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.

  • Campari sells stake in whisky brand, Howler Head

    Campari sells stake in whisky brand, Howler Head

    Campari Group has sold its stake in the whisky brand Howler Head to Infinium Spirits, a US-based owner of premium spirits.

    Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

    Campari Group bought a 15 per cent stake in the banana-flavored Bourbon business for $15 million in August 2022.  According to the company, the acquisition of Howler Head is significant for Infinium Spirits, which is expanding its presence in more than 75 countries.

    “We are excited to welcome Howler Head to the Infinium family,” said Jan Tharp, president of Infinium Spirits.

    “Howler Head embodies the innovative spirit that Infinium represents, and we’re eager to take this incredible brand to new heights, both in the US and around the world.”

    Infinium Spirits, founded in 2005, is a family-owned spirits company situated in San Diego, California. Infinium concentrates on developing and expanding its premium and creative spirits portfolio through unrivalled sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities.

    Last year, former CEO of Campari Group Matteo Fantacchiotti resigned after five months in the role.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit debuts in Manila

    Dickey’s Barbecue Pit debuts in Manila

    has opened its first location in the Philippines at Manila’s Parqal Mall.

    The two-story restaurant seats 90 guests and features a full bar and table service, blending Texas-style barbecue with Filipino flavours.

    The menu includes Dickey’s signature slow-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and locally inspired dishes such as pork belly, rice, and regional appetisers.

    Beyond Manila, the American barbecue chain is eyeing further expansion, with a second location planned for Clark, a former US Air Force base.

    “This is more than barbecue – it’s about sharing Texas culture and creating a gathering place for families and friends,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.

    “Barbecue is about bringing people together,” added the CEO. “We’re proud to share a true taste of Texas with the world – and Manila is just the start of something even bigger.”

    The Manila opening is part of Dickey’s broader expansion in Southeast Asia, following recent launches in Singapore, Japan, and Pakistan. Additional locations in Metro Manila are also in the pipeline.

    Since its launch in 1941, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has expanded to more than 866 locations across the US and globally.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Jollibee posts double-digit growth, boosted by coffee and tea brands

    Jollibee posts double-digit growth, boosted by coffee and tea brands

    Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) posted strong double-digit growth in 2024, with its coffee and tea brands playing a key role in driving revenue and profits.

    The company’s revenue rose 10.6 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US$4.7 billion, while EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) increased 17 percent to $295 million.

    JFC’s system-wide sales (SWS) climbed 13 percent YoY to $6.8 billion, supported by a 14 percent increase in the Jollibee brand.

    The Philippine market saw an 11.4 percent rise in SWS, with same-store sales growth (SSSG) of 7.9 percent. Internationally, Jollibee recorded 22 percent growth, led by Vietnam (16.8 percent), EMEA excluding Vietnam (11.6 percent), North America (8.1 percent), and China (13.2 percent).

    “The sustained growth of our business reflects the global strength of the Jollibee brand,” said Jollibee Group CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong

    “We also made significant progress in our coffee and tea segment, particularly with the acquisition of Compose Coffee, which expanded our store network to more than 5000 locations, 78 percent of which are franchised.”

    Meanwhile, JFC’s international SWS grew 17.6 percent, primarily driven by its coffee and tea brands.

    The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) saw a 16 percent increase in sales, Highlands Coffee grew by 13 percent, and Compose Coffee—acquired in August last year—contributed 7.9 percent to international growth. Meanwhile, EMEA-based Philippine brands grew by 27 percent.

    Despite overall strong results, CFO Richard Shin said the company faced challenges in its China business, which declined 8.3 percent due to economic headwinds affecting consumer spending.

    “While same-store sales growth turned positive in the fourth quarter, we still need to strengthen daily sales and profitability in this segment,” he said.

    “Our focus remains on long-term growth and creating value for shareholders.”

    Looking ahead, JFC aims to accelerate its coffee and tea expansion, with plans to open 700 to 800 new stores this year.

    Lees ook:

  • Indonesia’s Fore Coffee launches IPO to fund expansion

    Indonesia’s Fore Coffee launches IPO to fund expansion

    Indonesian coffee chain Fore, backed by East Ventures, has launched an initial public offering (IPO) to expand domestically and internationally.

    The company said it is capitalizing on the expanding middle class, which is driving demand for premium coffee and lifestyle products.

    Fore operates a hybrid business model, combining quick-service outlets optimized for pick-up and delivery with traditional sit-down cafes.

