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Tag: launch

  • Muscle Nation, Raw C launch coconut pineapple protein water

    Muscle Nation, Raw C launch coconut pineapple protein water

    Muscle Nation, a renowned fitness brand, has joined forces with Raw C, a prominent coconut water company, to introduce a new product: Coconut Pineapple Protein Water. This innovative beverage is designed with health-conscious consumers in mind.

    A Unique, Nutritious Blend

    Coconut Pineapple Protein Water combines the unique flavor of Raw C’s coconut water with the protein-packed formulation of Muscle Nation. Each serving delivers 22 grams of protein, zero sugars, and a mere 101 calories. The beverage is naturally sweetened with monkfruit and stevia, ensuring it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

    The protein water uses a specially-formulated blend of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein isolate. This combination is enriched with electrolytes, Vitamins such as Vitamin C, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to aid in hydration and muscle recovery. For added electrolytes, Muscle Nation suggests pairing the protein water with Raw C’s Pure Natural Coconut Water.

    Refreshing, Light, and Performance-Oriented

    Chris Anastasi, the founder of Muscle Nation, shared his enthusiasm about the new product and its potential. He said, “We loved the idea of transforming recovery into something more exciting. Coconut water has become synonymous with health and fitness in Australia, which made it the perfect base for our protein water. The result is refreshing, light, and designed to enhance performance.”

    Availability

    The Coconut Pineapple Protein water, a collaboration between Muscle Nation and Raw C, is available for purchase at Muscle Nation’s online store. It will also be stocked in Woolworths supermarkets across the country.

    In addition to this, last month, Raw C announced another exciting collaboration. They teamed up with Pistachio Papi to launch a limited-edition beverage, Pure Coconut Water infused with Natural Pistachio and White Chocolate.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about the new Coconut Pineapple Protein Water?
    It combines the delicious flavor of Raw C’s coconut water with Muscle Nation’s protein-packed formulation. It’s also naturally sweetened and contains no artificial additives.

    What ingredients does the protein water contain to support fitness recovery?
    It contains a blend of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein isolate, electrolytes, Vitamin C, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).

    Where can consumers purchase the Coconut Pineapple Protein Water?
    It’s available through Muscle Nation’s online store and stocked in Woolworths supermarkets nationwide.

  • NBA Unveils Immersive Flagship Store In Macao: Fusing Retail And Entertainment

    NBA Unveils Immersive Flagship Store In Macao: Fusing Retail And Entertainment

    The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sands China have inaugurated the first NBA flagship store in Macao, creating an immersive retail experience for visitors.

    The Store’s Location and Design

    The store is situated on the second floor of The Londoner Macao. It spans 900 square meters and ingeniously amalgamates retail and entertainment to offer an authentic NBA experience. The space allows consumers access to official NBA merchandise and interactive experiences.

    The store’s merchandise caters to the diversified needs of fans, boasting a wide range of apparel, footwear, headwear, player jerseys, trading cards, and collectibles. In addition, it offers exclusive items inspired by the Macao city’s skyline and cultural motifs, making it a unique shopping destination.

    A New Retail Experience

    The NBA flagship store offers more than just traditional retail. It encourages fans to interact with the brand in a new way, permitting them to personalise jerseys and sneakers, and discover genuine memorabilia. The store also provides basketball-themed activities at an LED half-court that streams live games, further enriching the customer experience.

    Jonathan Li, senior VP of NBA China, expressed his excitement about the store, expressing that it is a “dynamic space where fans can gather and celebrate their love of the game.”

    Expansion of NBA’s Retail Footprint

    The launch of the flagship store in Macao signifies an expansion of the NBA’s retail footprint across Asia. It also contributes to the NBA’s global network of more than 200 NBA-branded stores and attractions worldwide.

    Questions & Answers

    Where is the new NBA flagship store located?
    The NBA flagship store is located on the second floor of The Londoner Macao.

