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Snappea, a new pea drink, with health and sustainability in mind

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image credit: Snappeafood

Snappea, a new plant-based drink made from peas, has been launched in Malaysia. Snappea is a pea-focus brand which focuses on promoting peas as a healthier and more sustainable food source.

The name Snappea comes from snapping, as people tend to snap their fingers when thinking about ideas, hence Snappea (snap + pea), explained Justin Chan, Founder of Snappea.

The company sources the peas from Canada as the North American country is the largest producer of yellow peas in the world. Pea has a very clean taste, which is suitable to use in beverages like dairy-free milk alternatives.

High in protein and 100% vegan

Snappea has 10 times more protein than almond and 20% more than dairy milk. In addition, Snappea is 100% vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free and comes with 170g plant-based calcium per cup. So regardless whether you are vegan, lactose-intolerant or allergic to soy or gluten, Snappea can basically be consumed by anyone.

Sustainable food source

Peas are one of the most sustainable food sources in the world, explained Justin. In addition, peas are super nutritious and much less water intensive. To produce the same amount of protein, peas require seven times less water compared to nuts like almond.

Peas are super friendly to soil because they help in nitrogen fixing. Nitrogen is one of the most important chemical elements for plants. If there is not enough nitrogen available in the soil plants look pale and their growth is stunted. Peas are one of the few nitrogen fixing plants, which means they work together with nitrogen fixing bacteria called rhizobia, to “fix” nitrogen. Nitrogen from the air diffuses into the ground. The rhizobia chemically converts that nitrogen to make it available for the plant. In short, by planting peas, the soil can be enriched without the use of artificial fertilizers. 

Available online and at major retail chains

Currently Snappea is available online on Lazada and Shopee and offline in major retail chains in Malaysia such as Jaya Grocer. More retail outlets will be carrying Snappea products soon, said Justin.

Snappea welcomes any potential importers especially in the Asia region who are interested in Snappea. The company said it has received many enquiries from end-consumers about the availability of Snappea in their regions. Anyone interested to be Snappea’s stockists/distributors, feel free to drop them an email at hey@snappeafood.com.

All ingredients Snappea use are Halal certified and Snappea is produced in halal-certified facilities. Snappea is pending Halal approval for the end products, which the company in the midst of applying.

Snappea is available in Simply Unsweetened, Utterly Original and Richly Chocolate flavours.

Purchase Snappea from the official Snappea store on Lazada and Shopee.

Master Kong reinvents RTD Tea turning refreshing iced tea into energy booster

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Master Kong Bing Hong Cha (康师傅冰红茶), one of China’s most iconic ready‑to‑drink iced black tea brands, serves as a strong case study in how established RTD products can evolve to reach wider audiences.

Recently, Uni‑President expanded the Bing Hong Cha line into the energy drink segment. While retaining its signature iced lemon tea flavour, the 420ml beverage now delivers five times the natural caffeine content — exceeding 200mg per liter sourced from black tea — and is further enhanced with a five‑plant energy blend. This innovation combines natural caffeine with plant‑based energizing ingredients, offering consumers a functional option for a natural uplift in energy.

The five‑plant energy blend consists of polygonatum (huang jin, 黄精), ginseng, red dates, goji berries, and astragalus root (huang qi, 黄芪).

Surprisingly, the drink retains the familiar flavour of Master Kong Bing Hong Cha without the typical taste profile of energy drinks, making it approachable for consumers seeking an energy boost with a taste they already enjoy.

Southeast Asian RTD tea and energy drink producers can explore the concept as a pathway to innovation — blending familiar, culturally resonant flavours with functional benefits — to attract younger consumers seeking both taste and energy in one product.

 

Saengthong–Akara Group to debut at THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2026

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Saengthong–Akara Group, recognized among Thailand’s top three organic egg producers, is expanding beyond farming into the broader food industry. The company will make its international debut at THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2026, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade exhibition, scheduled for May 26–30 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

Its flagship brand, AKARA, is strategically positioned to capture the growing protein‑driven health trend, targeting younger consumers who prioritize nutrition, safety and organic quality.

In partnership with ISE Food, Inc. of Japan, Akara has introduced premium eggs under the AKARA ISE label, produced to Japanese standards that ensure safe raw consumption. These products are distributed through Japanese‑inspired retailers in Thailand, including DONKI Mall, UFM Fuji Super, and TAKA Marche.

