

    Thailand’s 5% broken rice fell to $395-400 per tonne, its lowest since January 2022.

    Meanwhile, India’s 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $392-400 per tonne and fell to its lowest level in nearly 22 months on subdued demand from African buyers amid ample supplies. Indian 5% broken white rice was priced at $380 – 385 per tonne this week.

    Overseas buyers incurred losses due to the sharp drop in prices over the last few weeks, so they are cautious about new purchases, said Himanshu Agrawal, executive director at Satyam Balajee, a leading rice exporter.

    According to traders, Vietnam’s 5% broken rice was offered at $405-410 per tonne.

    A Ho Chi Minh City-based trader said that prices edged up as the major winter-spring harvest is almost over. The Trump administration’s new tariffs will not have any direct impacts on rice exports from Vietnam.

    Traders said domestic prices are also rising, led by prices of fragrant rice.

    Meanwhile, domestic rice prices in Bangladesh stayed elevated despite efforts to import the grain, hitting consumers hard.

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  • Thailand proposes China facilitate durian export

    Thailand proposes China facilitate durian export

    The Commerce Ministry of Thailand has recently requested the China Customs to extend the working hours at the Mohan checkpoint on the border with Laos to facilitate durian inspections.

    Specifically, the closing time will be changed from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, according to Deputy Minister Napintorn Srisunpang.

    Chinese authorities will also increase the number of inspection laboratories from three to five, adding more officials to streamline the process at this checkpoint, Napintorn said.

    He revealed that discussions with customs officials at multiple checkpoints indicated that Thai durian is free from contamination by Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye or cadmium.

    Previously, only 30% of durian imports underwent testing, but since January all containers must be checked for BY2 and cadmium contamination by certified laboratories in Thailand, plus face complete inspection upon arrival at Chinese borders.

    Napintorn said this heightened scrutiny has resulted in delays, with transport times stretching up to eight days. Concerns have been raised that during peak seasons, the inspection process could extend to as long as 10 days, potentially resulting in delivery times of up to 20 days, which may compromise quality and negatively impact sales of Thai durian.

    Due to expanded cultivation and improved yields, durian production is anticipated to rise by 37% year-on-year in 2025, reaching over 1.7 million tonnes, up from 1.2 million tonnes in 2024.

    Last year, domestic consumption was at 280,000 tonnes with 800,000 tonnes exported, 97% of which went to China. This year, exports are projected to increase to 1.3 million tonnes, while domestic consumption is expected to grow to 400,000 tonnes.

  • Jollibee Foods targets 10,000 global restaurants this year

    Jollibee Foods targets 10,000 global restaurants this year

    The Philippines-headquartered restaurant group Jollibee Foods plans to have 10,000 eateries globally this year, with a focus on North America.

    The company, known for its fried chicken Jollibee chain, eyes to invest PHP18-21 billion (US$312-364 million) to open up to 800 new stores this year.

    Last year it had 9,766 outlets.

    “We’re not in all 50 states [in the U.S.]. We’re in only maybe 15 states,” Richard Shin, the company’s chief financial and risk officer, told reporters on Tuesday, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

    Jollibee launched its first U.S. location in California in 1998, and expanded its presence in the country and Canada to 103 by the end of last year. It also has 266 stores under other brands in North America.

    The company plans to use the franchising model to launch more regional stores.

    In 2024, Jollibee’s net profit rose 17.7% to PHP10.3 billion, driven by double-digit revenue growth from new stores and acquisitions. The company forecasts 8% to 12% growth in system-wide sales for 2025 – covering both company-owned and franchised locations – and targets up to 8% growth in its store network.

    Jollibee has also pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, recently purchasing South Korea’s Compose Coffee, fully acquiring Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan, and adding Taiwan’s Moon Moon to its portfolio.

    It also holds stakes in China’s Yonghe King and U.S. brands Smashburger and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

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  • Vietnam’s largest coffee chain Highlands Coffee posts $41M in profit

    Vietnam’s largest coffee chain Highlands Coffee posts $41M in profit

    Vietnam’s largest coffee chain Highlands Coffee posted an EBITDA of VND1.05 trillion (US$41 million) last year, up 4.5% from 2023.

    The chain contributed 36% of the EBITDA from coffee and tea of its parent company Jollibee Foods Corporation. EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

    An average store posted VND16 million in revenue per day.

    Same-store sales, however, declined by 3.7% year-on-year. The figure measured stores’ sales that had been operating for at least 15 months.

    Highlands Coffee, by the end of last year, operated 850 outlets in Vietnam and other countries.