    What does the NBA flagship store offer to its customers?
    The store offers a range of official merchandise including apparel, footwear, headwear, player jerseys, and trading cards. Additionally, it offers personalized jersey and sneaker services and basketball-themed activities.

    What is the objective behind the opening of the NBA flagship store in Macao?
    The objective is to provide an immersive NBA experience to the fans, expand the NBA’s retail footprint across Asia, and contribute to a global network of NBA-branded stores and attractions worldwide.

  • Singlife Pioneers Ai Integration In Singapore’s Insurance Industry With Salesforce’s Agentforce

    Singlife Pioneers Ai Integration In Singapore’s Insurance Industry With Salesforce’s Agentforce

    Singapore’s leading insurer, Singlife, has become the trailblazer in its field as it has integrated Agentforce, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform developed by Salesforce, into its operations. This collaboration is noteworthy as it is the first in Singapore that an insurance company has adopted the Agentforce technology.

    Unlocking AI Capabilities

    The new AI assistant will aid customer service executives by providing swift and accurate responses to diverse product-related inquiries. This will eliminate the need for manual search, thereby enhancing efficiency and precision in customer interaction.

    Enhancing Customer Service with AI

    Singlife has leveraged the Data Cloud of Salesforce, a high-capacity data engine built into the platform, to consolidate its vast internal resources, including product manuals, training materials, and FAQs, into a single, coherent system. In the past, customer service representatives had to manually peruse these resources to extract the needed information. Now, with the help of Agentforce, they can receive answers almost instantaneously, ensuring a faster, more dependable, and seamless customer experience.

    AI as a Key Business Strategy

    Romil Sharma, Singlife’s Group Head of Technology and Operations, has expressed that AI is more than just a tool, it is a vital component of their business strategy. The partnership with Salesforce enables Singlife to use AI practically, aiding their customer service executives in providing faster and more accurate responses. Sharma also noted that this integration marks the beginning of Singlife’s broader strategy to adopt AI across all its operations, including customer service, underwriting, claims, and distribution.

    Sharma further emphasised that Singlife’s primary goal is to establish AI as a crucial driver of growth, efficiency, and customer-centricity throughout its operations.

    Redefining customer engagement

    Arun Kumar Parameswaran, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, South and Southeast Asia at Salesforce, expressed his excitement over their partnership with Singlife. He believes that by using Agentforce and Data Cloud, businesses like Singlife can enhance their service efficiency, creating trusted and seamless experiences that result in lifelong customer loyalty.

    Empowering Financial Advisors with AI

    Following the successful implementation of Agentforce among its customer service executives, Singlife plans to extend the use of this AI technology to its network of financial advisor representatives. The goal is to equip advisors with timely, accurate, and reliable information that will enable them to serve their customers better.

    This initiative reflects Singlife’s ongoing investment in AI-driven transformation, underscoring its commitment to deliver faster, smarter, and more personalised service. It also sets a new standard for digital innovation in the insurance industry.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Singlife’s partnership with Salesforce?
    The collaboration signifies Singlife’s adoption of Agentforce, becoming the first insurer in Singapore to integrate this advanced AI technology into its operations.

    How does Agentforce enhance the work of customer service executives?
    Agentforce assists customer service executives by providing real-time, accurate responses to a variety of product-related inquiries, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy in customer interactions.

    What are Singlife’s future plans with AI technology?
    After the successful integration of Agentforce among its customer service executives, Singlife plans to extend its usage to its network of financial advisor representatives, aiming to empower them with reliable information to better serve their customers.

  • Spinneys Expands Into Southeast Asia: Partners With Ayala For Philippine Supermarket Venture

    Spinneys Expands Into Southeast Asia: Partners With Ayala For Philippine Supermarket Venture

    Spinneys, a thriving fresh food supermarket chain, has made a strategic move into Southeast Asia by partnering with Ayala Corporation to open new stores in the Philippines. This marks the supermarket chain’s first entry into the region.

    According to the terms of the deal, Ayala Corporation will control a majority stake of 60%, while Spinneys will hold 40% in the new venture.

