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Tag: wine

  • Vinomofo looks beyond massive bulk orders

    Vinomofo looks beyond massive bulk orders

    Vinomofo is thinking outside the box to give new customers a better first experience with the brand.

    The online wine retailer last week launched a ‘welcome kit’, including a three-pack of red, white or mixed wine, as well as a magazine filled with articles, advice and recipes that explain what Vinomofo is all about.

    The kit is like a physical manifestation of the welcome email that most online retailers send. But while digital versions typically include a discount for the next purchase, or a call-to-action to sign up for the loyalty program, Vinomofo’s welcome kit is all about introducing customers to the culture and ethos of the brand.

    “The idea came about during a session we had exploring how to deliver a more beautiful and complete welcome experience,” Justin Dry, Vinomofo co-founder and CEO said.

    “It was important to us that this was simple and elegant but clearly represented who we are and the why and how of what we do.”

    The company has made a name for itself by offering great wine at low prices, which it makes possible by buying large volumes from growers. Customers typically are required to buy six or 12 bottles of the same vintage to access the enticing per bottle discount that Vinomofo advertises.

    For some customers, however, this is a significant investment they may not be confident making online. For others, they simply don’t know the ins and outs of how Vinomofo works. The welcome kit, which costs $69 and up, aims to tackle both issues.

    “We know that once someone has tried Vinomofo, they’re very likely to stay, so if we can remove as many barriers as possible, it’s a good thing,” Dry said.

    “However it’s mostly about delivering a beautiful experience for our new mofos and introducing them to who we are and what we do.”

    Vinomofo recently appointed its first employee in Singapore. Michael Parmeter has been appointed general manager, and will look after ground operations, strategic growth, merchandise and local area marketing.

    The country represents a strong growth market for Vinomofo, which also operates in New Zealand, and is looking to launch in the US in the near future.

    Dry said that Vinomofo has achieved its goal of returning to profitable growth in FY19, and will be looking to accelerate its global growth again in FY20.

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  • Vinomofo seeks to satisfy Singaporeans

    Vinomofo seeks to satisfy Singaporeans

    Online wine business Vinomofo has appointed its first employee in Singapore, fortifying its growth strategy in the region.

    “We like to build out our community and business in person as much as possible, and Michael’s appointment will help us do that,” Dry said.

    The US is Vinomofo’s next area of expansion. According to Dry, the company is in “advanced discussions” to launch in the region, but he said there is always the possibility Vinomofo will launch in another market first.

    “There are lots of interesting opportunities popping up at the moment, so all I can say is stay tuned,” Dry said.

    Online wine business Vinomofo has appointed its first employee in Singapore, fortifying its growth strategy in the region.

    Michael Parmeter has been appointed general manager of Singapore, and will look after ground operations, strategic growth, merchandise and local area marketing.

    According to Parmeter, his main task is to streamline local operations in the region and be a point of contact on the ground, from talking with locals about what they are drinking, and helping ensure the right wines are sent to Singapore, through to overseeing and handling, storage and final stage of delivery.

    “A major opportunity for the Singaporean market is attributed to the thirst for knowledge in the region,” Parmeter said.

    “We have found our mofos in Singapore are keen to try new varietals and learn about wine in general, which perfectly suits our operation.”

    Vinomofo chief executive and co-founder Justin Dry  said that Singapore is a “great market” for the business, and that Parmeter’s appointment will assist with expanding operations in the region in the near term and getting into the corporate wine sales market, where he has experience.

    “We like to build out our community and business in person as much as possible, and Michael’s appointment will help us do that,” Dry said.

    The US is Vinomofo’s next area of expansion. According to Dry, the company is in “advanced discussions” to launch in the region, but he said there is always the possibility Vinomofo will launch in another market first.

    “There are lots of interesting opportunities popping up at the moment, so all I can say is stay tuned,” Dry said.

  • Hydro Flask Starts in Hong Kong

    Hydro Flask Starts in Hong Kong

    Hydro Flask, the US brand of high-performance, insulated stainless-steel flasks targeting the outdoors market, has launched in Hong Kong.

    From this month, Hydro Flask products are being sold by Hong Kong retailers through an expansion of the company’s partnership with the Primer Group. Products will be stocked through outdoor and sporting goods retailers, lifestyle stores, travel retailers and gourmet grocers.

    “We’re excited to expand our strong relationship with Primer to bring Hydro Flask to Hong Kong. It’s a key part of our global expansion and influences markets beyond Asia,” said Mike Wallenfels, VP of global sales at Hydro Flask.

