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Tag: drink

  • Revolutionizing Beverage Discovery: Starbucks Tests ChatGPT for Personalized Drink Recommendations

    Revolutionizing Beverage Discovery: Starbucks Tests ChatGPT for Personalized Drink Recommendations

    Starbucks is testing an innovative feature, ChatGPT beta, which allows customers to explore and customize their drinks through interactive prompts. This latest feature, which was rolled out this week, provides consumers with personalized beverage recommendations based on their mood, preferences, or situations, with the optional use of image inputs to further tailor the suggestions.

    The ChatGPT tool signifies a shift from traditional menu browsing to a more user-friendly, intention-based interaction. The platform allows customers to customize their order, select a store, and initiate an order. The final checkout can be completed via either the Starbucks app or their website.

    Reimagining the Ordering Process

    The addition of the ChatGPT beta feature to the Starbucks digital ordering process reflects the company’s commitment to making online ordering more instinctive and emotionally engaging. The aim is to transform the beverage selection process into an enjoyable journey of discovery, rather than a mere transactional search.

    Paul Riedel, Senior Vice President of Digital and Loyalty for Starbucks, stated, “Our goal is to engage with customers at the point of inspiration and make it as simple as possible for them to find a beverage that resonates with them.” He further added, “The introduction of the Starbucks app into ChatGPT is a significant move towards making this a reality, in a manner that is uniquely Starbucks – welcoming, warm, and steeped in creativity.”

    Stages of Development

    Starbucks is presenting this beta version as an initial testing phase. The development and enhancement of this feature will rely heavily on feedback from users.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the new ChatGPT beta feature launched by Starbucks?
    It allows customers to discover and customise their beverages based on their preferences, moods, or occasions through interactive prompts.

    How does Starbucks view the new feature?
    Starbucks views the new tool as a shift from conventional menu browsing to a more user-friendly, intention-based interaction. It aims to make digital ordering more instinctive and emotionally engaging.

    What will determine the further development of the ChatGPT beta feature?
    The further development and improvement of the ChatGPT beta feature will depend on the feedback received from its users.

  • Revolutionizing the Beverage Industry: Kiwi Startup’s Innovative Tablet Drink Seeks to Curb Plastic Waste

    Revolutionizing the Beverage Industry: Kiwi Startup’s Innovative Tablet Drink Seeks to Curb Plastic Waste

    A New Zealand-based startup, Incrediballs, is set to introduce a tablet-based beverage product, with the aim of minimizing plastic usage in the beverage industry. The product represents the commercial exploitation of a research endeavor that spanned seven years.

    Incrediball’s Innovative Concept

    Incrediballs specializes in the production of non-plastic effervescent drink tablets. The development of these tablets was spearheaded by Brianne West, founder and ex-CEO of Ethique, a personal care company. West’s departure from Ethique saw her utilizing a co-crystal stabilization method, a technology birthed at the University of Bradford, UK.

    The conventional effervescent tablets are inherently unstable, necessitating the use of plastic or metal packaging for protection against moisture and air, West explained. On a commercial scale, stabilizing these tablets is a challenge that even pharmaceutical companies grapple with.

    “The chemistry may seem straightforward but controlling it is no easy feat,” she said. “Our patented system encapsulates active ingredients such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate with compounds like nicotinamide and creatine. This prevents the reaction from taking place until the tablet is completely immersed in water.”

    Upon dissolution, each tablet generates a 350ml beverage with no added sugar. By eliminating the need for bottled drinks, this format presents an alternative within the global soft drink market. The market, estimated to be worth $1.42 trillion, is responsible for generating around 583 billion single-use plastic bottles annually, with only about 10% of these bottles being recovered by recycling systems.

    An Eco-friendly Alternative to Bottled Drinks

    West, referring to data from the United Nations, stated that manufacturers are capable of producing approximately 20,000 PET bottles every second. Furthermore, single-use drink containers account for roughly 45% of litter in urban areas.