    The rollout of the new stores is planned in two stages. Spinneys will initially manage operations before control transitions to the joint venture fully.

    A Strategic Move into Southeast Asia

    The President and CEO of Ayala Corporation, Cezar Consing, mentioned that this deal underscores the corporation’s expanding role in the Philippines’ retail industry.

    He stated, “This investment is expected to stimulate trade and investment between the Philippines and the GCC.”

    Expressing a similar sentiment, Sunil Kumar, the CEO of Spinneys, said the long-term growth potential in the Philippines is promising. The increasing number of middle and upper-income populations is fuelling the demand for premium food retail in the country.

    Kumar expanded on this by saying, “The Philippines has significant long-term growth potential, with strong economic fundamentals, a growing affluent population, and increasing demand for high-quality offerings. Our partnership with Ayala pairs their deep local knowledge with our operational expertise. This combination provides a strong foundation for measured growth. We are thrilled to introduce our fresh food offerings to a new region.”

    Spinneys has made consistent progress in expanding its footprint in recent years. It opened 10 new stores in the UAE this year and also announced plans to enter the Kuwaiti market.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the stake distribution between Spinneys and Ayala Corporation in the new venture?
    Ayala Corporation will hold a majority stake of 60%, while Spinneys will hold the remaining 40%.

    Who will initially oversee the operations of the new stores in the Philippines?
    The operations of the new stores will initially be managed by Spinneys.

    What factors make the Philippines a promising market for Spinneys?
    The strong economic fundamentals, a growing affluent population, and increasing demand for high-quality offerings make the Philippines a market with significant long-term growth potential for Spinneys.

  • Vietnamese Chain Pizza 4p’s Brings Unique Fusion Flavors To U.s. With Brooklyn Outpost

    Vietnamese Chain Pizza 4p’s Brings Unique Fusion Flavors To U.s. With Brooklyn Outpost

    Pizza 4P’s, a notable Vietnamese restaurant chain, is poised to enter the U.S. market with a premier spot nestled in Brooklyn, New York. This marks a significant stride in the company’s continuing global expansion efforts.

    The restaurant chain is well-regarded for its commitment to a farm-to-table approach and in-house cheese production. With these unique offerings, combined with a distinct fusion of Japanese Omotenashi hospitality and artisanal pizza, the group is set to make its mark in one of the globe’s most fiercely competitive gastronomic landscapes.

    The Brooklyn branch is the fifth overseas establishment for Pizza 4P’s, following its successful foray into Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, and India. Coinciding with the U.S. inauguration, the group has initiated the search for a General Manager to oversee this flagship outlet.

    Established in 2011 in Ho Chi Minh City, Pizza 4P’s has since blossomed into a regional favorite, boasting over 30 branches sprinkled across Asia.

    This Brooklyn outpost is projected to act as a proving ground for the brand’s operational blueprint and customer allure in the U.S. market. The prospects for further growth and expansion are likely to depend on the market’s reaction and acceptance.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Pizza 4P’s known for?
    Pizza 4P’s is known for its farm-to-table philosophy and homemade cheese, blended with a unique take on Japanese Omotenashi hospitality and artisanal pizza.

    Where is Pizza 4P’s planning to open its first U.S. location?
    Pizza 4P’s is set to make its U.S. debut in Brooklyn, New York.

    How will the Brooklyn location contribute to Pizza 4P’s growth strategy?
    The Brooklyn store is intended to serve as a testbed for the brand’s operational strategies and customer appeal in the U.S., potentially paving the way for further expansion based on market response.

  • Whole Foods Market Expands To Singapore With Exclusive Private-label Products

    Whole Foods Market Expands To Singapore With Exclusive Private-label Products

    Whole Foods Market, a renowned American gourmet grocery chain, has recently launched around 300 of its private-label products in Singapore.

