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Tag: italian

  • Segafredo Brews Bold Move: Italian Espresso Hits Shelves in 900+ Woolworths Stores Across Australia

    Segafredo Brews Bold Move: Italian Espresso Hits Shelves in 900+ Woolworths Stores Across Australia

    Italian espresso company, Segafredo, has extended its reach into the Australian retail grocery market with a new product lineup. Over 900 Woolworths stores nationwide and their online platform will carry the brand that has been supplying Australian cafes since 1973. Now, Segafredo is venturing into the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

    Segafredo’s New Lineup

    The new offering includes eight products, all formulated with the tastes and preferences of Australian consumers in mind. The selection includes locally roasted whole coffee beans, coffee capsules, and instant coffee.

    The whole coffee bean selection is available in 700g packages at $30 each. It includes three options originating from the bold, dark Casa roast that is known for its “full-bodied intensity”. This variety is made with the Arabica Emozioni blend that offers hints of nuts and chocolate. There’s also a medium-roasted Intermezzo blend with a smooth, balanced palate.

    The brand offers 10-packs of capsules for home brewing at $8 each. The offerings include Arabica Supremo, the Classico signature blend, and Intenso.

    Also available is a 100g range of instant coffee, priced at $12. Customers can choose between a smooth, granulated Classic variety or a rich, freeze-dried Gold blend with a lingering aromatic finish.

    Reaction from Segafredo

    Rob Collier, Managing Director of Segafredo Bean Alliance Australia, expressed his excitement about the brand’s expansion into Woolworths. He stated that after being a staple in Australia’s cafe culture for over 25 years, this step marked a significant milestone for Segafredo. Collier also expressed that they have developed a range of blends and flavors that are likely to resonate with discerning consumers and are eager to become part of Australians’ everyday coffee rituals.

    This retail expansion aligns with the launch of Segafredo’s new global marketing initiative, ‘Take Your Shot’. This campaign features several public figures representing different product categories and consumer habits. Aggie Vlotman from Segafredo Bean Alliance Australia stated that the aim is to position Segafredo as a constant, quality coffee brand that aligns with the rhythm of Australians’ daily lives.

    Established in 1973 in Bologna by Massimo Zanetti, Segafredo has grown from a traditional Italian roasting house into one of the world’s leading coffee companies, now operating in over 110 countries worldwide.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the price range of Segafredo’s new product lineup?
    The price range is from $8 for a 10-pack of coffee capsules to $30 for a 700g package of whole coffee beans.

    What flavors or blends are included in Segafredo’s new product lineup?
    The lineup includes Arabica Emozioni blend, medium-roasted Intermezzo blend, Arabica Supremo, Classico signature blend, and Intenso.

    What is Segafredo’s new marketing initiative?
    The new initiative, ‘Take Your Shot’, aims to position Segafredo as a constant, quality coffee brand that aligns with the rhythm of Australians’ daily lives.

  • Italian Hatmaker Borsalino Taps into China Market with Shanghai Essence Group: A New Era of Luxury Retail Expansion

    Italian Hatmaker Borsalino Taps into China Market with Shanghai Essence Group: A New Era of Luxury Retail Expansion

    Italian luxury hatmaker Borsalino is gearing up for a significant foray into the Chinese market. This move will be facilitated through a partnership with Shanghai’s Essence Group.

    A Five-Year Plan for Expansion

    A comprehensive five-year plan for development has been constructed, targeting both retail and e-commerce sectors. Instead of an aggressive, large-scale rollout, the partnership intends to gradually establish Borsalino’s brand presence in China.

    The first Borsalino retail location in China is set to open in Shanghai in the first half of this year. This store will be run directly by Borsalino, marking the brand’s debut retail venture in mainland China. The Shanghai store will also act as a reference point for future store openings.

    Details regarding the timeline and number of stores to be opened in key luxury hubs across Greater China are yet to be released.

