Retail News CRM

Tag: Food

  • Coles launches reusable container for at Home

    Coles launches reusable container for at Home

    Coles is encouraging customers to reduce food and plastic waste at home with its latest promotion, which is this time aimed at adults.

    The Coles Fresh Food Container Program, offers ‘container credits’ when customers spend $20 or more using flybuys online or in-store.

    The credits can be redeemed for a range of five reusable containers from 600mL to 1.5 litres, as well as a specially-designed vacuum pump. The containers are made from durable polypropylene and can ultimately be recycled in a kerbside bin at the end of their life.

    “We know our customers want to reduce food waste for environmental and family budget reasons, and these reusable containers are a great way to keep food fresh in the fridge or pantry without the need for more single-use plastic,” Coles chief operating officer Greg Davis said in a statement.

    The supermarket giant has removed 1.2 billion single-use plastic bags from circulation since they were phased out last year and has diverted more than 542 million pieces of flexible plastic from landfill since 2011 through its recycling partnership with REDcycle.

    “This is a great initiative by Coles to reduce food and plastic waste. When food waste ends up in landfills it produces methane – a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By shopping wisely and storing food in air tight reusable containers we can all do our bit to help the environment and save money, ” Paul Klymenko, CEO of environmental organisation Planet Ark, said.

    The promotion is available in-store running between April 24 and July 2.

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  • Tiger Street Lab expands brand from beer to fashion and more

    Tiger Street Lab expands brand from beer to fashion and more

    Tiger creates experiential space. Tiger Beer has unveiled Tiger Street Lab at Singapore’s Jewel Changi – billed as the brand’s first global experiential concept store.

    Tiger Street Lab expands the brand beyond beverages into food, fashion and design, in an ‘open-air’ space overlooking the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at the heart of the new shopping centre.

    “As a brand born and brewed in Singapore, we are excited to debut the Tiger Street Lab concept at Jewel, which we believe is set to become the next Singapore icon,” said Faye Wee, marketing director at Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore.

    “Jewel will be a place where Singapore meets the world and the world will meet Singapore, and we are proud to be one of the local brands that will fly Singapore’s flag high. With Tiger Street Lab, we have created an experience that represents Singapore that locals can be proud of on an international stage, leaving it up to Singapore talents to decide what that should look like,” she said.

    The Tiger Street Lab menu was created in collaboration with local music and F&B group, Timbre and Zi Char mainstay, Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood.

    In addition to the beer and food, visitors can get creative at Tiger Street Lab.

    Featuring interactive touchscreens powered by digital print innovation, customers can select a series of unconventional designs exclusive to Tiger Street Lab to personalise their own beer bottle labels. The customisation station is equipped with on-the-spot printing, enabling visitors to make their picks an instant reality.

    The overall experience will be complemented by contemporary local designs featuring the iconic tiger motif. Recruited via Tiger Beer’s Roar Collective platform, emerging local artists Cyntherea Tan, Esther Goh, Chris Chai, and creative studio Tell Your Children, created artwork to provide an inspirational ambience at the Tiger Street Lab.

    Tiger Street Lab is open daily from 9am to 3am.

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  • A&W Singapore makes a Huge Comeback

    A&W Singapore makes a Huge Comeback

    American fast food chain A&W Singapore is making a comeback this week at Jewel Changi.

    The chain made its original debut in the city back in 1966 with an outlet at Dunearn Road, burt closed all five outlets in 2003, exiting the market.

    After the Jewel Changi return, a second outlet will be opened by June, and a third next year, however the locations have yet to be revealed.

    “After opening here, we wanted to be able to scale [at] such a speed it would ease the crowd at the first outlet,” said Kelvin Tan, A&W International’s director of marketing and communication.

    A&W Singapore also intends to apply for halal certification to cater to the big Muslim market in Singapore.

    “The Muslim community formed a very big chunk of our business (in the past) and I think right now we will continue to respect and recognise that this particular market is very important to us,” Tan said.