The company’s portfolio now encompasses more than 100 items — ranging from soft‑boiled and steamed eggs to tofu cups and tubes — with ongoing expansion into burgers and other processed food categories.

Brooklyn Kura brings craft sake to Thailand

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Image credit: Brooklyn Kura

Brooklyn Kura has entered the Thai market with three expressions — the same SKUs chosen for its landmark debut in Japan. This marks Thailand as the second Asian market, after Japan to carry the brand.

The rights to market Brooklyn Kura have been secured by Curious Kanpai, a premium sake curation company founded by Mr Sakol Suriya­choti together with co‑founder Ms Kulsiri Chainanapakul.

The introduction of Brooklyn Kura in Thailand reflects an ambition to cultivate a new drinking culture that pairs craft sake with a diverse range of cuisines — from traditional Thai dishes such as som tam and pad thai to fine dining. This strategic initiative is designed to appeal to a new generation of consumers who value craftsmanship, distinctive experiences, and expertise in food pairing.

GRAND PRAIRIE – JUNMAI GINJO

Crafted with 100% Arkansas-grown Yamada Nishiki sake rice and fermented with a single modern yeast at carefully controlled low temperatures, this Junmai Ginjo presents a dry, light, and elegantly restrained profile.

Named for Arkansas’s Grand Prairie, home to Isbell Farms, the first U.S. farm to cultivate Yamada Nishiki, the region’s exceptional growing conditions yield rice of remarkable quality

CATSKILLS – JUNMAI DAI GINJO

Dai Ginjo is considered a super premium style of sake due to the effort, time, and cost that goes into its production. Using 100% sake brewers rice (Yamada Nishiki) from Arkansas, a single modern yeast, and fermenting the brew below 11 degrees celsius results in a delicate and luxurious sake.

Named for the Catskills Mountains as this is the source of Brooklyn Kura’s excellent water
used in all their sake.

OCCIDENTAL – DRY HOPPED JUNMAI SAKE

This unique sake starts with a traditionally made single yeast tokubetsu junmai. At the end of the fermentation process (post pressing) we gently dry-hop the sake to extract the aroma and character you would expect from hops. The hops also gives this sake its characteristic pale pink hue.

Named “Occidental”, it means “of the West”, and speaks to a unique American perspective on craft sake.

Morinaga Introduces Mori-Mama, Reflecting an Advanced, More Holistic Approach to Maternal Nutrition

By
Tan Heng Hong
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. (Morinaga), a Japan-based nutrition company and Japan’s leading dairy producer, today launched its maternal milk, Mori-Mama, an advanced maternal product developed to support women from preconception through pregnancy and lactation.

With over a century of expertise in nutritional science, Morinaga has long focused on providing essential nutrition across different life stages. The introduction of Mori-Mama reflects a broader shift in maternal and early life nutrition — one that is increasingly centred not only on nutrient intake, but on how effectively nutrients are absorbed and utilised by the body.

This shift comes amid ongoing nutritional challenges. In Malaysia, anaemia during pregnancy remains a notable concern, with approximately 28.8% of pregnant women affected as of 2023, according to World Bank data. Studies have also shown that prevalence can range widely from around 19% to over 50%, underscoring the variability in maternal nutritional status.

This shift is particularly relevant during pregnancy, where nutritional demands are heightened and tolerance to certain supplements can vary. Iron deficiency remains one of the most common contributing factors, while increasing attention is being placed on how well nutrients are tolerated — particularly as some women experience discomfort with conventional supplementation. As a result, there is growing emphasis on approaches that support both efficacy and overall maternal experience.

Mori-Mama was developed in response to these evolving needs, bringing together key nutrients with functional ingredients such as lactoferrin — an iron-binding protein naturally found in high amount in breast milk alongside a synbiotic blend of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and FOS (prebiotic fibre), supporting both iron absorption and gut health.

“Maternal nutrition today is being viewed through a more holistic lens, with greater awareness of how the body responds to what is consumed,” said Ms. Brenda Liew, Managing Director, OZ Marketing. “This is shaping the way nutritional solutions are developed, with a stronger focus on absorption, tolerance and overall well-being.”

Rather than segmenting support across different stages, Mori-Mama is positioned as a single, continuous formulation, aligning with the needs of women seeking more streamlined and practical approaches to nutrition from preparing for pregnancy through to motherhood.