    Digital Strategy

    In addition to expanding Borsalino’s physical retail presence, Essence Group will also oversee Borsalino’s online strategy in China. A flagship e-commerce store is expected to launch later this year. This digital presence will be further supported by campaigns across various Chinese social media and content platforms, such as Red, Douyin, and WeChat.

    Essence Group’s CEO Alec Hou appreciates the unique appeal of Borsalino, noting how its authority is immediately recognized by discerning consumers across various cultures. He highlights that the partnership aims to respect and safeguard Borsalino’s rich heritage while introducing its relevance to a new generation of Chinese consumers.

    Brand Heritage

    Borsalino, set up in Alessandria in 1857, has built its reputation around its heritage felt hats and is regarded as one of Italy’s oldest operating accessories brands.

    On the other hand, the Essence Group, established in 2000, will add yet another European luxury brand to its portfolio, which already includes globally renowned labels such as Chanel, Prada, Loewe, and La Mer.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the plan for Borsalino’s expansion in China?
    A five-year development plan has been outlined to gradually establish Borsalino’s presence in China, focusing on both retail and e-commerce sectors.

    When and where will Borsalino’s first store in China open?
    Borsalino’s first official store in China is set to open in Shanghai in the first half of this year.

    Which company is partnering with Borsalino for its Chinese expansion?
    Borsalino is partnering with Shanghai-based Essence Group for its expansion into the Chinese market.

  • Lanvin Group Sharpens Focus with Strategic Spin-off of Italian Luxury Brand Caruso

    Lanvin Group Sharpens Focus with Strategic Spin-off of Italian Luxury Brand Caruso

    The Lanvin Group has recently completed the strategic divestment of the Italian luxury menswear brand, Caruso. This move is a part of the group’s plan to concentrate on their primary brands, especially in light of the ongoing instability in the luxury market.

    Caruso has now been procured by MondeVita Italy, which is a constituent of the Mondevo Group based in Abu Dhabi. This marks the end of the Lanvin Group’s proprietorship of the esteemed tailoring house. The financial details related to this transaction have not been made public.

    Caruso: A Brief Overview

    Caruso, established in 1964 and based in Soragna, Italy, is famed for its superior tailoring skills and manufacturing proficiency. The brand primarily functions through wholesale channels and has chosen retail collaborations across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

    Lanvin Group’s Alignment With Broader Strategy

    The Lanvin Group has stated that this divestment is in agreement with its expansive strategy to streamline operations and channel resources towards its fundamental luxury labels. This transaction is part of a larger restructuring endeavor aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and boosting long-term profitability.

    The Fosun Group, which has recently rebranded itself as the Lanvin Group, became the principal shareholder of Caruso in 2017 through a capital increase. This was subsequent to its acquisition of a 35 per cent stake in 2013.

    In the early part of the previous year, the group, which is based in China, reported a substantial drop in annual sales whilst continuing to put its revitalization strategy into action.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Italian luxury menswear brand that Lanvin Group has divested?
    The brand is Caruso, an esteemed tailoring house established in 1964 and known for its superior tailoring skills and manufacturing proficiency.

    Who has now acquired Caruso?
    Caruso has been procured by MondeVita Italy, a subsidiary of the Mondevo Group based in Abu Dhabi.

    What is the reason behind Lanvin Group’s divestment of Caruso?
    This divestment is part of the Lanvin Group’s strategy to streamline operations and focus resources on their core luxury labels, amidst ongoing market instability.

  • Damiani Debuts First Flagship Store in Seoul: A Taste of Italian Luxury in Korea’s Gangnam District

    Damiani Debuts First Flagship Store in Seoul: A Taste of Italian Luxury in Korea’s Gangnam District

    Damiani, the esteemed Italian jewellery manufacturer, has proudly unrolled its first flagship store in South Korea. This exciting new venture is nestled in the bustling Gangnam District of Seoul.