    Exclusive Brand Offerings

    The assortment covers a wide range of products, including everyday grocery items, snacks, beverages, and pet food. This collection is derived from three of the grocer’s exclusive brands, namely 365 by Whole Foods Market, Whole Foods Market, and Whole Paws. All products are formulated according to the brand’s stringent ingredient regulations that prohibit the use of over 550 commonly used additives.

    Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, the Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer at Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market, expressed the company’s commitment to making organic products more widely available. She also expressed her enthusiasm about exploring a new market where there is a growing demand for high-quality, sustainable grocery options.

    Partnership with Local Grocer

    Whole Foods Market’s products will initially be available online through the Amazon Singapore website and Amazon Fresh. The items will later be physically sold exclusively at Little Farms, a local premium grocer with eight branches across Singapore. This strategic partnership is designed to cater to the increasing number of health-conscious consumers who prefer clean-label and responsibly sourced products.

    Joe Stevens, the CEO of Little Farms, shared his company’s mutual commitment to quality ingredients, transparency, and responsible sourcing with Whole Foods Market. He also acknowledged the global standard set by Whole Foods Market for organic groceries.

    A Strategic Expansion

    The brand’s debut in Asia aligns with its broader growth strategy. This includes an international direct-to-consumer (DTC) expansion, new store formats such as the Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, and wider brand distribution through Amazon’s global platforms.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the exclusive brands of Whole Foods Market that have been launched in Singapore?
    Whole Foods Market has launched products from three of its exclusive brands in Singapore. These are 365 by Whole Foods Market, Whole Foods Market, and Whole Paws.

    Where will Whole Foods Market’s products be available in Singapore?
    Initially, the products will be available online on the Amazon Singapore website and Amazon Fresh. Later, the products will be physically sold exclusively at Little Farms, a local premium grocery chain in Singapore.

    What is the broader growth strategy of Whole Foods Market?
    The broader growth strategy of Whole Foods Market includes international direct-to-consumer expansion, the introduction of new store formats like Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, and wider brand distribution through Amazon’s global platforms.

  • Bel Group Targets Australia’s Lucrative String Cheese Market With Babybel Mini Rolls Launch

    Bel Group Targets Australia’s Lucrative String Cheese Market With Babybel Mini Rolls Launch

    Bel Group, well-known for their cheese products, is expanding its offerings in Australia’s string cheese segment through the introduction of its Babybel Mini Rolls. These spiral-shaped snacks represent the company’s latest foray into the Australian market.

    Bel Group established their Australian subsidiary, Bel Brands Australia, in November of the previous year. The move was made to directly handle distribution and to strengthen relationships with retailers. Since its inception, Bel Brands Australia has assumed command of nationwide distribution for the brand’s cheese products.

    Babybel Mini Rolls are set to make an impression on Australia’s lucrative string cheese market, which is estimated to be worth between $150 million to $200 million each year.

    The Mini Rolls will be available in packs of six, conveniently pre-portioned for ease of consumption. A special feature of these packs is the inclusion of Disney Pixar characters, making them particularly appealing to young consumers.

    Rucha Sarma, Senior Brand Manager at Bel Brands Australia, commended the spiral design of the new product, citing its interactive appeal. “Mini Rolls carry the same quality and taste of the original Babybel that consumers love; however, they are presented in a playful shape that can be enjoyed by both children and adults,” Sarma explained.

    She further elaborated that like all Babybel products, the Mini Rolls are made from pasteurised milk and are a rich source of calcium. Importantly, they are also free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. Their portable size makes them an ideal addition to children’s lunchboxes or for snacking during travels.

    The Babybel Mini Rolls are set to hit the shelves of Coles supermarkets beginning mid-September. Distribution to independent stores across the country is planned to commence from the following month.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the estimated value of Australia’s string cheese market?
    The Australian string cheese market is estimated to be worth between $150 million and $200 million each year.

    What are the key features of Babybel Mini Rolls?
    Babybel Mini Rolls have the same quality and taste of the original Babybel cheese but are presented in a fun spiral shape. They are made from pasteurised milk and are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours.