    The IPO offers up to 1.88 billion new shares—equivalent to 21.08 percent of the company’s enlarged capital. Shares are priced between US$0.01 (IDR160) and $0.02 (IDR202), with a potential fundraising target of $22.98 million (IDR379.76 billion).

    Following regulatory approval, the IPO’s effective date is March 25. Public trading is scheduled from March 26 to April 9. Shares are expected to be electronically distributed on April 10. The newly issued shares will carry equal rights to existing ones.

    Mandiri Sekuritas and Henan Putihrai Sekuritas are underwriting the offering.

    Last year, Fore Coffee opened 61 new locations, bringing its total store count to 230. CEO Vico Lomar said the company plans to open 60 more stores this year, including a second Singapore location.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • PepsiCo to acquire Poppi for US$1.95 billion

    PepsiCo to acquire Poppi for US$1.95 billion

    PepsiCo has signed a definitive agreement to acquire probiotic soda brand Poppi for US$1.95 billion.

    The transaction amount includes $300 million of anticipated cash tax benefits for a net purchase price of $1.65 billion.

    “We’ve been evolving our food and beverage portfolio over many years, including by innovating with our brands in new spaces and through disciplined, strategic acquisitions that enable us to offer more positive choices to our consumers,” said Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo chairman and CEO.

    “More than ever, consumers are looking for convenient and great-tasting options that fit their lifestyles and respond to their growing interest in health and wellness. Poppi is a great complement to our portfolio transformation efforts to meet these needs.”

    The agreement also includes a further potential earnout consideration subject to reaching certain performance milestones within a specified period after the transaction’s closing.

    Poppi, which combines apple cider vinegar with natural fruit flavours and probiotics, gained attention after appearing on the reality TV show Shark Tank in 2018.

    Lees ook:

  • Chagee faces boycott ahead of Vietnam opening

    Chagee faces boycott ahead of Vietnam opening

    Chinese milk tea brand Chagee is facing criticism for apparently adopting the ‘nine-dash line’ in its digital app while it prepares to launch in Vietnam.

    According to local reports, Vietnamese customers are calling for a boycott of Chagee after learning that the company used a map with the controversial nine-dash line.

    In a photo recently circulated on Vietnamese social media, an account using a Chagee logo as its image responded impolitely to a customer’s statement that they wanted to boycott the company over the line’s adoption, saying: “Chagee does not lack friends as customers”. We cannot ascertain if the responses are genuine or not but has been advised that multiple accounts are pretending to be Chagee to stir controversy and debate.

    Chagee has not officially responded to the incident yet.

    The “nine-dash line” or “U-shaped line” is a boundary line drawn by China on a map to illustrate its sovereignty claim over the majority of the East Sea, considered by Vietnam as a grave violation of its territorial sovereignty.

    The issue seems to cause significant damage to Chagee’s image and reputation. Le Minh Vu, managing partner at FnB Academy, told Vietnamese newspaper Tuoi Tre (Youth) that “Chagee should withdraw from the Vietnamese market due to issues unrelated to products or services – things that can be fixed and corrected”.

    Chagee was founded in 2017 in Shanghai, China, and has since expanded rapidly throughout Southeast Asia, with more than 5000 locations.

    The brand intends to open its first store in Vietnam, with a prime position in Ho Chi Minh City’s CBD in District 1.

  • Starbucks ordered to pay $50M to customer burned by hot beverage

    Starbucks ordered to pay $50M to customer burned by hot beverage

    A delivery driver has won $50 million in a lawsuit after being seriously burned when a Starbucks drink spilled in his lap at a California drive-through, court records show.

    A Los Angeles County jury found Friday for Michael Garcia, who underwent skin grafts and other procedures on his genitals after a venti-sized tea drink spilled instants after he collected it on Feb. 8, 2020. He has suffered permanent and life-changing disfigurement, according to his attorneys.

    Garcia’s negligence lawsuit blamed his injuries on Starbucks, saying that an employee did not wedge the scalding-hot tea firmly enough into a takeout tray.

    “This jury verdict is a critical step in holding Starbucks accountable for flagrant disregard for customer safety and failure to accept responsibility,” one of Garcia’s attorneys, Nick Rowley, said in a statement.

    Starbucks said it sympathized with Garcia but planned to appeal.