As expectations around maternal health continue to shift, there is increasing recognition that nutritional support must begin earlier and extend further — from pre-conception through to pregnancy and beyond. The introduction of Mori-Mama reflects a more deliberate move towards solutions that address this continuum, supporting women in a way that is both relevant and responsive to their real experiences.

Unilever Thailand doubles down on flavour and value

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Unilever Thailand is stepping up its foodservice strategy with the first reformulation of Knorr seasoning powder in a decade.

The new enhanced pork seasoning Knorr AroySure Seasoning Powder is made from real pork and enhanced with triple the garlic and extra white pepper. It is promoted as ‘double intensity, faster, more convenient’ — helping restaurants maintain consistent taste, cut prep time, and better manage costs.

The timing is critical, as Thailand’s foodservice operators face mounting pressures from economic slowdown, high household debt, rising living expenses, and volatile energy prices.

Despite escalating packaging and transport costs, Unilever is committed to keeping Knorr priced around 20% lower than competitors, reinforcing its value proposition for small and medium‑sized restaurants navigating today’s challenging market

The campaign introduces presenters to strengthen Knorr’s connection with the Northeast (Isan) region, a market that represents 20–30% of Thailand’s restaurant industry.

Heineken® 0.0 and Motherchuckers Launch Ground 0.0 – On Court, Off Court, Anytime

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Heineken® 0.0 brings a refreshing energy to the padel scene, and its great taste enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Zero reasons needed

 A limited-edition athleisure collection made for every moment, with Heineken® 0.0 at the centre of it all. 

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY 2026 — Padel is fast becoming a popular lifestyle sport in Malaysia, with Heineken® 0.0 naturally fitting into its growing social scene. As courts evolve into social spaces where matches flow naturally into conversation, Heineken® 0.0 teams up with Motherchuckers to bring that energy to life though Ground 0.0 – a limited-edition athleisure collection inspired by the sport’s active, expressive culture.

Ground 0.0 – built for movement, connection, and everyday expression; Heineken® 0.0 – crafted to fit effortlessly into everyday social moments

Ground 0.0 is designed for both on- and off-court wear, reflecting the duality of padel today: performance and lifestyle in constant motion. Built for movement, connection, and everyday expression, the collection extends the game beyond the final point into how people play, meet and move through the day.

At the heart of it is Heineken® 0.0, crafted to fit effortlessly into everyday social moments, whether planned or spontaneous. With its refreshing great taste, it’s a natural companion across occasions. Zero reasons needed. 

As the Global Beer Partner of Premier Padel, Heineken® 0.0, in collaboration with Playtomic and LÖK, continues to expand its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports – not just through the game itself but through the culture that surrounds it. From pre-game to post-match, padel is as much about the connection as it is about the sport, making it a natural fit for the brand. 

This connection is further embodied by Heineken® 0.0 Global Brand Ambassador Serena Williams, whose presence on and off the court reflects the social energy and culture of padel. A 23-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, Serena has increasingly embraced padel as part of a more social, active way to engage with racket sport. Her confidence, charisma and connection to the game make her a strong expression of what Heineken® 0.0 stands for – present not just for the game itself, but for the connection and shared moments that come with it.

Bringing this cultural connection to life, Sean O’Donnell, Marketing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, shared: “Heineken® 0.0 has always been about enhancing social moments – wherever they happen, however they unfold.

“Padel reflects that shift in modern sport. It’s fast, expressive, and inherently social, which makes it a natural space for Heineken® 0.0 through Ground 0.0 and our collaboration with Motherchuckers. This is about being part of how people are playing, connecting and expressing themselves today – not just on the court, but beyond it.”

The launch unfolded as a high-energy showcase that blurred the lines between sport, fashion, and social culture, with Heineken® 0.0 naturally embedded in padel’s shift into a lifestyle sport.

The evening opened with a fashion-forward on-court showcase, where the Ground 0.0 collection was brought to life through movement and expression, reflecting the fast, social energy of modern padel. 

The focus then shifted to the game, with an exhibition match featuring Christian Didier, Kotomi Ozawa, Pablo Molina and Jade Leen. High-intensity rallies and crowd-pleasing moments captured padel’s unique blend of speed, skill and social energy. 