    And directly by A&W Restaurants, A&W Singapore’s menu also incorporates regional favourites such as the “golden aroma chicken” from A&W’s Malaysian and Indonesian outlets, and the “waffle sundae” from A&W outlets in Thailand.

  • Deliveroo Plus Service Launched in Hong Kong

    Deliveroo Plus Service Launched in Hong Kong

    Food-delivery service Deliveroo has launched a subscription model in Hong Kong, dubbed Deliveroo Plus.

    For HK$98 a month, customers can get unlimited free delivery on meals ordered throughout the day. The service is being launched with a two-week free trial.

    Deliveroo Plus is being rolled out internationally after a successful launch in the UK. Deliveroo says that during their first two months of signing up to the pilot, half of the UK customers saved nearly £25 ($260), whilst one in 10 saved more than £75 (HK$770).

    Brian Lo, Deliveroo Hong Kong GM, said Deliveroo Plus aims to reward frequent customers by offering better value for money.

    “This new subscription service provides a more affordable option to the frequent users while the earnings of riders is expected to rise with the increasing demand for food delivery.”

    By its nature, the service will also likely make customers commit to one platform rather than shopping across rival services.

    Customers throughout Hong Kong wishing to subscribe to Deliveroo Plus will see the option to sign up to the service on their basket at checkout and in the ‘account’ section of the app and website.

    Deliveroo operates in more than 500 towns and cities across 14 markets: Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, UAE, Kuwait and the UK.

  • Deliveroo Supports 2K+ Jobs and Adds HK$1.3 Billion Revenue to Hong Kong Economy

    Deliveroo Supports 2K+ Jobs and Adds HK$1.3 Billion Revenue to Hong Kong Economy

    Showcasing its positive influence on the Hong Kong economy, Deliveroo today published a new report assessing its impact on partner restaurants and the wider market. Amongst other findings, the research indicates that Deliveroo supports 2,100 jobs in Hong Kong and adds HK$1.3 billion in revenue.*

    The major, independent study was commissioned by Deliveroo and conducted by leading independent economic consultants Capital Economics. It shows the full, positive economic impact of Deliveroo’s activities in Hong Kong and globally, examining increased revenues received by restaurants and their suppliers as a result of partnering with Deliveroo; the impact of spending of Deliveroo riders and employees; the impact of spending by Deliveroo on suppliers; and the tax generated by Deliveroo’s operations.

    The report reveals that in Hong Kong:

    • Deliveroo supports approximately 2,100 jobs across the Hong Kong economy. This is on top of the approximately 2,500 riders and walkers in Hong Kong to whom Deliveroo currently offers flexible, well-paid work delivering meals.
    • Deliveroo supports 1,700 additional jobs in the Hong Kong restaurant sector, of which 1,200 are in chain restaurants and 490 are in independent restaurants.
    • Deliveroo generates HK$956 million in additional revenue for the restaurant sector in Hong Kong, of which HK$668 million is in chain restaurants and HK$288 million is in independent restaurants.
    • In total, Deliveroo supports HK$1.3 billion in revenue across the economy of Hong Kong.
    • 54% of restaurants who partner with Deliveroo in Hong Kong say that, as a result, they have seen increased revenue from people dining in at their restaurant.
    • Deliveroo’s tax contributions in Hong Kong amount to HK$29 million in employee taxes and HK$74 million in corporation taxes.
    • Deliveroo’s contribution to economic growth (measured by Gross Domestic Product) in Hong Kong is HK$596 million.
    • Capital Economics project that if Deliveroo continues to grow at its current rate, the report projects that the company’s operations would support somewhere in the region of 4,500 jobs and HK$1.1 billion of economic output (measured by Gross Domestic Product) in Hong Kong by 2020.