    Incrediballs’ tablets are packaged in a paper-based material that is certified for home composting and devoid of plastic laminates. The packaging can be composted or recycled. The company uses water-based inks and is exploring options for algae-derived alternatives.

    The development of Incrediballs incorporated feedback from over 15,000 subscribers and social media followers who participated in product testing. The company plans to extend their product line to include functional beverage formats that utilize ingredients sourced from New Zealand such as manuka, kawakawa, and kiwifruit extracts.

    Revolutionizing the Beverage Industry

    Incrediballs’ goal is to revolutionize the drink manufacturing, transportation, and sales sectors. However, the company’s focus is not merely to position its product as an environmental alternative. It has set ambitious targets to prevent the production of 50 million plastic bottles by 2030 and 300 million by 2050.

    From a logistical standpoint, the non-liquid, non-plastic format of the product decreases transport volume by over 99%, enabling higher product density per shipment. According to West, this shift has the potential to transform export economics by reducing logistics costs.

    In terms of financial aspirations, the company aims for a revenue of $1 million by the 2027 fiscal year, with long-term plans to establish an export business boasting an annual turnover of $1 billion.

    The initial four flavors of the product will be available for online orders beginning February 16. The company has already garnered interest from supermarkets and FMCG retailers in Australia and New Zealand.

    At first, the company’s focus will be on direct-to-consumer sales to establish brand positioning and gain customer insights. They also plan on partnering with select independent retailers for trial runs. Feedback from these early stages will be used to fine-tune aspects such as flavor, packaging, and usage prior to wider FMCG and export distribution.

    “We’re not aiming to be a niche or a travel product,” West said. “We want our presence felt on every beverage aisle.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is Incrediballs?
    Incrediballs is a New Zealand-based startup that specializes in the production of non-plastic effervescent drink tablets aimed at reducing plastic waste in the beverage industry.

    How does the Incrediballs tablet work?
    The Incrediballs tablet, when fully immersed in water, dissolves to produce a 350ml beverage. This eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles.

    What are Incrediballs’ future plans?
    Apart from aiming to prevent the production of 50 million plastic bottles by 2030, Incrediballs also plans on extending their product line to functional beverage formats using locally sourced ingredients. The company aims to establish a strong brand presence in all beverage aisles, not just as a niche or travel product.

  • Messi’s Healthy Hydration Beverage, Más+, Debuts In Australia Exclusively At 7-eleven

    Messi’s Healthy Hydration Beverage, Más+, Debuts In Australia Exclusively At 7-eleven

    Lionel Messi’s hydration beverage, Más+ by Messi, has recently made its debut in the Australian market following its successful reception in the United States. The exclusive distributor for this product in Australia is 7-Eleven.

    Más+ by Messi boasts natural sweeteners and flavors and does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives. Additionally, it is rich in essential nutrients with six vitamins and four electrolytes included in its recipe.

    Uniquely Delicious and Healthy

    Ben Gibson, General Manager at Mark Anthony Brands Australia, expressed his delight over the introduction of the drink. He emphasized the remarkable achievement of creating a delectable beverage containing only 1g of sugar and 10 calories per 500ml bottle, without any artificial sweeteners or colors. Gibson added that this drink empowers individuals to hydrate like a champion each day.

    He further stated, “This introduction signifies more than just a product launch. It marks the beginning of a new phase for hydration beverages in Australia.”

    Inspired Flavours

    The product line features four distinct flavors, each inspired by and named after significant milestones in Messi’s life.

    The Miami Punch flavor derives its inspiration from Messi’s current city of residence. It combines a variety of berry flavors with a hint of pineapple.

    Berry Copa Crush is another flavor that blends blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and acai. The inspiration behind this flavor is the numerous trophies Messi has won over his illustrious career.