    “We disagree with the jury’s decision that we were at fault for this incident and believe the damages awarded to be excessive,” the Seattle-based coffee giant said in a statement, adding that it was “committed to the highest safety standards” in handling hot drinks.

    U.S. eateries have faced lawsuits before over customer burns.

    In one famous 1990s case, a New Mexico jury awarded a woman nearly $3 million in damages for burns she suffered while trying to pry the lid off a cup of coffee at a McDonald’s drive-through. A judge later reduced the award, and the case ultimately was settled for an undisclosed sum under $600,000.

    Juries have sided with restaurants at times, as in another 1990s case involving a child who tipped a cup of McDonald’s coffee onto himself in Iowa.

    Lees ook:

  • Sydney Beer Co enters administration

    Sydney Beer Co enters administration

    Sydney Beer Co entered administration last Friday, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) filings showed.

    The company tapped Richard Stone and Brett Stephen Lord from RSM Australia Partners as administrators.

    Sydney Beer Co’s website states that former cricketer Bret Lee and actor and writer Matt Nable co-founded the company.

    Dean Joseph Woodbridge and David Richard Catterall are listed as directors on the ASIC documents.

    Sydney Beer Co is among the brewers to enter administration recently, along with Kaiju and Billson’s.

    Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for two years.

  • Impossible Foods launches burger blind-tasting test challenge

    Impossible Foods launches burger blind-tasting test challenge

    Impossible Foods has launched “Bloody Delicious,” a blind-tasting test to see if local foodies can tell the burger is made with plant-based Impossible alt-beef.

    According to the brand, the challenge comes after it sees Australians are rapidly turning away from red meat, with “meat reducer” appearing as the country’s most popular diet last year and a quarter reducing consumption.

    “I’ve spent years cooking with red meat and would consider myself an expert when it comes to a good burger,” said chef and TV personality, TikTok Food Creator of the Year nominee Iain ‘Huey’ Hewitson.

    “I never would have thought that a plant-based burger would make its way onto my plate, but this Impossible Burger was bloody delicious!”

    Impossible Foods also said that 27 per cent of Aussies are sceptical of the taste of plant-based meat, with 19 per cent convinced that it “wouldn’t taste like animal meat”.

    The brand is also going to team up with Mary’s at Circular Quay to give away more than 200 free Impossible Burgers on April 3.

  • Ferrero Rocher’s Easter chocolate collection returns

    Ferrero Rocher’s Easter chocolate collection returns

    Ferrero Rocher’s limited-edition Easter collection is making a comeback and is now on sale through major retailers.

    The collection includes Ferrero Collection Boxed Egg, Ferrero Collection Easter Eggs, Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Easter Squirrel, Grand Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rocher Easter Egg Gift Box, and Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Easter Egg.

    The chocolate brand has partnered again with interior designer and tastemaker Steve Cordony for styling the collection.

    “This year, my Easter theme features greenery, natural napery, and touches of gold with Ferrero Rocher to elevate a tablescape,” said Cordony.

    “We also crafted the cutest napkin Easter bunnies using a classic Ferrero Rocher. Something so
    simple and effective way to adorn your Easter table this year.”

    Earlier this year, Ferrero debuted its frozen bakery range, the Nutella Croissant and Nutella Muffin, which are now available to food service partners across Australia.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Nestle takes full control of Chinese confectioner Hsu Fu Chi

    Nestle takes full control of Chinese confectioner Hsu Fu Chi

    Nestle has acquired the remaining 40 per cent ownership in Chinese confectionery company Hsu Fu Chi for an undisclosed sum, after purchasing 60 per cent in 2011.

    Hsu Fu Chi, founded in 1992 by the Hsu family, is a well-known confectionery brand in China. Nestle acquired its original stake for $1.7 billion.

    The acquisition reportedly leverages Hsu Fu Chi’s distribution network to expand Nestle’s snacking and confectionery operations in China.

    “This move combines Hsu Fu Chi’s efficient operations and entrepreneurship with our proven innovation and renovation capabilities, accelerates the development of the Hsu Fu Chi brand and further reinforces Nestle’s presence in China,” said Nestle Greater China region CEO Zhang Xiqiang in a statement sent to Just Food.

    “It also demonstrates our long-term commitment to China and enhances our ability to grow our portfolio of international and local brands in this dynamic market.”

    Nestle announced its action plan last year, which included targeted investments in important categories as well as incremental cost savings of at least US$2.83 billion.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Unilever New Zealand appoints new executives

    Unilever New Zealand appoints new executives

    Unilever New Zealand has promoted Nigel Melhuish, Keely Pipkin, and Sailen Mudaly to senior executive positions.