    The report was conducted across all of Deliveroo’s 13 markets worldwide. Globally, the report found that:

    • In total, Deliveroo supports 67,000 jobs across the economies of the markets in which it operates, which is on top of the 130,000 riders to whom Deliveroo provides flexible, well-paid work.
    • Deliveroo supports 59,000 additional jobs in restaurant sectors across the economies of the markets in which it operates, of which 41,000 are in or from chain restaurants and 18,000 are in or from independent restaurants.
    • Deliveroo generates a total of HK$22.2 billion in additional revenue for restaurant sectors across the economies of the markets in which it operates, of which HK$15.4 billion is in chain restaurants and HK$6.8 billion is in independent restaurants.
    • Capital Economics project that if Deliveroo were to continue to grow at the same rate it is today, the report estimates that it would support somewhere in the region of 200,000 jobs and HK$41.1 billion of economic output globally by 2020.

    Brian Lo, General Manager of Deliveroo Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong boasts one of the most dynamic F&B markets in Asia, with fierce competition, demanding diners and an ever-evolving landscape of local, regional and international players. In this context, Deliveroo is proud to be an innovative and influential force for the restaurant sector, making a positive economic impact. Deliveroo helps to increase restaurants’ sales, increase the number of people employed in restaurants and ultimately helps restaurants to grow their businesses.

    This, as a result, brings more choice and food options to local communities, so more people can have more amazing food whenever and wherever they want it.”

    *         NB: all figures cover the output arising from Deliveroo’s operations/activities over the 12 months to November 2018.

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  • Asia Pulp and Paper Introduces New Compostable Bio Container for Takeaway Food to FooPak suite

    Asia Pulp and Paper Introduces New Compostable Bio Container for Takeaway Food to FooPak suite

    Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) continues to expand its portfolio to meet the environmentally conscious goals and demands of consumers with the newest addition to the Foopak suite of products: the new Bio Container for takeaway food. Constructed with folding boxboard (FBB), the box offers a fully biodegradable and compostable solution for takeaway containers, trays, and other direct food contact items. The highly durable paper stock capable of breaking down naturally in 12 weeks makes the boxboard an ideal alternative to commonly used plastic boxes.

    The Bio Container’s double coating has an outside layer that is ideal for branding and promotions with a white surface that is excellent for multi-color lithography, letter press, and flexography. The inside layer provides a level 9 grease resistance, designed to protect against water and grease absorption to promote reduced food leakage. Formulated for high-speed bar heat-sealing at 80C/356F for converting and finishing and hot gluing applications. The box is suitable for both microwave and freezer use.

    This new offering from APP is FDA compliant and ISEGA certified for composability within 12 weeks, and available in 260-370 gsm & 13.3-23.6 caliper. Strength and sustainability combined gives brands a solution to single-use plastics that satisfies consumer demands for both quality and environmental impact.

    “Expanding our Foopak line to include FBB to-go containers is another step toward helping brands across the globe reach their sustainability goals,” said Felix Koh, Senior Vice President and Global Business Unit Head, APP. “We’re proud to offer a product that will satisfy the needs of consumers and businesses alike, while extending our market reach.”

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  • Comvita Honey wholly acquires China joint venture

    Comvita Honey wholly acquires China joint venture

    New Zealand honey business Comvita has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire the remaining 49 per cent of its China joint venture, Comvita Food Ltd and Comvita China Limited.

    The acquisition will be funded through the issuing of 4.05 million new shares, as well as a payment of $3.19 million.

    “This completes the ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ with respect to our China Strategy, which we have been working on for a number of years,” Comvita chief executive Scott Coulter said.

    “Our goal has been to gain full control of our brand across all key channels into China. This acquisition significantly strengthens our direct to China business, the key building block in our China strategic plan.”

    According to Coulter, China remains Comvita’s strongest consumer base, with its success in the region underpinned by its efforts to get closer to the Chinese consumer.

    This was initially done through a distribution relationship for 12 years, before the business entered a 51 to 49 per cent joint venture in 2017. This acquisition is the culmination of that effort.