    Más+ Orange d’Or is a flavor that celebrates Messi’s record-breaking eight Ballon d’Or victories. This flavor incorporates the taste of oranges and tangerines.

    Lastly, the brand presents Limon Lime League, a flavor that balances sweetness with a fruity and zesty taste. The UEFA Champions League, which Messi won four times, served as the inspiration behind this flavor.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about Más+ by Messi hydration drink?
    The drink is made with natural flavors and sweeteners, and it does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives. It also has six vitamins and four electrolytes.

    Where is Más+ by Messi available in Australia?
    The drink is available exclusively at 7-Eleven stores in Australia.

    What are the flavors of Más+ by Messi and what do they represent?
    Más+ by Messi has four flavors: Miami Punch, Berry Copa Crush, Más+ Orange d’Or, and Limon Lime League. Each flavor represents a significant milestone in Messi’s life.

  • Wala Wala Cafe Bar in Singapore Abandons Closure Plans Thanks to Incredible Community Support!

    Wala Wala Cafe Bar in Singapore Abandons Closure Plans Thanks to Incredible Community Support!

    Stanley Yeo, the owner of Wala Wala Cafe Bar, recently shared that he was contemplating calling it quits due to declining visitor numbers, a challenging labor market, and soaring operational costs that have pushed rent for the venue’s 1,700-square-foot ground floor up by 9% over the past two years to S$28,000 (US$21,700) per month. However, the tide turned as the community rallied in support of the beloved establishment.

    By July, the bar saw a “significant increase” in foot traffic, reviving its fortunes. A heartwarming Instagram post last Tuesday revealed that Wala Wala’s landlord had “kindly offered revised terms that make it feasible” for the cafe bar to continue operating in Holland Village.

    “We have been deeply moved by the overwhelming support from our community — customers, friends, suppliers, and neighbors alike,” the post announced. “Today, we are heartened to share that Wala Wala Cafe Bar will remain in Holland Village.”

    Established in 1993, Wala Wala has been a cherished local gem, known for its hearty fare, draft beers, and lively weekend atmosphere. Once famous for hosting live music on its second floor — now closed since 2021 — the venue has since refocused on its food and beverage offerings, as noted by Bandwagon Asia.

    The decision to keep Wala Wala open is a sigh of relief for Holland Village, an increasingly popular dining and shopping hotspot currently facing a wave of closures. In recent months, local businesses such as Thambi Magazine Store, Lim’s Holland Village furniture shop, party store Khiam Teck, and soft-serve ice cream haven Sunday Folks have all shut their doors, as outlined by Channel News Asia.

    These closures highlight a troubling trend in Singapore’s food and beverage scene, where several beloved establishments are now bidding farewell. Two Michelin-starred restaurants — Euphoria and Alma by Juan Amador — closed this month, while well-known dessert spots Flourish Bakehouse and Fluff Bakery announced similar plans for September. Additionally, heritage eatery Ka-soh, noted for its Cantonese-style fish soup, will shut its last location later this month.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors led Stanley Yeo to consider closing Wala Wala Cafe Bar?
    Yeo cited falling visitor numbers, a tough labor market, and a significant rise in operating costs as the primary reasons behind his contemplation of closure.

    How has the local community reacted to Wala Wala’s potential closure?
    The community showed overwhelming support, resulting in a notable increase in foot traffic, which ultimately encouraged the landlord to offer revised terms that allowed the cafe bar to continue operations.

    What recent closures in Holland Village reflect a broader trend in Singapore’s F&B sector?
    Recent closures include popular local spots like Thambi Magazine Store and Lim’s Holland Village, mirroring a concerning trend where several well-known dining establishments, including Michelin-starred restaurants, have also announced their shutdowns.

  • Chapanda Prepares To Launch First U.s. Store In NYC, Aiming To Reach Larger Demographic

    Chapanda Prepares To Launch First U.s. Store In NYC, Aiming To Reach Larger Demographic

    Chinese tea retail chain Cha Bai Dao, widely known as ChaPanda, is preparing to launch its inaugural US-based store in Flushing, a neighborhood in Queens, New York City.