    The Essence of Casa Damiani Seoul

    The boutique, christened Casa Damiani Seoul, draws its inspiration from the warmth and charm of traditional Italian homes. The space has been thoughtfully designed to foster a hospitable and inviting atmosphere, where customers can explore and appreciate fine jewellery in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

    The exterior of the store is marked by a series of vertical frames that encapsulate the structure, all bathed in a sophisticated champagne-gold hue.

    The Interior Design

    Inside, the boutique boasts a distinctive selection of Italian materials. Among these are Calacatta marble, leather, and various textile finishes. The décor is further enhanced by geometric designs that are reminiscent of the Maison’s Belle Epoque collection, serving as a recurring motif throughout the interior.

    Moreover, exquisite glass creations and chandeliers, crafted by Venini—an entity within the Damiani Group—infuse an extra touch of artistry into the space.

    Celebrating the Flagship Store

    In celebration of the store’s opening, Damiani showcased the Belle Epoque Marea Cross necklace, an exquisite piece adorned with Paraiba tourmalines. The name ‘Marea’, which translates to ‘the movement of the sea’ in Italian, serves as an ode to the ocean-like hues that Paraiba tourmalines are renowned for.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the inspiration behind Casa Damiani Seoul?
    The boutique is inspired by the warmth and charm of traditional Italian homes, providing a hospitable and inviting atmosphere for its customers.

    What unique design elements are incorporated in Casa Damiani Seoul?
    The store’s design incorporates a selection of Italian materials, including Calacatta marble, leather, and textile finishes. Geometric designs inspired by the Maison’s Belle Epoque collection serve as a recurring motif.

    What is the Belle Epoque Marea Cross necklace?
    The Belle Epoque Marea Cross necklace is an exquisite piece adorned with Paraiba tourmalines. The name ‘Marea’ references the ocean-like hues for which Paraiba tourmalines are known.

  • Michelin-Starred Terra Tokyo Italian Announces Closure Amid Market Challenges: A Decade-Long Journey Ends in December

    Michelin-Starred Terra Tokyo Italian Announces Closure Amid Market Challenges: A Decade-Long Journey Ends in December

    Terra Tokyo Italian, a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian dining in Singapore, has announced it will be saying farewell this coming December. The Michelin-star restaurant broadcasted the disheartening news in an Instagram post earlier this week, stating that its final day of service will be December 20, 2025.

    A Fond Farewell

    The restaurant’s statement expressed a heartfelt goodbye, reminiscing over its journey that was marked by shared meals, warm conversations, celebrations, and memorable moments. It extended gratitude to its loyal patrons who have shaped the establishment over the past decade.

    “We are deeply grateful for the decade we have spent together. Your trust, your smiles, your support has meant everything to us. We hope to spend these remaining days together, just as we have done for the past ten years. We welcome you wholeheartedly until our very last service,” the statement said.

    Reason For Closure

    The restaurant attributed its impending closure to the challenges imposed by the current market conditions.

    Terra Tokyo Italian was originally established as an omakase-style restaurant by Japanese chef Seita Nakahara, who later left the establishment in 2023. It first earned a Michelin star in 2016, lost it the subsequent year, but managed to reclaim it from 2019 through 2024. Despite losing its star this year, the restaurant still remains a Michelin-selected establishment for its quality.

    Other Closures and Changes

    Terra Tokyo Italian is not alone, as eight other one-star Michelin restaurants also closed their doors between 2024 and now. Several other establishments that managed to retain their stars have also ceased operations or announced their closures, including restaurants like Alma by Juan Amador, Restaurant Euphoria, and Esora.

    In addition, other Michelin-starred restaurants are undergoing changes. For instance, Sushi Sakuta, a two-star restaurant, is moving from the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore to Millenia Walk this month, while three-star French restaurant Odette is currently undergoing renovations and is set to reopen next month.

    The broader food and beverage industry in Singapore is also experiencing significant closures. Last year saw the closure of some 3,047 eateries, the highest figure in last two decades. The first ten months of this year already witnessed 2,431 closures, 63% of which did not last more than five years.