    “China is moving into a direct trade and a formalised cross border e-commerce model, to ensure both consumer protection and fairness in taxation between online and offline ‘players’ are in place,” Coulter continued.

    “This acquisition will provide Comvita with much more flexibility to optimise sales and channel profitability in this fast evolving environment.”

    For the remainder of the year, the brand issued three goals for the China market: to achieve price harmonisation between its channels and markets, to supply key cross border e-commerce platforms directly, and to build its e-commerce and marketing capability in the region.

    Comvita chair Neil Craig noted that while the recent period had been tough on shareholders due to the execution of the brand’s strategy in China impacting its short term earnings, the brand now expects revenue from its consolidated China business to be greater than $200 million in sales annually.

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  • Japan revokes Vietnamese chili sauce for Safety Reasons

    Japan revokes Vietnamese chili sauce for Safety Reasons

    The Osaka Information Portal reported Tuesday that the bottles were imported from Vietnam to Japan by the Osaka-based Javis Co., Ltd last December, and sold to the Kobe-based ISC Industrial Co., Ltd. Javis Co., Ltd never mentioned that the imported chili sauce contained benzoic acid, which is banned from all chili sauce in Japan, before selling it to ISC Industrial Co., Ltd, the portal said.

    Japanese authorities determined that the bottles contained between 0.41 to 0.45 grams of benzoic acid per kilogram of chilli sauce, after suspicions arose that ISC Industrial Co., Ltd was violating the country’s laws on food safety and food labeling.

    The Masan Group, which produced the chili sauce under the brand name of Chin-su, said it never exported the chili sauce to either Javis Co,. Ltd or ISC Industrial Co. Ltd. It said it only exported the product to the United States, Australia, Russia, the Czech Republic, China and Taiwan.

    “As we have no chili sauce sample in hand right now, we have no official conclusion on the origins of the bottles. However, it is likely that they are either exclusive for the Vietnamese market, or their origins are unknown,” the group stated in a press release.

    Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has yet to receive any official statements from Japan about the Chin-su case, Tran Viet Nga, deputy head of the Food Safety Department, said Saturday. But it is taking steps to clarify the matter, she added.

    “Benzoic acid is allowed as a food preservative according to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), in which both Vietnam and Japan are members. In accordance to standards from the CAC, the levels of benzoic acid found in the chili sauce revoked by Japan were still within international standards,” she said.

    “Maybe Japan just has tougher requirements.”

    Japan bans benzoic acid in its chili sauce, but allows its presence in certain food products like syrup, margarine or soft drinks. Vietnam allows a maximum amount of one gram of benzoic acid per kilogram of chili sauce.

    The World Health Organization says a person can consume five milligrams of benzoic acid per kilogram of body weight daily without adverse health effects.

  • Online grocery marketplace Dei Lifts Off in Singapore

    Online grocery marketplace Dei Lifts Off in Singapore

    Home-grown online grocery marketplace Dei has launched in Singapore.

    Standing for ‘Daily Everything’, Dei hosts more than 70 physical Singapore-based Indian retailers, and 15,000 products categorised into canned goods, clothing, locally sourced vegetables, fruit and meat.

    Consumers will enjoy same-day delivery along with post-sale services.

    “Dei was founded to promote digital transformation and introduce new technologies for Little India’s merchant community,” said Jay Varman, co-founder and CEO.

    “With Dei, Little India’s retailers and merchants can enjoy greater access to the greater Singapore community and increase their revenue by up to 30 per cent.”

    Appointed by the Little India Heritage Association (LISHA) and the Singapore India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Dei was soft-launched in 2016, and has gained year-on-year growth of 120 per cent, peaking at an average of 50 daily orders with an estimated $900,000 in total revenue.

