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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.

  • Kellogg board approves company’s split into two listed entities

    Kellogg board approves company’s split into two listed entities

    Kellogg’s board of directors has approved the FMCG giant’s split into two independent, publicly traded entities: Kellanova and WK Kellog Co.

    From October 2, Kellogg Company will be renamed Kellanova and will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “K”, while WK Kellogg Co will trade under the ticker symbol “KLG”.

    Kellog chairman and CEO Steve Cahillane said the decision was made after more than a year of comprehensive planning and execution.

    “We are more confident that the separation will produce two stronger companies and create substantial value for shareowners,” said Cahillane.

    Kellanova will focus on an expanding portfolio geared towards snacks and emerging markets, led by various brands.

    It is projected to generate net sales of an estimated US$13.4 to $13.6 billion and an adjusted-basis EBITDA (earnings before interest and tax, depreciation, and amortization expenses) of $2.25 to $2.3 billion next year.

    “We are looking forward to a new era as Kellanova, marked by a more growth-oriented portfolio, a renewed vision and strategy, and an energised organization grounded by a winning culture and our founder’s values,” continued Cahillane, who will serve as chairman and CEO of Kellanova.

    “These elements build on what has already been a track record of strong and consistent financial performance for the Kellanova portfolio.”

    Meanwhile, WK Kellogg Co will continue to build on the foundation of its “iconic” cereal brands and will focus on integrating its commercial strategy and execution while modernizing its supply chain.

    Gary Pilnick will serve as its chairman and CEO following the separation.

    The business is expected to earn an estimated $2.7 billion in net sales and adjusted-basis EBITDA of approximately $225 to $265 million in 2024.

    Pilnick explained that as a standalone company, it will immediately benefit from the advantages of increased focus and end-to-end integration while modernizing its supply chain.

    “WK Kellogg Co has a 117-year legacy of innovation and the soul of a start-up, with an organization incredibly energized by our future,” he concluded. “We’re on a profitable journey to take this great business to the next level.”

    Kellogg Shareowners of record will receive one share of KLG for every four shares of K owned.

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  • Businesses suffer as durian farmers seek higher prices

    Businesses suffer as durian farmers seek higher prices

    Businesses are crying foul as farmers are not honoring deals with them to sell durian and are instead seeking to sell their produce to others for higher prices.

    Van Hoa, a durian packaging and exporting company with a capacity of 100,000 tons a year, has lost out on many contracts recently.

    “We committed early to pay VND60,000-80,000 (US$2.49-3.32) per kilogram, but close to harvest season traders came and offered up to VND100,000, which resulted in many farmers canceling their deals with us,” Van Hoa director of foreign affairs Le Anh Trung said at a forum Monday.

    Van Hoa therefore could not fulfill its export orders and has suffered losses on each shipment.

    The company has decided not to make early commitments to farmers in future, meaning there is no guarantee they will be able to sell their harvests.

    Nguyen Huu Chien, director of trading company Tan Lap Dong in Dak Lak Province, said he did not have enough durian to sell to two export partners after farmers dishonored their deals with him.

    “When we businesses give farmers a price quote in the morning, traders will come in the afternoon and offer higher prices.”

    These traders are often not precise in following Chinese origin tracing standards and therefore could cause Vietnam to lose this major market, he warned.

    Speculators need to be penalized, he added.

    Ngo Xuan Nam, deputy director of the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point, said authorities are reviewing the process of producing and exporting durian.

    He also ordered local authorities to suspend the activities of farmers who do not follow origin tracing protocols.

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan called on businesses and farmers to establishing stronger commitments starting in the early phase of a crop.

    Local authorities need to ensure that farmers follow origin tracing protocols since durian is the face of Vietnamese agriculture, he added.

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  • Belgium toasts its beer riches with new visitor centre

    Belgium toasts its beer riches with new visitor centre

    Belgium is promoting its centuries of beer-making and 430 breweries with a new visitor centre in Brussels that recounts the history of Belgian production and aims to show what is unique about the country’s beer and beer culture.

    Belgian Beer World will open on Saturday in the neoclassical former Brussels Stock Exchange, renovated at a cost of $96.25 million.

    Visitors will learn about “Belgitude” – Belgian identity – and what distinguishes Belgian beer from others – such as the four different fermentation methods and the culture of each beer having its own branded glass.