    Questions & Answers

    When will Terra Tokyo Italian close its doors?
    The restaurant plans to cease operations on December 20, 2025.

    What has been the impact of current market conditions on the restaurant scene in Singapore?
    The food and beverage industry in Singapore has seen a significant number of closures due to market conditions. In the past year, over 3,000 eateries have shut down, marking the highest closure rate in two decades.

    How has the Michelin Guide impacted Terra Tokyo Italian?
    The restaurant first earned a Michelin star in 2016, lost it the following year, but reclaimed it from 2019 to 2024. Despite losing its star in 2025, the restaurant still remains a Michelin-recognized establishment for its quality.

  • Joy Group Enhances Global Beauty Portfolio With Strategic Acquisition Of Italian Haircare Brand Foltène

    Joy Group Enhances Global Beauty Portfolio With Strategic Acquisition Of Italian Haircare Brand Foltène

    Joy Group, a multi-brand beauty corporation, has recently publicized its successful acquisition of Foltène, an Italian dermatological haircare brand. Renowned for its science-backed product design and innovation, Foltène utilizes two proprietary active complexes, namely Tricosaccaride and Tricalgoxyl. These ingredients are utilized to create products proven clinically to bolster thicker and fuller hair.

    The Scope of Global Acquisition

    The global acquisition extends to include Foltène’s brand assets, international distribution network, supply chain mechanisms, and its research laboratory situated in Italy. This critical business move bolsters Joy Group’s “multi-brand, multi-category, and international” business approach, paving the way for a comprehensive portfolio inclusive of colour cosmetics, hair care, and skincare products.

    Synergies and Growth

    The integration of Foltène into Joy Group’s portfolio is projected to generate robust synergies with the corporation’s existing brands. This strategic move will catalyze Joy Group’s sustained growth and innovation in the global beauty market. The company expressed optimism about the potential of this acquisition to enhance their position and stimulate further development in the international beauty landscape.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Foltène recognized for?
    Foltène is a renowned Italian dermatological haircare brand, recognized for its science-backed product design and innovation. The brand uses two proprietary active complexes, Tricosaccaride and Tricalgoxyl, to create products that promote thicker and fuller hair.

    What assets are included in Joy Group’s acquisition of Foltène?
    The acquisition includes Foltène’s brand assets, its global distribution network, supply chain systems, and research laboratory located in Italy.

    What impact will the acquisition of Foltène have on Joy Group?
    The acquisition is expected to generate robust synergies with Joy Group’s existing brands, driving the corporation’s sustained growth and innovation in the global beauty market. This strategic move will allow Joy Group to bolster its comprehensive portfolio of color cosmetics, hair care, and skincare products.

  • Maria Grazia Chiuri named chief designer at Italian label Fendi

    Maria Grazia Chiuri named chief designer at Italian label Fendi

    LVMH, a French luxury corporation, announced on Tuesday that they have appointed Maria Grazia Chiuri, formerly the women’s designer for Dior, as the new creative director for the Italian fashion label Fendi. Her inaugural collection is set to debut in February.

    Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Journey to Fendi

    Chiuri’s last Dior runway show was in Rome, her home city, which took place in May. This was before Jonathan Anderson assumed the role of creative director at the French fashion house in June.

    Chiuri joining Fendi is one of many recent high-profile moves in the fashion industry, with new creative directors being installed at top brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Chanel.

    A Granddaughter Steps Down

    Chiuri, who is 61 years old, will take up the reins from Silvia Venturini Fendi, a descendant of the original founders of the design house.

    Feminist messages were a frequent feature of Chiuri’s fashion displays during her tenure at Dior, adding a unique touch to her shows.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new creative director for Fendi?
    Maria Grazia Chiuri, the former women’s designer for Dior, has been named the new creative director for Fendi.

    Who did Maria Grazia Chiuri replace at Fendi?
    She replaced Silvia Venturini Fendi, a granddaughter of the original founders of the design house.