    The brand’s launch is timely as growing numbers of Asian consumers are purchasing reusable containers in preference to single-use plastic and paper cups, for environmental reasons.

    The company produces containers suited to cold drinks, coffee, beer, wine and food, along with backpacks, casual clothing and accessories.

    Hydro Flask is a subsidiary of listed company Helen of Troy Limited.

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  • DFS launches fourth Whisky Festival

    DFS launches fourth Whisky Festival

    DFS Group has launched the fourth Whisky Festival at Changi Airport, this one with a pop-up bar. Aiming to “demystify the whiskey-making process”, the festival offers a selection of more than 400 whiskeys and many exclusive offers.

    Highlights include Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10, Compass Box No Name, No 2, Glenmorangie Rare Cask 1399, Johnnie Walker Black Triple Cask Edition and Royal Salute 21 Year Old Lost Blend.

    “The Whisky Festival is one of our favorite celebrations at DFS, providing a great opportunity to showcase this wonderful spirit in a fun and engaging way to whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike,” said Brooke Supernaw, senior VP spirits, wines, tobacco, food and gifts at DFS Group.

    “We are delighted to work with some of the best whiskey makers in the world to bring this event to life again this year in partnership with Changi Airport Group.”

    The pop-up bar, reminiscent of the speakeasy bars of the 1920s Jazz Era, will remain open until June 10. At the bar, travelers can enjoy interactive experiences with whiskey tastings, and vaporizers producing scents from floral all the way to smoky and intense.

    Live performances by jazz singers including Carol Gomez, Ywenna Carolin, and Richard Jackson will feature.

    “We are thrilled to partner with DFS Changi once again and bring the annual Whisky Festival to the next level with a pop-up bar for the first time ever. This 1920s-themed bar with its unique interior and collection of never-before-seen whiskeys will offer travelers a multi-sensorial travel retail experience, in celebration of all things whiskey,” said Teo Chew Hoon, group senior VP, airside concessions, at Changi Airport Group.

    After Singapore, the festival will relocate to seven DFS locations across Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Hawaii.

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  • Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow HOFEX returns to Hong Kong 7-10 May

    Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow HOFEX returns to Hong Kong 7-10 May

    HOFEX, Asia’s Leading Food & Hospitality Tradeshow will return to Hong Kong for its biggest year yet 7-10 May at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), where the biennial show will occupy almost every available exhibition space. Expecting more than 2,800 international exhibitors and 42,000+ trade buyers, HOFEX 2019 will cement its position as the region’s largest and most important meeting place for the hospitality industry. Occupying an exhibition space of over 70,000 m2 across 3 levels of HKCEC, trade visitors will be able to sample and source everything for the food and hotel industry. The show’s opening ceremony, which will take place on 7 May 2019 will be attended by The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP Financial Secretary, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. HOFEX is organised by UBM Asia and is co-located with ProWine Asia and Retail Asia Conference & Expo.

    74 exhibiting countries and regions and 48 national and regional groups and pavilions make the 2019 edition of HOFEX the most international year yet. In addition to long-supporting exhibitors including Japan, Australia, UK, USA, Germany, Austria and Spain, this year will welcome newcomers AANA – Agence de l’Alimentation Nouvelle-Aquitaine France, AREI Latvia, Association PorkColumbia, British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture Czech Republic, Spanish Beef, VLAM Belgium and more. 

    Prolific business opportunities 
    This year’s tradeshow has been strategically organised to optimise buyers’ experiences with the aim of maximising networking potential across the vast space.

    Hall 1 will house Bakery & Confectionery @ HOFEX, where global and local manufacturers can meet with buyers from the ever-growing Asia-Pacific bread, cakes, pastries and confectionery markets; Bean2Cup @ HOFEX, where baristas, café owners, coffee producers and suppliers will find everything from coffee beans to espresso machines; Foodservice Equipment & Catering Supplies, where state-of-the-art international catering equipment will be showcased; and Tableware & Hospitality Supplies, Hospitality Technology and Hospitality Design, where hospitality professionals from restaurants, resorts, hotels, spas and more will find ideas and inspiration to build  a more streamlined business – from manufacturing and production to packaging, design and facilities.