    “Dei helps to bridge the gap between e-commerce and the traditional brick and mortar space, allowing for the consolidation of shipments into one,” said Rajakumar Chandra, chairman of LISHA,

    “We hope to collectively onboard all business owners and merchants of Little India to ensure that everyone benefits from the nationwide digitalisation push. Furthermore, we are in discussions with representatives from Chinatown and Kampong Glam to expand into their respective precincts, thus providing a truly seamless experience for all Singaporeans.”

    The platform is currently raising seed funding for future expansion. It plans to build hyperlocal, omnichannel-integrated marketplaces across Southeast Asia.

  • Fortnum & Mason To Open in Hong Kong

    Fortnum & Mason To Open in Hong Kong

    Upmarket British food store Fortnum & Mason will launch its first international standalone location in Hong Kong this September.

    Driven by a strong international demand, the first Fortnum & Mason Hong Kong store will open along with a restaurant in the K11 Musea development at Victoria Dockside, serving Hong Kong residents and mainland Chinese visitors.

    The retailer runs concessions in South Korea with Shinsegae, Mitsukoshi in Japan and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.

    “Building on our 47 years of experience in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong, our latest expansion in Asia is an important next step for us, as we extend our reach further across the world ” said Kate Hobhouse, chairman of Fortnum & Mason.

    “We have seen significant appetite for the Fortnum’s brand and products in the region, with impressive year-on-year sales growth. We are therefore incredibly proud to continue our record of investment and growth by expanding our business into new markets, and reinforcing our support for amazing producers and suppliers  and creating new job opportunities.”

    The 7000 sqft Fortnum & Mason Hong Kong space will feature an edit of Fortnum’s most popular products, including tea, biscuits and wine, and gifts such as Champagne and teaware. A restaurant space will afford views across Victoria Harbour.

    British food is popular in Hong Kong, at one time a British colony. Marks & Spencer has a chain of food stores in the territory, operated by Al-Futtaim Group, and own-brand products from supermarket giants Tesco and Morrisons are readily available in retail stores and online.

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  • Shakey’s to buy Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken chain

    Shakey’s to buy Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken chain

    Philippines restaurant chain operator Shakey’s Pizza Asia is buying the Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken brand.

    The firm filed details of the deal with Peri-Peri’s operator I-Foods at the Philippine Stock Exchange this week, although the transaction cost has not been released. A representative for the business said the price was not substantial relative to the firm’s market capitalisation, and that the acquisition will be financed by a combination of internally generated cash and debt, most likely to be completed by mid-year.

    The deal is expected to affect Shakey’s bottom line this year, but boost profits in the long run.

    Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken operates 23 outlets in metropolitan Manila, 40 per cent of which are run under franchise agreements.

    “The brand now has a strong following and recently gained even more traction,” said Shakey’s president and CEO Vicente Gregorio, “evident in its strong same-store sales growth last year amidst the more challenging macroeconomic environment, and the amount of interest in new stores from potential lessors and franchisees.”

    “We are excited by the potential of Peri to scale,” added  Shakey’s chairman Christopher Po. “We expect it to be an important future growth driver for our fast casual chain restaurant business.”

    The firm also has plans to expand its core offering – US brand Shakey’s Pizza, for which the firm has perpetual rights in several broad territories, including most of Asia. It plans to open 20 new branches this year, which will see it operating 248 locations by next year.

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  • New Deliveroo Subscription Service gives Food Lovers Free Delivery

    New Deliveroo Subscription Service gives Food Lovers Free Delivery

    Deliveroo the leading food-delivery company is today launching Deliveroo Plus, a new subscription service available for food lovers across Hong Kong. The new service, priced at HK$98 a month, will enable customers to get unlimited free delivery. Customers will be able to benefit further by trialling Deliveroo Plus free for two weeks or more.

    Deliveroo Plus is being rolled out following a successful launch in the UK. During their first two months of signing up to the pilot, half of all customers saved nearly £25 (around HK$ 260) over the time period, whilst one in ten saved over £75 (around HK$ 770).