    When and where will Babybel Mini Rolls become available?
    The Babybel Mini Rolls will become available at Coles supermarkets from mid-September, with distribution to independent stores set to commence from the following month.

  • Valentino And Vans Unveil Ai-driven Campaign For Innovative Capsule Collection

    Valentino And Vans Unveil Ai-driven Campaign For Innovative Capsule Collection

    Luxury fashion house Maison Valentino and popular footwear brand Vans have joined forces to launch an innovative campaign that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for a new capsule collection. This ingenious blend of physical and digital storytelling is a testament to the evolving frontiers of fashion marketing.

    The AI-Infused Campaign and Collection

    The campaign visuals were produced by AI, utilizing raw footage from Maison Valentino’s Fall/Winter 2025 Paris runway show where the collection was initially showcased. Guided by Maison Valentino’s Alessandro Michele’s vision, the team has imaginatively redefined the classic silhouette of Vans Authentic sneakers. This transformation retains the distinctiveness of Valentino and the originality of Vans through canvas uppers adorned in a spectrum of vibrant prints.

    The novel design features a checkerboard motif, overlapping patterns, and dynamic motion graphics. According to Michele, the product is a surreal and dreamlike fresco where nature erupts.

    The Collection Details

    The collection consists of six styles tailored for both men and women, each distinguished by a unique ‘I Love Valentino x Vans’ print that evokes the style of souvenir typography.

    The collaborative Valentino Garavani and Vans sneakers are available for purchase on both the brands’ official websites. A special edition of the collection will also be presented in Valentino boutiques globally and at the Vans’ London flagship store, with sales commencing this Friday.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about the new campaign by Maison Valentino and Vans?
    The campaign is notable for its use of artificial intelligence to generate visuals, blending physical and digital storytelling.

    Who is the creative force behind the redesigned silhouette of Vans Authentic sneakers?
    The redesign was guided by Maison Valentino’s Alessandro Michele, who ensured that the distinctiveness of both brands was preserved in the new design.

    Where can the Valentino Garavani and Vans sneakers be purchased?
    The sneakers are available on both companies’ official websites, as well as in Valentino boutiques worldwide and at the Vans’ London flagship store.

  • Books-a-million Partners With Pop Mart: Iconic Characters Set To Invade Stores Nationwide

    Books-a-million Partners With Pop Mart: Iconic Characters Set To Invade Stores Nationwide

    Books-A-Million, a prominent US bookstore retailer, is set to collaborate with Pop Mart to make their beloved characters accessible to fans nationwide.

    The partnership is scheduled to commence in September. It will be launched throughout all retail locations of Books-A-Million, and will be available online on an ongoing basis.

    The collaboration with Pop Mart, a well-known producer of collectible designer toys and pop culture items, is expected to generate substantial sales and arouse significant interest among global consumers.

    Kathy Gagliano, the Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Books-A-Million, expressed her excitement over the new partnership. “We continuously strive to please our customers by offering products that are not only unique but also resonate with them,” she said.

    She further added, “Pop Mart’s iconic characters align perfectly with our bookstore community as they foster creativity, self-expression, and the pleasure derived from engaging with characters that truly inspire us.”

    The collaboration will introduce a selection of Pop Mart’s Intellectual Properties (IPs), such as Skullpanda, Molly, Crybaby, Dimoo, and The Monsters. These characters will be featured in a variety of collectible toys that will be available for purchase by all Books-A-million customers.

    Erica Graf, the Vice President of General Merchandise, shared her thoughts on the partnership, “Pairing Pop Mart with Books-A-Million seemed like an intuitive match,” she said.

    Graf believes that Pop Mart is at the forefront of a cultural trend captivating fans globally. Thus, joining forces with Books-A-Million creates an enticing space where fans can delve into stories, explore, and experience the excitement of collecting.

    Questions & Answers

    When is the partnership between Books-A-Million and Pop Mart set to begin?
    The collaboration is scheduled to start in September.

    What will the partnership entail?
    The partnership will involve introducing a selection of Pop Mart’s collectible designer toys and characters, available for purchase across all Books-A-Million retail locations and online.