    Food and Drinks is in Hall 3 & 5 where visitors can enjoy local as well as exotic offerings from the many international pavilions, ranging from frozen and chilled seafood to cured and fresh meat, snacks and beverages, baked goods, confectionery, ice cream, canned foods and more; co-located show ProWine Asia, the region’s leading wine and spirits trade fair showcasing premium wine, beers, professional wine equipment and accessories from around the world; and Meat @ HOFEX, dedicated to the surging demand for prime meats across APAC and featuring the world’s leading meat purveyors from Colombia, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, the UK and more. Meat @ HOFEX will also be home to a new star of the show, HOFEX’ first food truck, sponsored by the Butcher’s Club. This mobile kitchen will roam the exhibition floor preparing and delivering meat from the Butchery Skills Challenge to visitors adjacent to Beer Street, serving up a match made in heaven.

    Hall 5 will house the co-located Retail Asia Conference & Expo (RACE). Presenting the latest catering and hospitality innovations, retail technologies and solutions including everything from floor-cleaning robots with 3D cameras to revolutionary Point of Sale systems and internet retailing. RACE provides trade professionals at HOFEX with an unrivalled opportunity to enhance operational performance. 

    On-site Events – Hong Kong International Culinary Classic and Mixed Barista Arts

    The culinary heart of the fair, the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic (HKICC) will see over 900 chefs, cooks, pastry chefs and apprentices from across the globe hone their culinary skills at this esteemed competition. This year, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited will be the Platinum Sponsor of the event, showcasing its latest ‘All-Electric Kitchen’ concept. Endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), the competitions include a Live Afternoon Tea Set Competition, the Gourmet Team Challenge and for the first time a Gelato competition sponsored by Bonny Foodservice Products, which provides a unique chance to mingle with the world’s best Gelato makers. The HKICC is also home to the impressive Butchery Skills Challenge sponsored by Sutherlands Gastronomy, where international teams of talented butchers will show off their passion, precision and power in a bid to be the best.

    Meanwhile, baristas from across the region will battle it out during the popular Mixed Barista Arts. Taking on a brand-new competition format this year, the 4-in-1 challenge will be comprised of 4-barista arts, namely single origin coffee knowledge and tasting ability, grinder skills and knowledge, latte art and ability to work as a team.

     “This is the 32nd year we are hosting HOFEX and we are proud to say that 2019 will be bigger and better than ever”, says Mr. Daniel Cheung, General Manager of UBM Asia. “For four days, the HKCEC will once again be transformed into a launchpad for new products and brands, a platform for like-minded professionals to connect and do business as well as providing an unmatched opportunity to gather industry knowledge.” 

    HOFEX is organised by UBM Asia, the largest tradeshow organiser in Asia with over 290 events, combining local expertise with a global industry network to provide high-quality events and the best customer experience for event attendees from all over the world. 

    Pre-registration for HOFEX 2019 is now open until 18 April on the website. Walk-ins are available on-site, and visitors may register and pick up a pass outside Hall 1. The show is open to trade professionals and media only and visitors must be aged 18 or above. Pre-registration passes include a complimentary 4-day show admission badge to HOFEX, ProWine Asia and Retail Asia Conference & Expo, as well as an electronic Advance Buyer’s Guide and access to the tradeshow’s complimentary business matching services.

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  • Naked Wines about to sell all UK stores

    Naked Wines about to sell all UK stores

    Majestic Wine is reportedly looking to sell its entire UK retail portfolio to focus on its international e-commerce business, Naked Wines.

    Bankers at Rothschild have been contacting private equity firms to buy the British bricks-and-mortar business, which includes around 200 stores, on behalf of the retailer, according to Sky News.

    Majestic Wine acquired Naked Wines in 2015, and appointed the e-commerce company’s founder, South African entrepreneur Rowan Gormley, as CEO of the entire company. Naked Wines now operates in Australia, the UK and the US.

    Gormley told investors last month that Majestic would present a transformation plan in June, which would include growing the Naked Wines business by releasing capital in Majestic. The brands were to be combined into a single management team under the banner of Naked Wines plc.

    “It is clear Naked Wines has the potential for strong sustainable growth and a transformed Majestic business does have the potential to be a long-term winner,” Gormley said at the time.

    “But we risk not maximising the potential of Naked if we try to do both.”

    Gormley said the business would minimise job losses by migrating employees at the closed stores to the revised Naked brand.

    A spokesperson for Majestic told the combination of migrating existing customers to the Naked brand, selling assets and closing stores would lead to the business becoming an “out-and-out growth business”.

    According to Majestic, almost 45 per cent of its business now takes place online, and 20 per cent internationally, providing further growth opportunities should further focus be centered on these areas.

    The spokesperson said that “while a total sale of Majestic Retail continues to be a potential option, it would be wholly unwise to pursue a single-track process and materially limit the potential value that can be realised to drive growth.”