    What unique aspect did Maria Grazia Chiuri incorporate into her Dior fashion shows?
    During her time at Dior, Chiuri often included feminist messages in her fashion shows.

  • Saizeriya Sets Sights On Doubling China Presence With Local Production Strategy By 2035

    Saizeriya Sets Sights On Doubling China Presence With Local Production Strategy By 2035

    Saizeriya, a Japanese-owned Italian restaurant chain, has unveiled an ambitious plan to double its presence in China from its current footprint to approximately 1,000 outlets by the year 2035.

    Expansion Strategies and Local Production

    In order to facilitate its expansion, Saizeriya established a subsidiary in Wuhan in July. Furthermore, they have plans to inaugurate a $30 million plant in Guangzhou next year. This new plant will produce local ingredients, including sauces, pasta, and pizza.

    The restaurant chain aims to attract “cost-conscious” consumers with its pricing strategy. As an illustration, at its Shanghai branches, Milan-style rice is priced at 15 yuan (roughly $2), and squid-ink pasta is available for 16 yuan.

    Noboru Nagaoka, the General Manager for overseas business, provided insight into the company’s performance. According to Nagaoka, the company currently generates an annual operating income of $40 million, a figure that is triple the amount earned from its operations in Japan.

    “We initially wanted to challenge the notion that Western food had to be expensive. Our goal was to demonstrate that genuine Italian meals could also be affordable,” he explained.

    Established Presence and Future Growth

    Saizeriya launched its first branch in Guangzhou in 2007, followed by a branch in Beijing in 2008. Recently, in July, the restaurant chain established a head office in Guangdong Province. This office is responsible for managing its operations in China and standardizing menu development.

    Nagaoka stated, “The Chinese market is of utmost importance to us. Our profits from this market have already surpassed those from Japan. Moreover, the potential for future growth in China is much larger.”

    To continue expanding its presence in the Chinese market, Saizeriya plans to open a minimum of 50 new stores per year. This would align its presence in China with the approximately 1050 restaurants it currently operates in Japan.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Saizeriya’s expansion plan for China?
    Saizeriya aims to double its presence in China to about 1,000 outlets by 2035.

    How does Saizeriya plan to support its expansion in China?
    The company plans to open a $30 million plant in Guangzhou to produce local ingredients. Additionally, a subsidiary has been established in Wuhan, and a head office has been set up in Guangdong Province to manage operations and standardize menu development.

    What is Saizeriya’s pricing strategy?
    Saizeriya targets “cost-conscious” diners by offering affordable prices for its dishes. For instance, at its Shanghai branches, Milan-style rice is priced at 15 yuan, and squid-ink pasta is available for 16 yuan.

  • Italian Fashion Powerhouse OVS To Open First Store In India Amid Global Expansion

    Italian Fashion Powerhouse OVS To Open First Store In India Amid Global Expansion

    Italian fashion retail giant, OVS, is preparing to penetrate the Indian market. The company is set to open its first store at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi, next month. This move is part of the company’s larger global expansion strategy. OVS, which reported sales of €1.63 billion in 2024 and operates over 2200 stores globally, sees the Indian market as a significant growth opportunity.

    Targeting India’s Dynamic Fashion Market

    India is known for its dynamic fashion landscape, fueled by a young population with an increasing appetite for international styles. Sundeep Chugh, MD at OVS India, shared his enthusiasm about introducing OVS’s unique blend of Italian design, quality, and affordability to Indian consumers.

    Store Features and Collection Highlights

    The New Delhi OVS store will showcase the brand’s latest retail concept. Additionally, it will offer a diverse product range, from everyday essentials to premium lines. The company’s creative director, Massimo Piombo, designs collections with the goal of inspiring and encouraging customers to embrace their creativity. The essence of Italian style – a blend of art, travel, and culture – is embodied in all OVS collections. With India’s vibrant and style-conscious market, the brand anticipates a significant response to their offerings.