    Brian Lo, General Manager, Hong Kong at Deliveroo said, “At Deliveroo, we are continuously striving to innovate our offer as well as expand our delivery platform. Through the launch of Deliveroo Plus, Deliveroo aims at rewarding our users with a better value for money. This new subscription service provides a more affordable option to the frequent users while the earnings of riders is expected to rise with the increasing demand for food delivery.”

    Customers throughout Hong Kong wishing to subscribe to Deliveroo Plus will see the option to sign up to the service on their basket at checkout and in the ‘Account’ section of the app and website.

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  • RFG back to square one in asset sale process

    RFG back to square one in asset sale process

    Retail Food Group on Tuesday said sale talks with a potential buyer of its Donut King, Pizza Capers and Crust businesses have ended in disappointment, following months of negotiations.

    The deal fell through after the two parties failed to reach a formal binding agreement on terms that the board considered to be in the best interests of the company as a whole, RFG said in a statement.

    “Our Donut King and QSR brands [Pizza Capers and Crust] continue to provide solid earnings contributing to the company’s underlying profit,” Peter George, executive chairman of RFG, said.

    “The potential sale of any of these assets must be at a price not only acceptable to our board but in the best interests of our shareholders.”

    The franchisor, which operates Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Brumby’s Bakeries, Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Di Bella Coffee, The Coffee Guy, Café2U, Pizza Capers and Crust, had been pursuing an asset sale to help pay down its net debt of roughly $258.9 million, after restructuring costs and write-downs wiped out its declining profit in the first half of FY19.

    An RFG spokesperson said the failure to sell its Donut King and QSR brands will not impact the company’s recent agreement with NAB and Westpac to reset its financial covenants and waive a review of the business.

    The company continues to work closely with its lenders and maintains their support, the spokesperson said.

    The RFG board is investigating a range of other options to pay down its debt, including equity, other debt funding options and potential asset sales, and will update the market of any definitive option being reached.

    In response to a report that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission is “keeping an eye” on the franchisor, particularly around big announcements, the RFG board said it has not been made aware of any current investigations.

    A spokesperson for ASIC told that “ASIC supervises the market, so we monitor all share trading”.

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  • Walmart partners with Google for voice shopping

    Walmart partners with Google for voice shopping

    US retail giant Walmart and tech company Google have collaborated on voice technology to assist customers with grocery shopping.

    Starting this month, Walmart Voice Order will allow consumers to order groceries through Google Assistant by saying, “Hey Google, talk to Walmart”.  Google Assistant will then follow the orders directly and add grocery items to their Walmart Grocery cart.

    “We continue to innovate for the future and look to technology to make great services even better in the future. Introducing: Walmart Voice Order,” said Tom Ward, senior vice president, Digital Operations, Walmart US.

    “With the new voice ordering capabilities we’re building across platforms with partners like Google, we’re helping customers simply say the word to have Walmart help them shop … literally.”

    “Best of all, customers can be extra confident that we can quickly and accurately identify the items they are asking for with the help of information from their prior purchases with us. The more you use it, the better we’ll get,” added Ward.

    When shoppers say “add milk to my cart,” the Google Assistant will add the specific milk brand the customer usually buys, meaning there is no need to continually repeat the brand, volume and whether it’s a low fat or whole milk.

    Shoppers can use Walmart Voice Order on Smart Displays like Google Home Hub, Android phones, iPhones, watches, etc.

    “We know when using voice technology, customers like to add items to their cart one at a time over a few days – not complete their shopping for the week all at once. So, this capability aligns with the way customers shop. We can’t wait to hear what they think about it and how it’s making shopping easier for them,” Ward explained.

    Walmart, Amazon competes in the US grocery sector

    Walmart’s latest move comes in light of Amazon’s plans to slash prices at Whole Foods Market and to give major discounts to Amazon Prime members. Amazon also offers voice-activated shopping using its own Alexa-enabled devices, which dominates the US smart speaker market, with 67 per cent market share in 2018.