    “In Belgium there’s more to it than the liquid in the glass,” said Krishan Maudgal, director of the Belgian Brewers Association.

    Belgium produces some 1,600 beers, and its beer culture secured a place on the UNESCO global list of traditions worthy of preservation in 2016.

    The new center shows production in the Middle Ages, when beer was a safe alternative to contaminated water, and hops were introduced as a preservative, and up to the modern day. The tour ends with a beer, suggested by a virtual barman, in the building’s rooftop terrace bar.

    Brussels already has a beer museum, but is unassuming, with old brewing equipment and some insight into beer-making.

    “It’s very typical of Belgium. We are too modest. We are someone who says ‘maybe it’s not necessary’,” said Brussels city Mayor Philippe Close, adding Dublin and Amsterdam were active in promoting their beer cultures.

    He said the center expected to welcome 300,000 visitors in its first year, with adult tickets costing 17 euros.

  • Nespresso unveils limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Cake flavour

    Nespresso unveils limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Cake flavour

    Nespresso New Zealand has launched a seasonal limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Cake flavour for both Original and Vertuo machines.

    This limited-edition coffee boasts warm spice notes such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. It is made from an Arabica blend of Latin American and African coffees and combines a sweet pumpkin flavour.

    With milk, the spice notes are softened for a sweeter and smoother coffee with buttery biscuit notes.

    The product is available online and at Nespresso Boutiques for $17.00 per sleeve of 10 Vertuo capsules and $14.00 per sleeve of 10 Original capsules.

  • The Berry Tea Shop launches equity crowdfunding to scale business

    The Berry Tea Shop launches equity crowdfunding to scale business

    Craft tea retailer The Berry Tea Shop has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign via Birchal as it seeks to scale the business and expand its product portfolio.

    The money raised will be used primarily to secure a new warehouse, venture into wholesale, scale marketing efforts, and introduce new products – including developing a ready-to-drink range.

    Founded in 2010 by Cliff and Paulina Collier, The Berry Tea Shop offers a selection of more than 48 varieties of loose-leaf tea, tea wares and accessories and includes a cafe.

    The company reported a revenue of $1.3 million last year, and online sales growth of 60 per cent yearly from 2019 to 2022.

    At the same time, its retail space grew 20 per cent in the same period.

    “We see the same potential in tea that was once seen in craft beer and specialty coffee,” said Paulina.

    “This equity crowdfunding campaign is a stepping stone to turn tea into the next big craft beverage movement.”

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  • Indonesian coffee brand Fore Coffee opens first store in Singapore

    Indonesian coffee brand Fore Coffee opens first store in Singapore

    Fore Coffee, the herald of Indonesian coffee culture, is proud to announce its highly anticipated entry into the Singaporean coffee scene – launching its first store in Singapore on November 9, 2023, at Bugis Junction. With a journey spanning over five years of unwavering commitment to excellence, Fore Coffee has risen to prominence as a prominent player in Indonesia’s coffee landscape, boasting an impressive network of 150 stores across the nation by September 2023.

    Fore Coffee, as the torchbearer of Indonesian coffee culture in Singapore, offers not just a cup of coffee, but a gateway to an inspiring everyday life. Founded in 2018, Fore Coffee has emerged as a powerhouse in Indonesia’s coffee industry, marked by its dedication to quality and innovation. The brand’s success lies in its adept use of cutting-edge technology, from tools to its mobile app, combined with skillful bean blending techniques.

    With a resolute commitment to sourcing highly curated coffee beans directly from Indonesian farmers in regions like Aceh Gayo, Toraja, West Java, and Bali, Fore Coffee’s beans undergo a meticulous roasting and preparation process before being expertly crafted by their baristas. This commitment to authenticity extends to their signature coffee blends that promise to redefine Singapore’s coffee culture in the ‘Indonesian way.’

    Fore Coffee’s narrative is one of craftsmanship, tradition, and community spirit. With a reverence for Indonesian soil, the brand meticulously curates exceptional coffee beans that honor the flavors unique to each region. This journey embodies sustainability and supports local farming communities. The brand’s skilled baristas harness the potential of Indonesian coffee beans to craft flavours that are truly unique. Every cup reflects a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and elevating the coffee experience to an art form.