    Main Street Debut

    The new store is slated to open on Main Street, an area identified by the company as the bustling commercial heart of Flushing and a locale with one of America’s largest Chinese populations.

    Wang Huan, the Overseas CEO of ChaPanda, explained that the expansion intends to introduce the brand to a much larger demographic. “ChaPanda is committed to providing an unrivaled selection of products and a superior service experience for American consumers. Through our standardized operating systems and extensive global supply chain network, we ensure that our products and services remain consistent across all our international stores,” Huan elaborated.

    Spreading its Wings

    This development comes in the wake of numerous global inaugurations throughout the current year. In May, ChaPanda opened its premier European store in Paris, and just last month, it made its debut in Singapore with two new outlets.

    Notable market analysts from Galaxy Securities and Huaxin Securities have pointed out the effectiveness of ChaPanda’s unique “one location, one strategy” model in yielding positive outcomes in foreign markets. They anticipate that, with the acceleration of its international expansion, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on a dual growth strategy encompassing both domestic and international markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is ChaPanda’s expansion strategy?
    ChaPanda’s expansion strategy involves a unique “one location, one strategy” model, which allows the company to customize its approach for each specific market it enters.

    Where is ChaPanda’s first US store going to be located?
    ChaPanda’s inaugural US store will be located on Main Street in Flushing, Queens, New York City, an area known for being a bustling commercial hub and having one of the largest Chinese populations in America.

    What does Wang Huan, Overseas CEO of ChaPanda, say about the company’s approach to maintaining quality and consistency?
    Wang Huan stated that through standardized operating systems and a comprehensive global supply chain network, ChaPanda ensures the consistency of its products and services across all its global stores.

  • Starbucks Sales Dip Globally, But China Shows Signs Of Recovery

    Starbucks Sales Dip Globally, But China Shows Signs Of Recovery

    Starbucks has recently disclosed a drop in its global comparable store sales for its fiscal third quarter, which underscores the persisting challenges in its primary US market. This comes even as its China operations begin to show some promising signs of recovery.

    Revenue and Sales Performance

    Despite the Seattle-based coffee giant recording a 4% rise in total revenue year-over-year, amounting to US$9.5 billion, it was overshadowed by a 2% decrease in global comparable store sales. This dip can be predominantly attributed to a slump in foot traffic in North America—Starbucks’ biggest market—where there was a 3% reduction in transactions.

    On a brighter note, China, the second largest market for Starbucks, appeared to defy this trend. Comparable store sales in China saw a 2% increase, signifying a comeback following several quarters of decline.

    Expansion and Strategic Growth

    Over the past year, Starbucks has added over 500 new stores in China, thereby increasing its total to 7,828. The company is also said to be considering various proposals from potential local partners to help speed up its expansion into lower-tier cities, while keeping strategic control intact.

    However, Starbucks also faces mounting competition in China from rapidly growing domestic contenders such as Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee. These brands have been rapidly expanding by offering lower prices and faster service models.

    North America Initiatives and Future Plans

    In North America, Starbucks is actively undertaking its ‘Back to Starbucks’ initiative, a strategy designed to bolster store operations, improve employee engagement, and refine the overall customer experience.

    Brian Niccol, the Chairman and CEO, expressed an optimistic outlook, citing early signs of progress in the company’s efforts to revamp its operations. He commented, “We’ve made significant progress and tackled challenging issues to build a robust operating foundation. In terms of turnaround efforts, we are ahead of schedule.”

    “By 2026, we plan to launch a series of innovations that will drive growth, enhance customer service, and ensure that everyone has access to the very best of Starbucks. We are committed to rebuilding a superior Starbucks experience and a stronger business.”