    What characters from Pop Mart’s IPs will be featured in this collaboration?
    Characters including Skullpanda, Molly, Crybaby, Dimoo, and The Monsters will be featured in a range of collectible toys.

  • Coca-cola And Bacardi Unveil Premixed Rum Beverages, Marking Soda Giant’s Debut In Australian Alcoholic Rtd Market

    Coca-cola And Bacardi Unveil Premixed Rum Beverages, Marking Soda Giant’s Debut In Australian Alcoholic Rtd Market

    In a landmark collaboration, Coca-Cola Australia has joined forces with Bacardi to launch a premixed rum beverage line, signifying the first time the soda behemoth has ventured into the alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) market in the region.

    New Flavors on Offer

    The new rum mix range will introduce two flavors, Original and Spiced, to tantalize the taste buds of consumers. The beverages will be packaged in 330ml cans with an alcohol by volume (ABV) content of 4.8 per cent. These canned beverages are slated to hit the shelves at selected licensed locations nationwide within the month.

    Matthias Blume, Coca-Cola Australia’s VP of RTD, expressed exhilaration over the groundbreaking venture. He noted that the association with Bacardi, a brand renowned for superior taste and creating enjoyable experiences, enables them to delight consumers in an entirely novel manner.

    “This marks a significant milestone not just for the brand, but also for Australians who have long cherished Coca-Cola as their go-to mixer,” Blume added.

    A Historic Occurrence

    Historically, Bacardi made a significant acquisition in 1998 when it purchased John Dewar & Sons and Bombay Sapphire from Diageo for $2 billion. Now, in their new collaboration with Coca-Cola, the two brands are poised to create similar impact in the retail industry.

    In related news, Coca-Cola recently unveiled AI-powered vending machines in New Zealand.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the new rum mix range by Coca-Cola and Bacardi?
    The launch marks the first time Coca-Cola has ventured into the alcoholic ready-to-drink market in Australia, making it a significant milestone for the company.

    What flavors are being introduced in the new rum mix range?
    The new range includes two flavors: Original and Spiced.

    What was Bacardi’s major acquisition in 1998?
    In 1998, Bacardi acquired John Dewar & Sons and Bombay Sapphire from Diageo in a deal valued at $2 billion.

  • United Arrows Eyes Global Expansion With First Online Store Launch In September

    United Arrows Eyes Global Expansion With First Online Store Launch In September

    Japanese apparel company, United Arrows, is set to launch its first global online store in September. This milestone will allow the brand to increase its international presence, providing a tailored shopping experience for its global clientele. Until now, non-Japanese audiences had only been able to access the brand via its domestic website.

    United Arrows is known for its meticulously assembled collection of attire, fusing Western style with Japanese aesthetics. The apparel brand collaborates with designers hailing from America, Britain, and Italy, resulting in a diverse range of fashion offerings. The company manages an array of 30 unique brands, including its flagship United Arrows labels. Among these are Drawer and Blamink, the haute couture women’s line, along with its laid-back luxury brand, H Beauty & Youth.

    The introduction of United Arrows’ global online store aims to propagate the brand’s guiding principle of fostering a “rich and high-quality lifestyle culture” on a worldwide platform.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the global reach of United Arrows?
    Until recently, United Arrows was only available to international customers through its Japanese website. However, the launch of its global online store in September will significantly expand the brand’s reach.

    What kind of fashion does United Arrows offer?
    United Arrows offers a carefully curated selection of attire that merges Western style with Japanese aesthetics. It features designs from American, British, and Italian designers, and operates 30 different brands, including its own high-end and casual luxury labels.

    What is the philosophy of United Arrows?
    United Arrows’ guiding principle is to create a rich and high-quality lifestyle culture. The brand aims to promote this philosophy globally through the launch of its new online store.