    Naked Wines Australia has been contacted for comment.

  • Vinomofo partners with US wine Startup

    Vinomofo partners with US wine Startup

    Online wine retailer Vinomofo has partnered with US wine media mogul Gary Vaynerchuk to bring the inaugural wine from his label, Empathy Wines, to its customers in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

    The wine, which Vinomofo is launching this month, is available exclusively for pre-order from the online retailer.

    Vinomofo co-founder and CEO Justin Dry said the partnership was fitting, since Vaynerchuk’s approach to the industry aligns perfectly with Vinomofo’s mission to offer great wine at the right price.

    “The inclusion of Empathy Wines is an exciting one for us,” Dry said in a statement.

    “It strengthens our offering as well as supporting Californian winemakers who’ve been devastated by fires recently and cements our commitment to bringing really cool wines to our wine lovers.”

    This is just the first step in a bigger effort to introduce more wine from overseas to Vinomofo’s customers in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, Dry told. 

    “We’re currently buying for our second container – after filling the first one with Gary Vee’s Empathy Wines Rosé – so look out for some super cool wines by iconic US winemakers like André Hueston Mack hitting our shores in 2019,” he said.Adtech Ad

    But there is still no word on when Vinomofo will officially launch in the US market, which it had previously planned to do in 2018.

    “We have some very exciting things happening in the background at Vinomofo. We will share these with you as soon as we can,” Dry said.

    “In the meantime, we are super excited to be forming this partnership and can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

    Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as Gary Vee, took his parents’ liquor business in the US, Shopper’s Discount Liquors, online in 2006, and started Wine Library TV, a daily webcast covering wine.

    He later started a digital ad agency, which provided social media and strategy services to several Fortune 500 companies, including Anheuser-Busch, Mondelez and PepsiCo.

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  • Vivent Les Vins Libre Festival 2019 – A Celebration of Natural Wines

    Vivent Les Vins Libre Festival 2019 – A Celebration of Natural Wines

    For the first time in Singapore, come drink and be merry as you learn from some of the best natural winemakers at the Vivent Les Vins Libre (VLVL) Festival 2019.

    Meaning “Live Free Wine”, the Les Vivent les Vins Libres is a collective of natural winemakers with a common goal — to share their passion for natural wines and winemaking philosophy.

    Since it started a little more than a decade ago, natural winemakers have gathered every June in Paris showcasing their wine and fuelling their passion. And as the natural wine movement grew, the group decided to bring this annual gathering out of France to share and spread their love for natural wines with the rest of the world, including Amsterdam, Bruxelles, New York, Montreal and Hong Kong over the years.

    And for the first time, the VLVL Festival is travelling to the sunny island of Singapore.

    Brought to you by Drunken Farmer, this three-day event will host 19 winemakers and is set to excite wine enthusiasts from Singapore and around the region.

    WHEN:
    13 – 15 April 2019

    13 – 14 April:
    Paired food and wine tastings at various restaurants around Singapore, including three of Spa Esprit Group’s very own dining establishments — Bochinche, Tippling Club and Ding Dong

    15 April:
    11am – 6pm: Wine tasting and masterclasses
    S$25 per pax.

    6pm – 11pm: Wine Down with the Farmers
    Expect a merry night with food, drinks and lots of good vibes with DJ Titus spinning tunes throughout the night. For more infomation, visit the Wine Down with the Farmers Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/689790524751121/)

    HIGHLIGHTS: 
    Three Masterclasses featuring all 19 wine makers. Each session covers a different topic focusing on natural wines and consists of a meet-and-greet session as well as a chance to interact with the different wine makers. A S$25 cover charge gets you a tasting glass to sample over 90 labels offered.

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  • DFS to Celebrate Eighth Prestigious Masters of Wines and Spirits Event in Singapore

    DFS to Celebrate Eighth Prestigious Masters of Wines and Spirits Event in Singapore

    DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, in partnership with Changi Airport Group, will host its eighth annual Masters of Wines and Spirits event in Singapore at the end of March. The most celebrated and prestigious event in the industry, Masters of Wines and Spirits will showcase a curation of 140 of the rarest and finest whiskies, wines, Cognacs and Champagne from around the world, all under one roof.

    The 2019 edition of Masters of Wines and Spirits will take place on Saturday, 23 March and Sunday, 24 March, bringing together esteemed guests from around the world. The event is an annual testament to DFS’ leadership in global travel retail, as well as highlighting the expertise of DFS’ merchants who spend a year of extensive research to selectively curate a world-class, bespoke collection of wines and spirits.