    Starbucks has also announced its plans to gradually phase out underperforming mobile order-only stores, and shift towards new café formats that include seating and drive-thrus. This is part of an overall strategy to improve the in-store experience.

    The coffee chain has big plans for fiscal 2026, with the introduction of a range of new beverage and food items, including protein-based cold foams, coconut water-infused drinks, gluten-free snacks, and customizable energy drinks.

    In addition to the product expansion, there are also upgrades planned for the company’s mobile app and loyalty rewards program, with continued investment in digital and operational technology.

    Questions & Answers

    What strategies is Starbucks implementing to recover from the drop in sales?
    Starbucks is taking several steps to recover, including the ‘Back to Starbucks’ initiative in North America, which aims to strengthen store operations and improve the overall customer experience. The company is expanding in China and is planning to introduce new products and upgrade its mobile app and loyalty program.

    What is the ‘Back to Starbucks’ initiative?
    The ‘Back to Starbucks’ initiative is a strategy designed to strengthen store operations, increase employee engagement, and enhance the overall customer experience. The company hopes this will help to boost sales and customer satisfaction.

    What are the company’s plans for growth in China?
    Starbucks plans to partner with local entities to accelerate expansion into lower-tier cities in China. Over the past year, the company has already added more than 500 new stores in the country and continues to consider strategies for further expansion.

  • Liquid Death Ventures Into Energy Drink Market With Low-caffeine, Sugar-free ‘sparkling Energy

    Liquid Death Ventures Into Energy Drink Market With Low-caffeine, Sugar-free ‘sparkling Energy

    Liquid Death, a notable canned water company, is set to make a definitive move into the energy drink market. Their new product line, named Sparkling Energy, is a low-caffeine, sugar-free beverage range expected to make its debut in the United States market early next year.

    New Flavours in the Pipeline

    The Sparkling Energy range is slated to roll out in four unique flavours. Tropical Terror, Scary Strawberry, Orange Horror, and Murder Mystery are the enticing names that have been unveiled. These four flavours promise to offer a refreshing and energy-boosting experience to their customers.

    Nutritional Aspects

    Each 355ml can of Sparkling Energy boasts a sensible caffeine content of 100mg, roughly equivalent to a cup of coffee. This seemingly modest caffeine level was purposefully chosen, as a counter-response to the excessive caffeine content perceived in the existing energy drink market.

    Furthermore, Sparkling Energy will leverage natural sweeteners, specifically stevia and allulose, to maintain its sugar-free promise. The drink also includes a beneficial infusion of vitamin B12 and vitamin C, adding another layer of nutritional value.

    Product Pricing and Marketing

    The Sparkling Energy drink is estimated to be priced at approximately US$3 per can. More intricate details about the marketing strategy for this new product range will be released as the launch date approaches.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new product that Liquid Death is about to launch?
    Liquid Death is gearing up to introduce Sparkling Energy, a new range of low-caffeine, sugar-free energy drinks.

    What are the unique flavours that Sparkling Energy will be available in?
    Sparkling Energy will be available in four flavours: Tropical Terror, Scary Strawberry, Orange Horror, and Murder Mystery.

    What is the expected retail price of a Sparkling Energy can?
    Each can of Sparkling Energy is expected to retail for around US$3.

  • Australian Non-alcoholic Brand Naked Life Breaks Into Us Market With Molson Coors

    Australian Non-alcoholic Brand Naked Life Breaks Into Us Market With Molson Coors

    Australian Brand Naked Life Enters the US Market

    Naked Life, a renowned non-alcoholic beverage brand from Australia, has made its entry into the US market. This expansion was made possible through a distribution partnership with Molson Coors, a leading brewing company, allowing Naked Life to add to the corporation’s ever-growing selection of alcohol-free products.

    Lauded for its range of non-alcoholic and sugar-free cocktails, Naked Life is recognized for its use of distilled botanicals and extracts that authentically mimic the complex flavors of traditional spirits.