    Nigel Melhuish, who will serve as head of country New Zealand in addition to his role as supply chain manager, has been with the company for eight years and has 20 years of expertise in FMCG.

    He previously worked at Henkel for 12 years in several roles, including head of process and systems Apac and ANZ supply chain director.

    Meanwhile, Keely Pipkin will join the company as head of sales in New Zealand on March 17. Pipkin joins Unilever from Nestle Purina, where she was head of sales.

    For the ice cream business in New Zealand, Unilever has named Sailen Mudaly the head of country and sales. Mudaly was most recently the GM of sales at Essano, where he was responsible for driving development across numerous channels and major retail banners in Australia and New Zealand.

    “The next year will be about re-founding Ice Cream to create a world-leading, stand-alone business with greater flexibility and autonomy,” said Mudaly.

    “This will enable us to focus, move with pace, and foster closer collaborations with our customers to deliver market-leading availability, category growth, and perfect execution. I’m really looking forward to leading the New Zealand business through this exciting new chapter.”

    Unilever’s split of Ice Cream is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Ice Cream will be separated through demerger, with the business listed in Amsterdam, London, and New York.

    Lees ook:

  • Chinese milk tea chain Chagee enters Vietnam

    Chinese milk tea chain Chagee enters Vietnam

    Chagee, one of the largest milk tea brands in China, has expanded into Vietnam and will soon launch its first store there.

    On Monday, its official Facebook page shared a poster saying “Hello Vietnam” with a caption that read: “Vietnam, let’s get ready for some exciting things ahead! Chagee will bring you refreshing moments and new experiences. Stay tuned!”

    A post on its Facebook recruitment page also confirmed that it is officially present in the market and is looking for staff for its expansion.

    On Chagee Vietnam’s LinkedIn profile, the brand said in a comment that its first store “will be launching very soon.”

    Founded in Yunnan, China, in 2017, Chagee markets itself as the “Eastern Starbucks,” aiming to challenge the dominance of the U.S. coffee giant, according to KrAsia.

    The brand has rapidly grown across Asia Pacific, establishing a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global network exceeding 6,000 stores.

    Focused on raw-leaf fresh milk tea, Chagee blends traditional tea culture with modern innovation to appeal to contemporary consumers, as stated on its website.

    It recorded sales of 10.8 billion yuan (US$1.48 billion) in China in 2023 and 5.8 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2024.

    Lees ook:

  • Popular US chain Blue Bottle Coffee to open first Singapore café

    Popular US chain Blue Bottle Coffee to open first Singapore café

    Renowned US specialty coffee brand Blue Bottle Coffee is set to open its first café in Singapore at Japanese retailer LUMINE’s flagship store in Raffles City Shopping Center.

    “We will share the opening date and hours soon, so please stay tuned for further updates,” the firm said in an announcement on Wednesday.

    This would mark the brand’s first café in Southeast Asia, it added.

    The new café will replace Blue Bottle Coffee’s temporary gift shop, which opened last August as the brand’s entry point into the city-state, .

    Founded in 2002 as a small coffee cart in California, Blue Bottle Coffee has since expanded across the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and China.

    Its Singapore debut comes through a partnership with LUMINE. Several of the chain’s cafés in Japan are also located within shopping centers operated by the retailer.

    The brand, which calls itself a “destination for coffee lovers,” is expected to feature a seasonally curated espresso menu at its upcoming shop, according to AsiaOne.

    It might also serve snacks like lemon poppy seed pound cake and candied orange scones.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Burger King parent Restaurant Brands takes full control of China business

    Burger King parent Restaurant Brands takes full control of China business

    Restaurant Brands International said on Tuesday it has bought stakes in Burger King China from its local franchisee for about US$158 million, giving it nearly total ownership of the business.

    The fast food chain operator said it would engage its advisors to work on identifying a new local partner to invest into the business.

    The company has been working on its China strategy for its Burger King business which faced softening demand in the second biggest market, amid a pressured consumer spending and stiff competition.

    Restaurant Brands acquired the stakes in Burger King China from a holding company TFI Asia Holdings BV and a blank-check firm Pangaea Two Acquisition Holdings XXIII.

    Restaurant Brands had 1,474 Burger King restaurants in China, as of December 31, 2024.