    Fore Coffee’s business journey has been marked by profitability since 2021 in Indonesia, even amidst pandemic challenges. The brand has successfully expanded into tier 2 and tier 3 cities, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Backed by an impressive funding from renowned investors including East Ventures, SMDV, Pavilion Capital, Agaeti Venture Capital, Insignia Ventures Partners, and several angel investors, Fore Coffee’s growth is fueled by its exceptional performance.

    Vico Lomar, Co-Founder & CEO, Fore Coffee said, “Fore Coffee’s brand positioning and menu reflect its role as an ambassador of Indonesian coffee culture in Singapore. The brand’s signature coffee blends, crafted with a deep understanding of the discerning Singaporean palate, redefine the local coffee landscape through an Indonesian lens.”

    The Singaporean coffee market presents a compelling opportunity for Fore Coffee’s entry. According to research conducted in June 2023 in collaboration with Redseer, a strategy consultant, the Singapore coffee market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5%, reaching 1,286 USD million by 2027. Singaporeans’ strong affinity for coffee, averaging 6-7 cups per week, aligns perfectly with Fore Coffee’s mission. The brand recognizes the mature coffee market in Singapore, combined with a love for Indonesian beans, particularly Arabica. With an understanding of local preferences and a commitment to innovation, Fore Coffee is poised to flourish in Singapore’s coffee landscape.

    Fore Coffee’s expansion into Singapore is centred around its exceptional signature beverages. From the beloved Gula Aren Latte to the Pandan Latte and innovative Butterscotch Sea-Salt Latte, these creations are meticulously curated to resonate with local preferences.

    Drawing insights from Flavor Group Discussions (FGDs), Fore Coffee is tailoring a selection of 16 key SKUs to capture the essence of Singaporean coffee culture. By adhering to local nutritions preferences, Fore Coffee empowers individuals to enjoy their drinks consciously, promoting healthier individual choices with varying sugar levels and diary options. Fore Coffee’s irresistible coffee offerings start at just S$4.5, ensuring affordability and accessibility for coffee enthusiasts across Singapore.

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  • Accolade sells House of Arras to Handpicked Wines

    Accolade sells House of Arras to Handpicked Wines

    Accolade Wines has sold its subsidiary brand House of Arras to the Australian company Handpicked Wines, as part of its plans to focus on major markets.

    The deal, which will be completed before the end of November, comprises the House of Arras brand, 24 hectares of prime vines, stock, the Bay of Fires winery, and a cellar door in Pipers River, Tasmania.

    According to Accolade Wines CEO Robert Foye, House of Arras is a luxury brand that does not mesh well with the rest of the company’s portfolio priority areas at this time.

    In addition, Accolade has entered into a long-term arrangement with Handpicked Wines to continue producing and bottling all House of Arras labels.

    The wines will be produced at Accolade network facilities, including Torresans in Woodside, South Australia, and the grapes will also continue to be sourced and pressed in Tasmania.

    Accolade’s other premium Tasmanian brands, Eddystone Point and Bay of Fires, will continue to be produced at the same site under the contract with Handpicked Wines.

    Handpicked Wines, a family-owned Australian wine producer, is known for producing wines in Australia’s finest wine regions, including vineyards and wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania, the Yarra Valley, and the Barossa Valley.

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  • Lakanto unveils brown sugar substitute called Brown Lakanto

    Lakanto unveils brown sugar substitute called Brown Lakanto

    All-natural sugar substitute brand Lakanto has launched a brown sugar substitute called Brown Lakanto nationally.

    The company says Brown Lakanto is a sugar substitute that offers the molasses-like flavour profile of brown sugar and has zero carbs with 93 percent fewer calories than sugar. The company’s sweeteners are made up of non-GMO erythritol and monk fruit extract.

    Leon McIndoe, GM of Lakanto Australia, said the brand has an “incredible reception” in Australia.

    “With our award-winning Classic and Golden sugar substitutes already on the market, it only made sense to extend the range in delivering a Brown sugar substitute for Australians to enjoy,” McIndoe added.

    The new sweetener comes in three sizes – 225g, 450g, and 4kg – and can be found at Coles, Woolworths, and other independent retailers as well as on the company’s website.