  • Shake Shack Announces Major Expansion Into Vietnam With 15 Outlets By 2035

    Shake Shack Announces Major Expansion Into Vietnam With 15 Outlets By 2035

    American fast-food chain, Shake Shack, is set to expand its reach to Vietnam, aiming to open 15 outlets throughout the country by the year 2035. This expansion initiative is facilitated by a fortified collaboration with Maxim’s Caterers Limited, a Hong Kong-based licensee. This move further consolidates Shake Shack’s existence in the Asia-Pacific region.

    The Vietnam Shack

    The inaugural Vietnamese Shake Shack is slated to open its doors in the coming year. It aims to appeal to food enthusiasts with its signature offerings such as the ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, hand-spun frozen custard, the Chicken Shack, and the ShackMeister beer.

    Investing in Vibrant Cultures

    Michael Kark, president of global licensing at Shake Shack, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion. “Breaking ground in Vietnam marks an exhilarating progression for Shake Shack,” he stated. “By planning 15 outlets over the coming decade, we are making a strong commitment to one of Asia’s most dynamic, food-loving societies.”

    Maxim’s Caterers presently operates 52 Shake Shack outlets across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand.

    “Maxim’s proves to be the ideal collaborator to implement our vision, thanks to their unrivaled local knowledge, operational proficiency, and a deep-seated passion for hospitality. Together, we are excited to introduce Shack to a brand new community of fans in Vietnam,” Kark added.

    Shake Shack’s global presence includes over 610 locations, with more than 210 restaurants in key metropolitan cities such as London, Tokyo, Seoul, and Dubai.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Shake Shack’s expansion plan in Vietnam?
    Shake Shack plans to open 15 locations across Vietnam by 2035.

    When is the first Shake Shack outlet expected to open in Vietnam?
    The first Shake Shack outlet in Vietnam is scheduled to open next year.

    Who is Shake Shack’s partner in its Vietnam expansion?
    Shake Shack’s expansion in Vietnam is facilitated by Maxim’s Caterers Limited.

  • Heinz And Smoothie King Launch Groundbreaking Tomato Ketchup-based Smoothie In Select Us Markets

    Heinz And Smoothie King Launch Groundbreaking Tomato Ketchup-based Smoothie In Select Us Markets

    In an unexpected partnership, famed condiment producer Heinz and beverage giant Smoothie King have come together to introduce a pioneering concept in the beverage industry – a smoothie that is based on ketchup. Drawing inspiration from the viral internet conundrum, ‘If tomatoes are a fruit, can ketchup be seen as a smoothie?’, this unique, limited-edition creation has been christened the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie.

    A Savoury-Sweet Blend

    This one-of-a-kind smoothie is a blend of Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup and typical fruit smoothie components like acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries, and raspberries. The collaboration has resulted in an intriguingly tangy yet sweet beverage that has been described by both companies as an ideal “refreshing summer sip.”

    The Vice President of R&D and product marketing at Smoothie King, Lori Primavera, spoke about the process of creating this innovative smoothie. She said, “After several months of thorough R&D, testing and tasting, we have successfully developed a savoury-sweet blend that honours the versatility of the tomato. Our constant commitment to nutritious ingredients and our Clean Blends promise is evident in every recipe we create, and this daring new blend is no exception!”

    Availability

    The groundbreaking Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie will be available at selected Smoothie King outlets in five US markets. These include Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and the Greater New York/New Jersey area. Priced at US$5.70, this unique beverage will be on sale as long as stocks last.

    Earlier this year, Heinz had also collaborated with the Philippine milk tea chain Macao Imperial Tea to create ReMix, an innovative blend of tea and condiments.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie?
    The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is a unique, limited-edition beverage developed in collaboration between Heinz and Smoothie King. It blends Heinz Simply Tomato Ketchup with classic fruit smoothie ingredients.

    Where can I purchase the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie?
    The smoothie will be available at select Smoothie King locations across five US markets: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and the Greater New York/New Jersey area.

    What is the price of the Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie?
    The Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie is priced at US$5.70 and will be available while supplies last.