    The brand was established in 1999, starting with sales of packaged coffee products in Hanoi. In 2002, Highlands Coffee expanded into the coffee chain model with its first store in Ho Chi Minh City.

    In 2012, Highlands Coffee was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation, a Philippines-based restaurant conglomerate.

    At the end of 2016, JFC and its partner, Vietnam Thai International Company, planned to list Highlands Coffee on the Vietnamese stock market. However, this intention has yet to materialize.

    Highlands Coffee has thrived by focusing on widespread coverage. Their strategy revolves around offering a streamlined menu while expanding into office buildings, apartment complexes, street-front locations, and shopping centers.

    Vietnam’s beverage store revenue last year was estimated at VND118.26 trillion, a 13% increase from the previous year, according to a report by iPOS, which provides digital management solutions to over 100,000 businesses.

    This marked the highest revenue and the fastest growth rate since 2018.

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  • Fruit, vegetable exports decline for 3rd straight month

    Fruit, vegetable exports decline for 3rd straight month

    Exports of fruit and vegetables fell by 10.5% year-on-year in March to an estimated US$421 million, marking the third consecutive month of decline.

    They had decreased by 5.2% to $416 million in January and 6.5% to $303 million in February.

    The main reason was the decline in durian shipments, a major export item, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said.

    Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association’s general secretary, said since the start of the year China, Vietnam’s largest export market, has been amending import regulations and now requires all durian shipments to undergo testing for cadmium and auramine O residues at accredited laboratories.

    Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal and auramine O is an industrial dye, and both are strictly controlled due to their potential cancer risks.

    The new requirement is resulting in longer and more complicated customs clearance procedures and difficulties for exporters, Nguyen said.

    Some of them have halted shipments to China just to complete the procedures, he said. If the situation persists, this year’s exports could be less than last year’s, he added.

    Exports were worth $7.15 billion last year, with durian accounting for $3.4 billion, or nearly 50%.

    The target for this year is $8 billion, which is achievable if the inspection issues are soon resolved.

  • China’s largest coffee chain Luckin Coffee establishes exclusive coconut island in Indonesia

    China’s largest coffee chain Luckin Coffee establishes exclusive coconut island in Indonesia

    China’s largest coffee chain Luckin Coffee has signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Banggai Islands Regency, making it the exclusive premium origin of coconut milk for its flagship Coconut Latte.

    The memorandum of understanding it signed with the regency provides Luckin Coffee and its partners with exclusive rights to procure coconuts from the region, the firm announced earlier this month. The Banggai Islands are among the world’s top coconut-producing regions.

    According to Global Times, the islands will be named “Luckin Exclusive Coconut Island ” under the agreement.

    The chain intends to source roughly one million tons of raw coconut materials, which comply with its quality standards, over the next five years.

    Li Shan, senior director of the firm’s supply chain center, said the region’s high-quality coconut will bolster the company’s supply chain.

    Luckin Coffee, headquartered in Xiamen, a port city in southeastern China, was established in 2017 and grew rapidly before it was discovered to have falsified half of its 2019 sales. The scandal led to its delisting from Nasdaq and subsequent filing for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in 2021, Reuters reported.

    It has since made a strong comeback and now dominates China’s coffee market with over 21,000 stores nationwide as of September, outselling U.S giant Starbucks.

    It has also been expanding overseas, setting up its first Southeast Asian store in Singapore in April 2023 and later increasing its number of outlets in the city-state to 38.

    According to Nikkei Asia, it opened its first two stores in Malaysia this January and plans to have 200 outlets there in the next two years.

    Since its launch, Luckin has sold over 1.2 billion Coconut Lattes as of January.

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  • Synlait Milk returns to profitability as sales soar

    Synlait Milk returns to profitability as sales soar

    Synlait Milk swung back to profitability amid a double-digit increase in sales during the fiscal first half.

    The company’s revenue for the six months ended January 31 jumped 16 percent to NZ$916.8 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 217 percent to $63.1 million, and net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 105 percent to $4.8 million.

    Management attributed the improvements to an uplift in advanced nutrition demand, optimisation of North Island operations, higher commodity prices, and cost management.

    At the end of the half, the company reduced its net debt by 29 per cent to $391.9 million.

    “Given the position Synlait was in 12 months ago, this return to profitability is a considerable commercial achievement,” commented acting CEO Tim Carter.

    “Today’s result was delivered through a focus on getting the fundamentals of our operational performance right, seizing opportunities to deliver for customers, and continued cost control.”

    For the second half, Synlait expects financial progress to be slower as it balances opportunities and risks related to milk stream returns and foreign exchange. The company targets a closing net debt balance of $250 million to $300 million at the end of the year.

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