    Hosted at Infinite Studios, Singapore’s state-of-the-art studio, this year’s edition of Masters of Wines and Spirits explores the theme of “Masters at Work” – an homage to those who have acquired complete knowledge or skill in a subject, technique or artform and whose passionate commitment to their task continues to raise the bar for all others in the field. DFS celebrates six masters across a spectrum of backgrounds. Guests will be taken on an interactive and immersive journey through activations and experiences that explore each brand’s heritage and which ignite the senses.

    The six “Masters at Work” comprise: Brooke Supernaw of DFS as Master of Curation, Ewan Gunn of Diageo as Master of Whisky, Sarah Burgess of The Macallan as Master of Malt, Fabrice Papin of Château Lafite Rothschild as Master of Wine, Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar High Five as Master of Cocktails and DJ Arthur Bray as Master of Music.

    “The eighth edition of Masters of Wines and Spirits will showcase another outstanding collection of more than 140 masterpieces from 60 of the world’s most legendary wine and spirits houses,” said Brooke Supernaw, Senior Vice President Spirits, Wine, Tobacco and Gifts, DFS Group. “Here at DFS, we take pride in curating an ever-growing collection of wines and spirits that become more exclusive, bespoke, rare or limited-edition each year, and which capture the heritage and craftsmanship of each brand.”

    The 140-piece strong curation – featuring collectable items such as the oldest whisky ever released by The Macallan, The Macallan 72 Year Old in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter; a set of three extremely rare vintages, The Château Lafite Rothschild Double Magnum Collection; and an exceptionally unique bottle produced from the owner’s original stocks – Port Ellen’s 39 Year Old. The collection will also be showcased and celebrated at Changi Airport through a series of activations at Terminals 2 and 3 until the end of April.

    DFS’ Masters of Wines and Spirits 2019 Collection

    More than 80 Cognacs and Whiskies make up this year’s collection and include The Dalmore Constellation Vintage 1973 Drinking Cabinet, a very special bespoke and handcrafted cabinet commissioned by Richard Paterson, containing The Constellation Vintage 1973 (cask no.10). The Bunnahabhain 39-Year-Old Spanish Octave Finish, an exclusive limited edition piece that forms part of the new Bunnahabhain Element Series which is crafted around the importance of various elements impacting on the character of each Bunnahabhain whisky, and the DFS Exclusive, Caol Ila 35 Year Old boasting a fine freshness, cleanliness and precision for its age.

    The Glenfiddich 45-Year-Old, an exclusive blend for DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits, honors a whisky-making tradition dating back to 1887 and is a true reflection of the passion and innovative spirit passed down through all five generations of the Grant family. Possibly the last ever cask of Karuizawa Single Malt to be bottled in Japan is the Karuizawa Single Cask 1995. Port Ellen 39-Year-Old is an elegant complex 39 year old Single Malt Whisky, unlocked from the heart of Port Ellen and expertly married from a selection of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry refill casks.

    Macallan presents The Macallan 72-Year-Old In Lalique – The Genesis Decanter, the oldest whisky ever released by the Macallan family in commemoration of the opening of its new Distillery and Visitor Experience. Presented in a bespoke limited-edition crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, this exceptional whisky celebrates the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction and craftsmanship. Also from the Macallan family comes The Macallan Fine & Rare Decades Collection. Created exclusively for DFS, the collection features five Fine & Rare vintages from 1938, 1947, 1954, 1965, 1976, each drawn from a single unique cask, denoting key historical events for the year.

    From the world of wine, DFS presents more than 60 collections including The Château Lafite Rothschild Double Magnum Collection, a rare opportunity to collect three of the great vintages produced by the estate in big formats and The Château Mouton Rothschild Magnum Collection, a unique six-vintage magnum set of exceptional vintages from 1988 to 2009.

    The Penfolds 2015 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon Imperial is one of the world’s most iconic Cabernet Sauvignons and a true representation of the Penfolds ‘House Style’ and has shown its ability to age with grace and finesse since the first vintage in 1964. All great wines begin with a great site, and the Continuum Tim Mondavi Library Vertical Selection is a unique collection offering an opportunity to enjoy a vertical flight of Continuum vintages from 2010 through 2015.

    Giving reason to celebrate is the Rare Le Secret Magnum Vintage 1997 With Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire from Piper-Heidsieck. Inspired by the muse of both Maisons, Marie- Antoinette, Queen of France, Rare Le Secret High Jewellery is royally embellished with a one- carat precious stone, interwoven golden bands set with 510 diamonds. Presented in a majestic box, this spectacular edition has been for more than 20 years in the cellar of Régis Camus, Rare  Champagne’s Cellar Master.

    DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits is part of the DFS Masters Series, a signature program of exhibitions around the world. The Masters Series is a showcase of the pinnacle of DFS’ leadership and innovation in curating and creating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories, and Food and Gifts.

  • Featured store : SSG Food Market by Emart in Seoul, Korea

    Featured store : SSG Food Market by Emart in Seoul, Korea

    Nestled in the upmarket suburb of Dogok, Seoul, sits the newly opened reinvention of Emart’s “Star Super”: “the SSG Food Market”, designed by Landini Associates. Emart is the leading business of the Shinsegae group, the largest retailer in South Korea, operating multiple brands including department stores, discount to premium supermarkets, and the mighty Emart hypermarkets.

    The brief was to create a world class premium supermarket and food hall fusion, and Landini Associates were entrusted to redesign every detail of the new store experience. This included: the built environment, naming and identity, furniture and fixtures, signage and communications, ticketing, menus, POS, advertising style guides, packaging and uniforms. In fact every customer touchpoint.

    The result is a modern market, a convenient and accessible food lover’s heaven, where locals can do a daily or weekly shop, or dine in with friends at one of the many in-store restaurants and cafes. Attracting a newer younger audience, whilst rewarding its existing, the SSG Food Market is a community epicentre to meet, eat and shop in, throughout the day.

    The offer

    The reinvention enriched and upscaled the existing food and beverage offer to include an extensive fresh department, vegie butcher serving house-made salads and juices, take home meals, Korean deli, bakery (run by hip San Francisco brand Tartine), fishmonger, butcher, Korean traditional street food, café, 200 seater restaurant, sushi restaurant, specialist cheesemaker, western charcuterie, wine and beer department, coffee roastery, dry goods, florist and homewares.

    The result is a curated selection of quality products, and a onestop-shop supermarket and refined specialist items. In addition the market is a wonderful meeting place to dine with friends and family, further enriching the retail and community experience.

    The design

    The offer is made up of both SSG run departments, franchises (such as Starbucks, a premium brand in Korea), and third-party retailers. Ensuring that these were all presented as a tangible whole required the design team to be sensitive to multiple design briefs, whilst ensuring that the customer had a seamless experience.

    Additionally, the site has a low ceiling which created some challenges for the reticulation of services, and multiple entrances, including a pre-trading public access to a subway station through the heart of the store; a gift to residents from Shinsegae.

    Landini’s solution creates a space of intrigue, transparency and exploration by celebrating the food, the people who make it, and its preparation.
    Specialist departments are visible across the restaurant’s open kitchen and include: Korean Traditional Street Food, Korean/ Chinese Noodles and a grill. All the production is exposed, and chefs work in glazed pavilions serviced by counters showcasing this theatre whilst you order. There are also take home meals in the Korean deli prepared daily in its kitchen, or fresh fish and meat cooked to order at the Grill, to take home, or eat in.
    As always, and especially because the market is in a basement, the lighting plays a key role in Landini’s design. Chiaroscuro, the contrast between light and shade, creates areas of interest and calm, gently guiding customers on a journey of discovery throughout the store. Perimeter departments use pavement lights to create space, and give sense of the world above.

    In the main market hall the interior is paired back, functional yet classic. This “bare bones beauty” of exposed steel beams and concrete bulkheads contrasts with fine marbles, glass and blackened steel, and is balanced by timber fixtures and details. This subtle, considered and classic material palette allows the food to be the hero, and merchandising plays a major role. Long-life departments such as wine and dry-goods have a warmer, more earthy and textural palette, utilising brick and added timber. In the carpark, red floors and walls add vibrancy to the market experience before customers even get out of their car.
    The basement site is located below two high-end residential apartment buildings. Visitors can enter from the sunken courtyard on street level, or via the red carpark inside. SSG has created a residents pre opening pedestrian route through the store, a shortcut to the train station to save locals from the blistering cold in winter. Landini designed a set of messaging icons for this route, also.

    The graphics

    Landini Associates established a tone of voice for the brand to reflect their new food experience. This influenced all store communications including: naming and identity, signage and communications, ticketing, menus, advertising style guides, packaging and uniforms.
    The entire site required an ownable, easy to understand signage and graphic messaging system to reflect the brand’s new established tone of voice. The Landini design team evolved the existing SSG logo mark, developing an adaptation on communications applications to collateral and signage.
    The design is simple, contemporary yet classic; impacting not overwhelming. The palette is one of debossed concrete, timber, black and whites, and complimentary hits of the brand’s colour, red.