    Initial US Product Range

    The initial product line that Naked Life is bringing to the US consists of five core variants:

    – Mojito: A delightful concoction of citrus, lime, and fresh mint, accentuated with notes of brown sugar and rum.
    – Negroni Spritz: A balanced cocktail featuring cherry, amaro, and orange, offset by the bitterness of cinchona and bitter orange.
    – Classic G&T: A traditional mix of lemon, bitter orange, cinchona, and juniper berry.
    – Cosmo: A blend of cranberry and lime, injected with subtle orange notes.
    – Margarita: A blend of lime and salt, layered with undertones from a batch-distilled botanical blend.

    Mission of Naked Life

    David Andrew, the founder of Naked Life, shared the company’s mission: “Our aim in creating Naked Life was to make non-alcoholic cocktails more accessible, without giving up on flavor, experience, or occasion. As we observe the global trend towards mindful drinking, we are excited to bring Naked Life to the US and provide people with a different way to relish cocktail moments, on their own terms and at their own convenience.”

    Priced at US$9.99, Naked Life’s non-alcoholic cocktails are available across the US through various channels including DrinkNakedLife.com, Amazon, Total Wine, and select Meijer stores in West Michigan.

    Questions & Answers

    What kind of products does Naked Life offer?
    Naked Life offers a range of non-alcoholic and sugar-free cocktails that mimic the flavors of traditional spirits.

    What are the core variants of Naked Life’s initial US product range?
    The initial product range includes five core variants: Mojito, Negroni Spritz, Classic G&T, Cosmo, and Margarita.

    Where can you purchase Naked Life’s non-alcoholic cocktails in the US?
    These cocktails are available across the US via DrinkNakedLife.com, Amazon, Total Wine, and select Meijer stores in West Michigan.

  • Leuca Unveils Vodka-infused Water: A Healthy Twist To Ready-to-drink Beverages

    Leuca Unveils Vodka-infused Water: A Healthy Twist To Ready-to-drink Beverages

    Leuca, an Australian beverage company known for its ready-to-drink (RTD) products, has introduced its inaugural non-sparkling, vodka-infused water, augmented by two fresh fruit flavors.

    The new offerings, Apple Blackcurrant and Watermelon Mint Lime, are crafted with less sugar and natural fruit flavors. They blend pure water with triple-distilled top-grade vodka, providing a unique carb-free, non-fizzy beverage experience.

    The Vision Behind Leuca’s New Flavors

    Co-founder of Leuca, Shaun May, explains the concept behind the development of these beverages. According to May, finding a satisfying drink often involved a trade-off with sugar or additives. With the creation of these new Leuca beverages, consumers can enjoy a flavorful drink without the concerns of excessive sugar or carbonation.

    Availability and Distribution

    Prior to its official debut, the RTD collection from Leuca received extensive interest and was pre-ordered by well-known venues in Bondi, including Beach Road Hotel and Neighbourhood Cellars.

    The new flavors, each with an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of 4 percent, are available in 330ml cans.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the new flavors introduced by Leuca in their vodka-infused water range?
    The new flavors introduced by Leuca are Watermelon Mint Lime and Apple Blackcurrant.

    What is the unique selling proposition of these new Leuca beverages?
    These beverages are non-carbonated and have less sugar, offering a fresh and healthy alternative in the ready-to-drink beverage market.

    Where can the new Leuca beverages be purchased?
    The beverages can be purchased at renowned venues in Bondi, including Beach Road Hotel and Neighbourhood Cellars. They are also available in 330ml cans for broader distribution.

  • 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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  • Sabeco profits soar by 40%

    Sabeco profits soar by 40%

    Brewer Sabeco said its after-tax profit rose by 40% last year to VND5.5 trillion. Vietnam’s biggest brewer had net revenues of VND34.98 trillion, an increase of 32% from 2021.

    These are significant achievements compared to the 2021 results.