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  • Maximus releases its first zero-sugar sports drink

    Maximus releases its first zero-sugar sports drink

    Beverage giant Frucor Suntory’s sports drink brand Maximus, has launched Zero, its first sugar-free option in its best-selling flavour – Blue.

    The brand says it aims to shatter the myth that zero sugar means taste-free, and its formula is able to retain Blue’s “remarkable” taste.

    Lisa Pearce, marketing manager, nutrition and hydration, Frucor Suntory – Oceania, said Maximus is about delivering choices to consumers.

    “The launch of ZERO is a proud moment for us, as it showcases our dedication to flavor innovation,” said Pearce.

    “With ZERO, we’re giving  consumers an irresistible option that doesn’t compromise on taste.”

    Maximus Zero is available in 1L bottles for an RRP of $5.50 in groceries, supermarkets, and convenience stores nationwide.

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  • Coles rolls out Netflix favourites-inspired frozen food range

    Coles rolls out Netflix favourites-inspired frozen food range

    Coles has rolled out a range of frozen food products inspired by two of the most-watched Netflix shows: Stranger Things and Squid Game.

    The Netflix range includes Stranger Things-themed frozen pizzas, beef brisket BBQ patties, spicy wing nibbles and ice cream, and Squid Game-themed chicken nuggets and stuffed potato mashies.

    Available in two flavours, Rad Pepperoni and the Gnarly Hawaiian, the frozen pizzas are packaged in the same retro-designed boxes as The Surfer Boy Pizzas, the show’s pizzeria.

    Meanwhile, the four-pack beef brisket BBQ patties take inspiration from the show’s family-owned diner, Benny’s Burgers, and the Hellfire Club Spicy Wing Nibbles from the show’s Hawkins High School Society.

    The Stranger Things ice cream is available in 1-litre tubs in three flavours: Butterscotch, Cinnamon Buns Vanilla, and Cookie Pieces.

    The supermarket also launched a 9-pack BBQ chicken nuggets in the shape of triangles, circles, and squares inspired by Squid Game’s guard marks, alongside a 12-pack of Stuffed Potato Mashies with a red and green filling, playing on the red light, green light game from the show.

    Tim Lane, business category manager for frozen at Coles, said the company was thrilled to partner with the streaming service and bring new products inspired by its popular franchises.

    “We’re committed to working with suppliers to expand and diversify our product offering, and this innovative range draws on inspiration from the concepts and brands fans have seen throughout the shows,” said Lane.

  • Vietnam tuna exports to S Korea soar

    Vietnam tuna exports to S Korea soar

    According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, tuna exports to South Korea rose by 2.5 times year-on-year to over US$7 million in the first seven months.

    Tuna Vietnam, Nha Trang Bay and Phat Trien Seafood were the three biggest exporters, accounting for 64% of total shipments.

    Exports of canned tuna jumped by 468%.

    VASEP said declining fishing catches in South Korea and rising demand for canned products amid tightened spending drove up demand for Vietnamese products.

    Vietnam was the eight biggest exporter of tuna to that country in the first half this year, but the largest seller of canned tuna, accounting for nearly 77% of all imports.

  • Vietnam’s export sees marginal impacts from China’s Japanese seafood ban

    Vietnam’s export sees marginal impacts from China’s Japanese seafood ban

    China’s ban on Japanese seafood due to fear of radioactive contamination has Vietnamese firms seeing opportunities to ship more products, but the gain has been marginal as Chinese demand drops.

    On August 24, China imposed a total ban on Japanese seafood products after the latter started discharging its treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into its seawater.

    Hong Kong and Macau have also announced their own ban, which covers Japanese seafood imports from 10 regions.
    The CEO of a Vietnamese seafood exporter from Nha Trang in the central region said that the ban might help increase the export of some products, such as tuna.

    “We have seen Chinese buyers increasing their orders for tuna by 15% year-on-year. But demand for shrimp and octopus are still 20% lower year-on-year.”

    Some other industry insiders have also said that the ban might offer opportunities for Vietnamese seafood, but only slightly, as Japan is only a small seafood exporter to China.

    Japan accounted around 3% of China’s seafood imports last year, against Ecuador’s 18.6%, Russia 14.4%, and Vietnam’s 8.8%.
    Pangasius, one of Vietnam’s main seafood exports, has not seen any notable increase in China shipments amid low demand, according to a report by SSI Research.