     

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  • LVMH sues Hong Kong merchant over XLV wine range

    LVMH sues Hong Kong merchant over XLV wine range

    French luxury group LVMH is suing a wine merchant in Hong Kong over an alleged trademark infringement.bThe plaintiffs are suing over a wine range named “XLV”, established in collaboration between Cuvee XLV French Wine and Quentin-Louis, the son of fifth generation family member Xavier-Louis Vuitton.

    During a January 16 hearing in the High Court, LVMH claimed that the wine’s label design deliberately mimics the Louis Vuitton logo to mislead consumers. Cuvee XLV’s owner Wong Sau Ying has previously stated that the range has no relationship with the LV business, although the family connection is a factor in the wine sales.

    “The family is involved and that is important. In China trust is important – there are many imitations, but this brand can be trusted,” said Wong in a 2012 interview.

    Wong is pleading that the font size used on the XLV label differs from that of LV products.

    The case has been pending since 2008 when the label became apparent to the LVMH group.

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  • Casa Perú Opens Its Doors In Beijing Mall

    Casa Perú Opens Its Doors In Beijing Mall

    The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Commerce venture House of Peru has opened a store in Beijing. The outlet, which opened in Shimao Gongsan Plaza, Sanlitun, serves as a promotional platform for products from the South American nation as well as to popularise tourism in the region among consumers in China.

    Local store representative Huang Zhaohui commented that Peru is well-known for its alpaca wool clothing. The warm, light material has been promoted globally by Peru since establishing the Alpaca label in 2014.

    At the opening ceremony, Huang Zhaohui was awarded the title of “Peru-china Friendship Envoy” by the foreign trade and tourism minister of Peru to honour her contribution to the trade and exchanges between both countries.

    The store also retails food, coffee and Pisco wine.

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  • Cash boost for Wineries in the Philippines

    Cash boost for Wineries in the Philippines

    Online marketplace startup Winery Philippines has raised an undisclosed amount in a new round of financing.

    It says it will use the cash to boost its sales and marketing efforts and grow its customer and vendor base. The second round of funding, backed by a consortium of private investors, gives the company a seven-digit USD valuation, tripling its value a year after its initial funding round.

    Winery Philippines was conceived in 2016 by a group of wine lovers who wanted to improve access to quality wine for Filipinos, the company says. It has become a curated online wine marketplace that sells product from boutique wine importers.

    According to company data, retail wine revenue in the Philippines is expected to increase annually by 9 per cent to reach US$400 million in 2021.

    Winery Philippines founder/MD Chris Urbano says that while venture capital has poured into Chinese wine and spirits marketplaces over the past five years, smaller but promising markets like the Philippines are still off the radar for many investors. “Our backers see the chance to establish early market leadership amid thinner competition, higher margins and a small but profitable and fast-growing segment.”

    Most of Winery Philippines’ customers are in Metro Manila, but Urbano says it is growing order volume from provincial areas and second-tier cities.

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  • Sotheby’s introduces ‘Instant’ fine wine cellars

    Sotheby’s introduces ‘Instant’ fine wine cellars

    In the US, these cellar ‘starter packs’ range from a simple introductory cellar costing US$5,000 to a collection costing US$25,000, with two further options in-between; while only two options are, currently, available in Hong Kong.

    The number of wines, choice and average bottle price changes from cellar to cellar and includes a consultation with a specialist in order to arrive at a final selection that suits the tastes of the individual.

    The selection of wines available also differs slightly between the US and Hong Kong but covers all the basics of French, Italian, Australian and US fine wine

    All of the cellars, once chosen, can be delivered to select US cities or within the Hong Kong SAR in 24 hours.

    The options available in the US include:

    • Cellar 1 – ‘Introductory’: 50 bottles of wine with an average price of $115; the customer chooses 25 wines, two bottles of each. $5,000
    • Cellar 2 – ‘Intermediate’: 72 bottles of wine with an average price of $150; choose 36 wines, two bottles of each. $10,000
    • Cellar 3 – ‘Enjoyment’: 165 bottles of wine with an average price of $165; choose 55 wines, three bottles of each. $25,000
    • Cellar 4 – ‘Investment’: 90 bottles of wine with an average price of $300; choose 15 wines, six bottles of each. $25,000

    The full list of wines for each cellar will be added to a following page but include:

    • Cellar 1 – 2004 Dom Ruinart; Bernard-Bonin 2015 Meursault Vieilles Vignes; 2009 Branaire-Ducru; 1996 Calon-Ségur; 2005 Langoa Barton; 2009 Montrose; 2014 Denis Bachelet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes; 2013 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia; 2013 Ulysses
    • Cellar 2 adds – 2008 Louis Roederer; 2010 Climens; 2013 Pavillon Blanc; 2014 Bonneau du Martray Corton Charlemagne; 2011 Comtes Lafon, Volnay; 2006 Forts de Latour; 2013 Ornellaia; 2013 Claude Dugat, Gevrey Chambertin
    • Cellar 3 adds – 2009 Dom Peerignon (Tokujin Yoshioka edition); 2002 Pol Roger Winston Churchill; 2013 Aile d’Argent; 2015 Domaine Leflaive, Puligny Montrachet Clavoillon 1er Cru; 2009 Hosanna; 2001 Léoville Las Cases; 2005 Vieux Château Certan; 2005 Montrose; 2007 Prieuré-Roch, Nuits Saint Georges Clos des Corvees; 2011 Solaia and 2013 Araujo.
    • Cellar 4 – 2012 Angélus; 2009 Pontet Canet; 2014 Geroges Roumier, Chambolle Musigny; 2009 Pavillon Rouge; 2008 La Mission Haut-Brion; 2015 Robert Groffier, Chambolle Musigny Les Hauts-Doix 1er cru.
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  • Spanish wine made for Asia

    Spanish wine made for Asia

    The practice of dining together and sharing plates is something Asian and Spanish cultures have in common.

    So Spanish winemaker Alejandro Garcia Lopez, director of Rioja winery Vina Pomal, wanted to make a wine to suit the shared dining experience in Asia. He created the Vina Pomal Edicion Limitada 2012, which will be sold exclusively in Asian markets, including Singapore, China, Japan and Indonesia.

    “In Asia, you have different profiles of food with spices, flavours and aromas, so to complement that, I wanted to make a special-edition wine with a good structure and body, and the potential to age,” he tells The Sunday Times during a promotional trip in Singapore last week. “We also wanted the wine to be easy to pair with food.”

    Vina Pomal is the flagship label of Bodegas Bilbainas, one of Rioja’s oldest wine estates. Only 10,000 bottles of the Edicion Limitada – made of 100 per cent Tempranillo grapes – have been produced.

    The grapes are sourced from only old vines that are between 45 and 55 years old and planted in the clay and limestone soil typical of the region. Some of the land on which they are grown has been worked by the winery since 1904.

    The climate of the Riojan capital of Haro, where the winery is located, is also influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which lies 160km to the north.

    “So the grapes have a really long ripening process because of the climate, which makes the tannins very soft,” Mr Lopez, 40, says.

    The grapes are handpicked from three different vineyards – they add up to no more than 2ha of land – within the 250ha property. Each vineyard contributes a different quality, including fruitiness and minerality, to the blend.

    Even the ageing process had to be tailored to these grapes. Since the grapes were from old vines, Mr Lopez decided to age the wine in French oak barrels instead of American ones that are typically used for Rioja wines. For Edicion Limitada, 70 per cent of the wine is aged in new oak barrels and the remainder in barrels that have been used for a year.

    French oak, Mr Lopez notes, results in a wine “with more structure and flavours like tobacco, wood and spices”.

    After 18 months in the barrel, the wine spends another year ageing in the bottle.

    The result is a deeply aromatic Rioja with black fruits and spiced flavours on the nose, and a velvety soft texture and long finish on the palate. Even though Edicion Limitada has spent six years ageing, the wine still tastes fresh.

    It also does not adhere strictly to Rioja’s wine classification, which is based on how long the wine spends in the barrel. One that is labelled Rioja spends only a few months in oak before it is bottled, while Gran Reserva must be aged in oak for at least two years and then spend three more years in the bottle.

    But Mr Lopez did not want to feel restricted when creating the Edicion Limitada.

    “We wanted to feel free as winemakers to do what the wine needs, not what the rules require,” he says.

    While the wine can be drunk immediately, he adds that it also has great ageing potential.

    “It is made of a selection from our best vineyards and, because it spends such a long time in the barrel and bottle, it can also be opened in the next 10 to 20 years,” he says.

    Vina Pomal Edicion Limitada 2012 has a recommended retail price of $85 and can be ordered from its distributor, Singapore Beverages, or at Cellarbration stores in Circular Road, Seletar Mall, Ubi Road and Marina Square.