    The 2022 profit figure was the highest in the company’s history, and was achieved despite the challenging market conditions and various post-pandemic difficulties.

    The year also marked an important milestone for Sabeco as it entered phase 2 of its transformation journey, focusing on sales, branding & marketing, production, and supply chain.

    The 2022 results also reflected Sabeco’s accomplishments in transforming its core business processes and accelerating its marketing and sales initiatives.

    It is improving cost management and operational efficiency across the entire supply chain by implementing Sabeco 4.0.

    Given the record profit, the board proposed a special dividend of 15%, which was approved at the AGM, bringing the full-year dividends for 2022 to 50%.

    To further enhance shareholder value, it was proposed to issue bonus shares at a ratio of 1:1, and was also approved.

    Sabeco expanded its mid-to-long-term strategic investment initiatives in 2022 to support sustainable business growth as part of its long-term growth plans.

    This includes recent strategic moves to increase ownership in Saigon Binh Tay Beer Group JSC and Saigon Packaging Group JSC. The two companies will become subsidiaries when the process is completed.

    Sabeco also announced plans to increase its stakes in the Western-Saigon Beer JSC from 51% to more than 70%.

    At the meeting, general director of Sabeco, Bennett Neo, said 2022 was a breakthrough year with record profits.

    “We grew our market share and net revenues, and profit after tax reached VND5.5 trillion, an increase of 40% over 2021. This is a result of our collective efforts to drive sales, the right investment strategy and efficient cost management.”

    For 2023 Sabeco has a revenue target of VND40.272 trillion and a profit target of VND5.775 trillion, increases of 15.1% and 5% from the previous year.

    The company said it would continue to strengthen its 4Cs sustainable development commitment, which includes driving ESG initiatives that are in line with its corporate goals and Vietnam’s national strategies.

    The corporation is committed to continuing its efforts as a proud, prominent and responsible corporate citizen to bring out the best in Vietnam.

    The chairperson of the AGM and board member Michael Chye said the business environment remains challenging with various uncertainties caused by the global economy and unpredictable but fierce competition.

    However, he said Sabeco remains committed to investing in opportunities that drive long-term growth and increase shareholder returns.

    “This will enable us to reward our shareholders with sustainable dividends and in line with the company’s long-term growth prospects.”

    A change of general director was also announced at the annual general meeting and will be effective from October 1, 2023. Lester Tan Teck Chuan will become the new general director.

    Lester is currently Senior Vice President, Chief Beer Business, at Thai Beverage PLC and has been at this role since 2020.

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  • Origin Tea launches sparkling iced teas into Woolworths

    Origin Tea launches sparkling iced teas into Woolworths

    Two Brisbane brothers have landed a deal with Woolworths and Coles with the hope they will transform an every day item from boring to “cool”.

    Chris and Lawrence Seaton started their business Origin Tea nine years ago as their father owned a tea plantation in Sri Lanka.

    The Australian operation of Origin Tea, which was started in their garage, now brings in $3 million in annual revenue but it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the siblings.

    “When we first launched in Australia, we wanted to take on the big brands like Liptons and all these named brands, and we actually learned the hard way that all these companies have large marketing budgets and are spending millions a year on marketing,” Chris told news.com.au.

    “And tea is one of those products that people are really brand loyal, so the first two years we made a pretty big mistake and had to change our entire business strategy.”

    This included bringing in a whole container of tea with hundreds of tea bags in boxes that they couldn’t sell. Instead they had to liquidate it through clearance warehouses, costing them a whopping $200,000.

    “At one point I was trying to sell packets of tea at the markets for $1.50 or $2 with a hundred in the box and at the end of day I was collecting $100 of cash at the markets, and I was like I don’t think this is really worth it,” added Chris.

    Then as the popularity of single-origin coffee started to take off, the duo realized it was an opportunity to take tea to that level by offering transparency on what people were drinking.