    “Pangasius exports to China rose slightly last week but was not significant and irrelevant to the ban,” the report said.
    The Vietnamese seafood industry has been facing a tough year as demand from major markets such as the U.S., the E.U. and China all plunged amid rising inflation and economic challenges.

    Exports of pangasius to China dropped 32% year-on-year to $325 million, and shrimp fell 9% to $338 million, according to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

    VASEP general secretary Truong Dinh Hoe said that Vietnamese exporters will not benefit significantly from the ban.

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  • Vietnam’s coconut export to reach $1B in 2025

    Vietnam’s coconut export to reach $1B in 2025

    Vietnam’s coconut export is expected to reach US$1 billion in 2025 after the U.S. and China agree to allow Vietnamese coconuts to enter the two markets, according to the Vietnam Coconut Association.

    As the U.S. is about to open the market for Vietnamese coconuts and China allows official coconut import, local businesses are trying to develop raw material areas, apply for growing areas codes, and register to build organic material zones to meet the needs of the world market.

    At the end of 2022, coconut export turnover was over $700 million. But based on the momentum of the U.S. and China agreeing to import Vietnamese coconuts, around the end of 2024 and early 2025, coconut export turnover will be up to $1 billion.

    In 2021, the fruit was listed as one of Vietnam’s key industrial crops.

    About 20 large enterprises in the country have exported coconuts to the world. Up to 35 countries and territories are Vietnam’s importers.

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  • Arnott’s opens $65 million automated hub in Western Sydney

    Arnott’s opens $65 million automated hub in Western Sydney

    Biscuit and snack maker Arnott’s has opened an automated distribution centre in Huntingwood, Western Sydney, to amplify its domestic and international operations.

    The new centre, valued at $65 million, is adjacent to the group’s largest biscuit-making site and will serve as a pivotal thoroughfare for more than 60 per cent of its inventory.

    With a span of 43,000sqm, the hub can hold 28,000 pallets, nearly four times more than its previous capacity, and is built with a “sophisticated one-touch” logistics system that leverages robots and automation.

    In addition, the site incorporates a minimal touch point automation and a new palletising system with a 35-metre-high bay.

    Tom Vicars, director of procurement and logistics at Arnott’s, emphasised the project is a significant investment to modernise the group’s network and ensure systems and processes are in place to remain competitive.

    “We intend for Western Sydney to be the beating heart of our national operations, and you need only step into the warehouse to get a sense of the sheer scale of what we are hoping to achieve,” said Vicars.

    “Its success is largely a testament to our working relationships with our automation partner, Daifuku, and logistics partner, Linfox.”

    Michael Jee, executive GM at Daifuku, said the solutions within the facility are designed to streamline the process from manufacturing to delivery.

    “With automation meaning, products are inducted,  stored, monitored, and prepared for delivery with minimal human intervention,” he continued.

    “This one-touch philosophy means that products and orders are managed and prepared  faster, improving delivery times to store and providing unparalleled visibility  and productivity.”

    Alongside the launch, Arnott’s installed 2,464 solar panels on the centre’s roof, expected to generate more than 1500 GWh of renewable energy and will help supply up to 22 per cent of the Huntingwood’s site electricity needs.

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  • Fever-Tree launches two new cocktail mixer flavours

    Fever-Tree launches two new cocktail mixer flavours

    Premium cocktail mixer brand Fever-Tree has unveiled two new flavours – Classic Margarita Mixer and Sparkling Mojito Mixer.

    The company says its latest release is designed to be mixed with premium spirits and both deliver bar-quality cocktails without any artificial flavourings, sweeteners or preservatives.

    The Classic Margarita Mixer is crafted with Mexican limes and blended with Italian blood oranges along with a pinch of Scottish sea salt while the Sparkling Mojito Mixer is made from Mexican limes and contains Moroccan spearmint.

    Andy Gaunt, MD of Fever-Tree, said this is just the beginning of growth and innovation in the cocktail mixer category for the brand.

    “As was the case with carbonated mixers, the non-carbonated category is ripe with opportunity, and bound for tremendous growth.”

    The range retails for $19 and is available across Dan Murphy’s stores nationally.

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