    Global Footprint Expansion

    OVS already serves more than 6 million customers worldwide. The company views its entry into India as a critical turning point in its growth strategy. OVS plans to bring its ‘Love People, Not Labels’ philosophy to global markets, adding another dimension to its international expansion.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of OVS’s entry into the Indian market?
    The entry into the Indian market is a part of OVS’s broader international expansion strategy. It provides the company access to one of the world’s most dynamic fashion markets, characterized by a young demographic with a growing preference for global styles.

    What can customers expect from the first OVS store in New Delhi?
    Customers visiting the New Delhi store can expect to see the brand’s latest retail concept and a diverse product range, from everyday essentials to premium lines.

    What is OVS’s growth strategy?
    OVS’s growth strategy includes expanding its global footprint and bringing its ‘Love People, Not Labels’ philosophy to international markets. This involves catering to diverse customer preferences and promoting inclusivity in fashion.

  • Italian outerwear label Herno makes global duty-free debut in Korea

    Italian outerwear label Herno makes global duty-free debut in Korea

    Italian luxury brand Herno has made its first presence in South Korea, in partnership with Shinsegae International. The launch also marks Herno’s first presence in a duty-free shop.

    Located on the ninth floor of the Shinsegae Duty-Free Myeongdong branch, the store offers its latest winter collection in a variety of colors, with products made primarily of cashmere, silk, goose down, and nylon.

    “Even though outerwear is expensive, there is a perception that people buy high-quality products and wear them for a long time, so the demand for luxury padding is steadily increasing,” said a representative for Shinsegae International Herno.

    “As the number of travelers leaving overseas, including foreign tourists, is rapidly increasing ahead of the end of the year. We are expecting a good response from the Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong branch.”

    Herno, founded in 1948 by Giuseppe Marnezi, is notable for not showing its logos, in line with the quiet luxury trend. The decision to create a duty-free store was made in reaction to South Korea’s emergence as a centre of luxury fashion, the recent growth in international tourists visiting Korea, and the rapid increase in overseas travel by Koreans.

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  • Domino’s Pizza buys German, Asian businesses for $150m

    Domino’s Pizza buys German, Asian businesses for $150m

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises is raising to $165 million in fresh capital as it moves to full ownership of its pizza business in Germany, seven years after it made a foray into that market in a joint venture with its British stablemate.

    The Australian-listed pizza group made an original buyout of Joey’s Pizza chain in Germany in 2015 in conjunction with a British Domino’s Pizza entity. That joint venture followed up in 2017 with the acquisition of Hallo Pizza in Germany.

    The Australian-listed business is now buying out the remaining one-third of the joint venture entity, with funds raised via a $150 million placement and a $15 million share purchase plan.

    There are 412 Domino’s outlets in Germany, where soaring energy costs significantly drag the economy because of its dependence on gas from Russia. That has been upended after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    Chief executive Don Meij said on Thursday that Germany offered long-term solid growth prospects. In the short term, the company was trying to emphasize the value of its pizza meal offers, positioning them as cheaper for a family of four than burger and chicken chains.

    At its annual meeting, the broader group warned a month ago that overall profits in the first half would be “materially lower” than a year ago.

    Mr. Meij said on Thursday there had been little change in trading conditions since the trading update on November 2. “The business continues to track to plan,” he said.

    The final price in the placement will be determined via a book build, but there is an underwritten floor price of $65.05. This compares with a closing price of $66.38 on November 30. Domino’s shares went to a trading halt on Thursday.

    The company’s shares were trading at $164 in mid-September last year before inflation started to rise and input costs jumped.

    In August, the company expanded in Asia with the acquisition of 287 stores in Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia in a deal with an upfront price of $214 million, in what was the biggest acquisition in the company’s history. The Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia businesses had also been trading in line with expectations, the company said.

    The capital raising comes after Domino’s outlined three weeks ago that it had received an option exercise notice from Domino’s Pizza Group Plc requiring the purchase of all of its shares in the German joint venture.