    They also started to partner with coffee roasters, building brand recognition in Australia’s cafes.

    It also helped them to become what they say was the fastest-growing consumer tea business in Australia, off the back of some partnerships with the likes of Coca Cola and Campos, while also riding the kombucha boom of 2016-17.

    Chris and Lawrence Seaton – who have built the fastest-growing consumer tea business in Australia, mainly off the back of some partnerships with the likes of Coca Cola and Campos and the kombucha boom of 2016-17. Picture: Supplied

    The tea was the basis for the original Remedy kombucha brew which grew to a million-dollar contract within a year and then doubled as the company went from needing 20 kgs to 150,000 kgs almost overnight.

    Chris said many people aren’t aware that there is a huge difference between how tea is made.

    It starts early too with Sri Lankan tea hand-picked based on whether the leaf is ready, rather than tea from Vietnam, India or even Australia being mechanically harvested where the heads of tea bushes are just cut off, Chris explained.

    People often blend the tea from different countries to lower the overall price, but Chris said that also impacts the taste.

    “Sri Lanka is renowned in the world as having the best quality tea from a taste perspective, however it comes at a premium,” he said.

    “When we talk taste in tea it’s like good liquor, like a good whiskey or wine.”

    The business now goes through up to 200,000 kgs of tea a year, which could jump further with the major supermarket deal, which will sell the product at up to 700 stores nationally.

    The deal has also helped Origin Tea to bounce back after 70 per cent of its business was wiped out overnight when the pandemic hit, Chris said.

    Woolworths and Coles will stock its Sticky Chai range, tea mixed with spices infused in a coconut sweetener, and retail for $9 for 120g, alongside a turmeric elixir series.

    Both hope the new products will shake up the stale category.

    “I think traditional tea is on the decline, so black and green teas, and where we play in and where we like to see us, is as the innovators in the tea space. Our main mission with Origin Tea is to make tea cool again,” Chris said.

    “Tea is seen as a stagnant stale category, and the Sticky Chai product is something innovative, infusing tea with other ingredients or to come up with an awesome iced tea that is ready to drink and concentrates like syrups so you can garnish it with alcohol or make your own cocktails or mocktails.

    “That’s where we see tea playing in the future as being creative with tea.”

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  • Cointreau revamps bottle design, a first in 140 years

    Cointreau revamps bottle design, a first in 140 years

    French liqueur brand Cointreau has unveiled a redesign of its popular amber bottle, the first significant revamp in 140 years.

    Cointreau, an orange liqueur, has been produced in Angers, France since 1849. It is distilled with a combination of sweet and bitter orange peels to produce a clear spirit that enhances the flavour of cocktails.

    The new bottle has an updated shape, including a longer neck – making it easy to pour – and features a minimal illustration of the Maison embellished with Cointreau’s signature copper foiling.

    The lid now features an embossed pattern to enhance form and function while adding grip to the cap.

    In the last three years alone, the brand has reported a 40 percent increase in sales of its 700ml bottles as margaritas reign as a consumer favorite.

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  • Maximus unveils two new summer flavours

    Maximus unveils two new summer flavours

    Frucor Suntory beverage brand, Maximus, continues to raise the stakes in the sports category with its newest product, Maximus Ultra. 

    Maximus Ultra is the first hybrid sports drink in Australia to contain BCAAs (Branched Chained Amino-Acids) to support muscle recovery and performance. It also contains 50 per cent more electrolytes than regular Maximus as well as B Vitamins, B3, B5, B6 and B12. 

    Maximus Ultra adds a lot of value to Maximus’ starting line-up with an additional two flavours Tropical and Berry, Maximus senior brand manager Kate Taylor said. 

    “Besides being a market first and a unique product in the sports category, it also remains true to Maximus’ core – to give consumers the extra hydration they need to work, play and everything in-between,” Taylor said. 

    “Like the rest of the players in the team, Maximus Ultra also helps hard working

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