Guests were also invited onto the court through the Heineken® 0.0 Padel Crash Course, a 30-minute coached session designed to make the sport easy to get into, reinforcing the brand’s belief that the best moments are shared. 

 As day turned into night, the energy shifted into a social celebration. DJ sets, interactive games and on-ground challenges kept the energy flowing with highlights such as the One-Point Challenge, where the winner walked away with exclusive Ground 0.0 pieces. 

The night culminated in a seamless blend of sport, style, music and connection, with Heineken® 0.0 bringing a refreshing energy to the padel scene and its great taste enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Zero reasons needed.

Whether celebrating after a padel game with friends, meeting at your local bar, or catching up at home, enjoy a refreshingly cold Heineken® 0.0, whatever the occasion. 

The exclusive Ground 0.0 collection is available for a limited time at Motherchuckers online and in-store. 

For more information about Heineken® 0.0 and upcoming activities, visit https://www.heineken.com/my/en/campaigns/zero-reasons/  

Heineken® and all campaign events are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above. We are all about being responsible — when you drive, never drink. Please #EnjoyResponsibly.

 

Pepsi puts Vietnam flavours on the can to deepen mealtime connections

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Image from Duc Luong (Luongdoo)

PepsiCo Vietnam’s recent Meal Can Project celebrates iconic dishes from across the country, reinforcing Pepsi’s role as the perfect mealtime companion. Specially designed cans feature beloved Vietnamese favorites such as Bún Bò, Phở, Cơm Tấm, Bún Chả, and Bánh Mì, making the brand feel even more connected to everyday dining culture.

he initiative was driven by a desire to honour local cuisine and showcase the diversity of Vietnam’s food heritage directly on pack. By linking Pepsi with the pride of Vietnamese meals, the campaign delivers a simple yet powerful message: Love Vietnamese food, love Pepsi.

Mizone’s catnip flavour connects with pet parents

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Mizone, Danone’s popular sports and vitamin drink brand in China, returns to surprise consumers with a limited‑edition Catnip flavour. This launch follows the debut of its intriguingly refreshing Grass flavour in 2025, further showcasing Mizone’s playful approach to flavour innovation in the functional beverage space.

Catnip (猫薄荷 or literally “cat mint” in Chinese) is a perennial herb in the mint family, with jagged leaves and small white or purple flowers. It contains nepetalactone, which triggers playful or euphoric reactions in many cats.

Catnip plays a dual role: it serves as a cat‑themed flavour while also reflecting the rise of the pet economy centered on cats. In China, cats have surpassed dogs in popularity due to their suitability for smaller city apartments and lower maintenance needs, making the cat economy larger than the dog economy.

 

Awakening tea: when oolong meets coffee

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Xiao Guan Tea (小罐茶), renowned as a premium Chinese tea brand with its signature aluminum can packaging, has recently introduced an innovative fusion of tea and coffee. Launched in the second half of 2025 as part of the brand’s expansion into the RTD tea segment, its Coffee‑Aromatic Oolong Tea combines oolong with ground coffee powder (≥0.8g/L), creating a distinctive cross‑category beverage.

Xiao Guan Tea’s Coffee‑Aromatic Oolong retains the robust character of high‑mountain oolong, complemented by a very subtle roasted coffee notes rather than an overt coffee taste. This tea‑coffee pairing enhances alertness, positioning the drink as a ‘life‑saving tea’ for young consumers seeking both flavour and energy.

The RTD tea is also free from calories, fat, and sugar.

Could this concept of enhancing alertness through the combination of tea and coffee ingredients be further applied within the RTD tea category, while still preserving the authentic taste of tea?

 

Spritea: where soda meets tea

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

The new Sprite + Tea concept, known as Spritea, was recently launched in China and Hong Kong, bringing Sprite into the carbonated tea segment with a taste reminiscent of iced lemon tea. Originally conceived as a way to turn a viral TikTok drink into reality, Sprite + Tea, a lemon-lime and black tea flavored soda, first debuted in the US — and the result is surprisingly delicious.

Sprite + Tea taps into the rising popularity of RTD tea in Western markets, while its carbonated texture aligns with consumer interest in fizzier versions of familiar beverages. At the same time, Sprite + Tea resonates in traditional RTD tea markets such as China and Hong Kong.

Beyond using tea in carbonated soft drinks, how else might beverage brands leverage tea as a base ingredient?

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