  • South Korean Pizza Chain Gopizza Enters Malaysian Market Through Hextar Group Partnership

    South Korean Pizza Chain Gopizza Enters Malaysian Market Through Hextar Group Partnership

    GoPizza, a popular pizza chain based in South Korea, has finalized a master franchise contract with the Hextar Group, marking its debut in the Malaysian market.

    First Outlet Launch

    The company anticipates that the first Malaysian branch will be up and running either at the end of the third quarter or the beginning of the fourth quarter in 2021.

    GoPizza’s founder and CEO, Jay Lim, expressed his trust in the Hextar Group as a robust partner to facilitate the introduction of GoPizza in Malaysia. He expressed his excitement about the future collaboration with the Malaysian group.

    Hextar Group’s Partnerships

    The Hextar Group is not new to partnerships with international brands. They also partner with Luckin Coffee, a reputable coffee company from China. This has significantly boosted their portfolio in the food and beverage industry.

    GoPizza’s Rapid Growth

    GoPizza’s development has been swift and impressive, especially with its recent expansion into over 200 GS25 convenience store locations throughout South Korea last year. This followed a successful pilot program at GS25 The Gwan-Ak branch in Seoul, further solidifying their foothold in the market.

    The brand initially launched as a food truck and earned a reputation for its quick, personal-sized pizzas, ready in less than five minutes. The company now operates more than 1,200 outlets in various countries including South Korea, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the origin of GoPizza?
    GoPizza originated as a food truck in South Korea, where it quickly gained fame for its personal-sized pizzas that are ready in under five minutes.

    What countries does GoPizza currently operate in?
    GoPizza currently has more than 1,200 outlets in South Korea, India, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

    What is the significance of GoPizza’s partnership with the Hextar Group?
    The partnership with Hextar Group marks GoPizza’s expansion into the Malaysian market. This collaboration will help introduce the GoPizza experience to a new audience and further its growth in the food and beverage sector.

  • Kitkat Unveils Revolutionary Beverage Machine In Global Collaboration With Nestlé Professional

    Kitkat Unveils Revolutionary Beverage Machine In Global Collaboration With Nestlé Professional

    In a recent collaboration with Nestlé Professional, KitKat has unveiled its inventive beverage machine on a global scale, enriching Nestlé’s vast food and beverage solutions portfolio. This innovative machinery provides an array of cocoa-infused beverage choices, featuring KitKat’s unique blend of crisp wafer and lush cocoa.

    The KitKat Beverage Machine

    The KitKat-themed beverage machine is a noteworthy addition to the Nescafé Fusion system. This comprehensive selection of coffee machines presents an assortment of personalized hot, cold, and iced beverages to cater to diverse customer preferences.

    Joe Aouad, the Global Head of Nestlé Professional’s beverage division, expressed optimism for the new offering. He stated, “The KitKat beverage will empower us to persistently back our operators across the globe, delivering the distinctive KitKat flavour in a convenient cup format.”

    Global Launch and Availability

    The pioneering KitKat Beverage product made its debut in Brazil. It will be accessible globally to Nestlé Professional beverage providers and professionals who supply to out-of-home locations. These locations include convenience stores, bakeries, healthcare facilities, and travel sites.

    KitKat’s Past Endeavors

    KitKat’s past efforts have resulted in an array of products, taking their brand beyond just a chocolate bar. These products range from confectionery items and ice creams to coffee mixes and cereals, all carrying the beloved KitKat taste.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new KitKat beverage machine?
    The KitKat beverage machine is a result of a collaboration between KitKat and Nestlé Professional. It is designed to create an array of cocoa-infused beverages with components of KitKat’s signature crisp wafer and smooth cocoa.

    Where has the KitKat Beverage product been initially launched?
    The KitKat Beverage product was initially launched in Brazil and is planned for a global rollout.

    What type of locations can use the KitKat beverage machine?
    The KitKat beverage machine is designed for use in out-of-home locations such as convenience stores, bakeries, healthcare facilities, and travel sites.