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  • Italian brand Frette opens doors in Singapore

    Italian brand Frette opens doors in Singapore

    Italian home accessories and lifestyle brand, Frette, has expanded its footprint in Singapore with its first boutique in Marina Bay Sands.

    The store also marks the brand’s first mono-brand boutique in the territory. Designed by Milan-based architecture studio Archibrando, the new Frette store features elements used in the brand’s global flagship boutique on Milan’s Via Manzoni and custom furnishings crafted from natural Afara wood, “encapsulating the luxurious ambience and timeless elegance and essence of the brand”.

    Frette Singapore occupies a 65sqm area of the shopping centre, offering crafted linens and decorative home accessories, ranging from embroidery bedding, bath towels, to men’s and women’s loungewear. The Marina Bay Sands boutique also offers custom embroidery and personalisation, bedroom styling as well as installation.

    The 160-year-old brand is known for its “chic, original designs and inimitable finish and feel”. Frette operates nine retail locations in the US and 25 in Asia. The brand has flagship stores in China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Cambodia.

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  • Jamie’s Italian Restaurants closing in Hong Kong and Taipei

    Jamie’s Italian Restaurants closing in Hong Kong and Taipei

    Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant franchise Jamie’s Italian will close its locations in Hong Kong today, while its restaurant in Taipei was shuttered yesterday.

    After facing significant setbacks to the business following its collapse in the UK last May, the local franchisee Big Cat Group ultimately faced its greatest setback during Hong Kong’s anti-government protests last year – with sales dipping 20–35 percent year on year. The ensuing coronavirus outbreak proved to be the chain’s final stand.

    “I’m deeply saddened that our restaurants in Hong Kong have had to cease trading,” Big Cat’s head William Lyon told the South China Morning Post. “Our absolute priority was to ensure that all affected staff were paid in full. We do not forecast a marked improvement over the next few months and have therefore made the difficult decision to close all three restaurants with immediate effect.

    “Despite the support from our Causeway Bay landlord, our other landlords have not been supportive enough during this period. We’d like to thank our fantastic staff and the thousands of customers we’ve had the pleasure of serving over the past few years.”

    Jamie’s Italian has not exited Asia, however. It operates two restaurants in Singapore and another in Bangkok under different licensees.

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  • Furla Hong Kong opens new boutique at Peak Galleria

    Furla Hong Kong opens new boutique at Peak Galleria

    Furla in Hong Kong has opened a new boutique at the Peak Galleria.

    The 67sqm store takes a prominent position on the first floor of one of Hong Kong’s top tourist destinations, sporting an updated look with Italian marble flooring, timber veneer wall finishes, and furniture in Champagne gold and matte finishes.

    The boutique carries an extensive range of handbags, small leather goods and other accessories from the brand’s women’s collection.

    “Peak Galleria is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Hong Kong,” says Furla Group CEO Alberto Camerlengo, “and we are pleased to expand the brand’s footprint in this prime location with a modern and sophisticated store design that continues to offer our customers an essentially Italian shopping experience within a refined setting”.

    To celebrate the opening, Furla has launched an exclusive version of its Furla Mimi bag in vegetable-tanned leather in a limited edition of 20 pieces at the store.

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  • Japanese-born Pronto Caffe & Bar is opening in Singapore

    Japanese-born Pronto Caffe & Bar is opening in Singapore

    Japanese-Italian cafe chain Pronto Caffe & Bar is opening in Singapore this week.

    Set to open on Thursday (June 13) at Capital Square, the outlet will serve breakfast sets, pastas, pizzas, desserts and coffee by day; and alcohol and bar food by night.

    The menu features a mixture of Japanese-influenced dishes, including Japanese Style of Pork and Spicy Greens, along with more traditional western fare, such as Eggplant with Bacon in Tomato Sauce pasta.

    Green tea beverages are available as well as coffee.

    First opened in 1988, and jointly owned by Suntory and UCC, Pronto now has more than 260 outlets in Japan.

    There are plans to open more outlets in Singapore next year.

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