    “We still don’t see a lot of people shopping and buying with smart speakers yet, but this may change if more lower-cost models begin to incorporate screens. We’re also likely to see people doing more things with their voice assistants as they find their way into cars and other home-based devices,” said analyst Victoria Petrock.

    There are still a minimum number of shoppers who are using speakers to shop. Voice commerce in 2018 accounted for approximately 0.4 per cent of US e-commerce sales. Analysts expect it to increase in the next few years.

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  • AlipayHK Collaborates with McDonald’s Hong Kong to Steer Digital Transformation

    AlipayHK Collaborates with McDonald’s Hong Kong to Steer Digital Transformation

    With ubiquitous popularity on cashless payment services, AlipayHK has partnered with a plethora of merchants to engage users to harness the convenience of mobile payment. Today AlipayHK has collaborated with McDonald’s Hong Kong to steer profound digital transformation in catering industry – of which AlipayHK users can use the e-wallets to order gourmet food and pay in McDonald’s App on smartphones. Along with enhanced mobile ordering features in McDonald’s App, AlipayHK users can tap and swipe to enjoy “Exclusive rewards on delicacies”. Be familiar with QR code-based payment system to reap incredible rewards!

    First e-wallet integrated in McDonald’s App for mobile ordering and grab delicious deals

    With the advent of mobile payment services and big data analytics, restaurants are going full steam on digitalization craze. It is a prominent trend for the food and beverage sector to pursue digital transformation to boost operational efficiency, delivering customers seamless shopping and dining experience. Over the past year, AlipayHK has partnered with numerous merchants and restaurants to offer customers electronic coupons and stamps endlessly and to go green by using digital coupons. With McDonald’s launch of self-service ordering kiosks and mobile ordering, customers have appreciated the novelty and convenience of ordering scrumptious foods anywhere.

    It is an unrivalled convenience and unparalleled experience for AlipayHK customers to use the e-wallets integrated in McDonald’s App for placing orders.AlipayHK has strived to foster brand new consuming trend by embracing mobile wallet services – powered by futuristic technology – in Hongkongers’ daily lives. It has co-operated with McDonald’s to roll out “Exclusive rewards on delicacies” in McDoanld’s restaurants citywide, fostering mobile ordering and checkout as well as forging mobile payment as most preferred payment tool in Hong Kong.

    Ms. Jennifer Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Alipay Payment Services (HK) Limited, said, “AlipayHK expects that mobile payment services are geared to extensive and in-depth applications and development through the latest co-operation with McDonald’s Hong Kong. Currently, Alipay customers can use the e-wallets to make payment in nearly 10,000 restaurants. In collaboration with McDonald’s Hong Kong, AlipayHK hopes the initiative will help spearhead and incentivize more restaurants to engage in digital transformation in food and beverage sector. It will surely let customers gain bespoke experience and amazing convenience on mobile ordering and payment, turning the concept of smart living a reality.”

    Ms. Randy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Hong Kong, said, “We have been committed to expanding our electronic payment platform to give customers’ unparalleled experience with McDonald’s in recent years. Since our collaboration with AlipayHK last year, customers have greatly enjoyed various special and incredible offers. To enhance co-operation, AlipayHK e-wallet is available in McDonald’s App for mobile ordering and payment from today, along with paying with credit cards and cash. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AlipayHK for giving full support to McDonald’s Hong Kong and a wide array of exclusive offers to our customers. We will be dedicated to bringing our customers the next generation of premium restaurant experience.”

    AlipayHK debuts virtual KOL AliSa and leads Hong Kong people to immerse in smart living

    AlipayHK officially debuted its first beloved virtual KOL “AliSa” to bring Hong Kong people close together to explore future living. The well-loved virtual character AliSa literally means “happiness” and “pleasure” in Hebrew language. The beloved and delightful AliSa has truly lived up to make your life hassle free with cheers and fun everyday.