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OldTown hinges growth on China, launches RTD coffee

By
Tan Heng Hong
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OldTown Bhd, the maker of Old Town white coffee and the operator of the namesake coffee shop chain, is betting on the vast China market for future growth.  The company also plans to introduce RTD coffee in China to drive growth forward.

China key to OldTown manufacturing growth

For the first nine months of FY 2017, Greater China (Hong Kong, Taiwan and China) accounted for 45% of OldTown’s manufacturing revenue, replacing Malaysia (35%) as the top sales generator in the beverage manufacturing segment, according to the Hong Leong Investment Bank – FMCG – Far More China Growth report on 23 February 2017.

Another Hong Leong Investment Bank’s  Asian Odyssey Underway equity research report on 24 February 2017 mentioned OldTown had a “strong network in China (with over 100 online retailers including Taobao, JD and TMall, which accounts for 80% of sales in China).”

Note: China refers to Greater China – Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China. Mainland China contributed less than 15% of beverage manufacturing revenue.

The strong sales growth in Greater China contributed to the sterling performance of the overall beverage manufacturing segment in FY 2017, which rose 17.2% year-on-year.

In FY 2016, export contributed 59% or RM 116.7 million towards beverage manufacturing revenue. The beverage manufacturing export revenue for the first nine months of FY 2017 jumped 35% year-on-year, largely driven by Greater China.

OldTown introducing RTD coffee in China

Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee (image above) will be the next phase of growth for OldTown in China. According to Chen Lu, regional sales manager at Shenzhen OldTown White Coffee Trading Co., Ltd., the OldTown RTD coffee will be made available in convenience store and online and will be rolled out in the coming months. She also disclosed the stock has already arrived in the country.

Three pricing segments in RTD coffee in China

According to the PwC presentation entitled How to Build a Successful F&B Brand in China at SIAL China 2017, there are currently three pricing segments in RTD coffee in the country.

  • Below RMB 10 is highly competitive with 84.1% of market share in 2016, down from 85.6% in 2011.
  • RMB 10-20 is a growing segment with a market share of 15% in 2016, an increase from 13% in 2011.
  • Above RMB 20 has a limited market with a fall in market share to 0.9% in 2016 from 1.4% in 2011 due to the inability to compete with freshly-made coffee at this price level.

It is interesting to see which pricing OldTown will adopt for its RTD coffee.

Mocha flavour main thrust in 2017

OldTown launched the mocha flavour in China in 2017. The mocha flavour is aimed at young consumers and those that do not drink coffee. The original flavour remains the most popular choice in China.

Keko unveils Grandsoy soy milk, Glinter Fruit Drinks at SIAL China

By
Tan Heng Hong
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The maker of Glinter soft drink, Keko Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, unveiled two new products for China – Glinter Fruit Drinks and Grandsoy at SIAL China 2017 (17-19 May 2017). The Malaysian company was looking for distributors for the two new products at the recently concluded trade show.

Glinter Fruit Drinks

The Glinter Fruit Drink range comprises:

  • Glinter Lychee Fruit Drink with Aloe Vera
  • Glinter Pineapple Fruit Drink with Real Pineapple Pulp
  • Glinter Pink Guava Fruit Drink with Aloe Vera
  • Glinter Soursop Fruit Drink with Aloe Vera

Unlike the existing Glinter soft drink with fruit flavours, the four new beverages contain aloe vera and pineapple pulp. For example, the Glinter Pink Guava Fruit Drink with Aloe Vera contains 79% water, 11.5% sugar, 5% pink guava puree, 4.2% aloe vera crush and the rest such as guava flavouring.

Below is the Glinter Pink Guava Fruit Drink with Aloe Vera. The image was taken by the author.

Glinter Fruit Drink is certified halal by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the competent authority being responsible for halal certification in Malaysia. The drink has an expiry date of 18 months.

Glinter is positioned for the foodservice, hotel  and entertainment establishments.

Grandsoy

Grandsoy soy milk, a product of Thailand, is made for Keko Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd. The range comprises Red Bean, Original, Black Bean and Sesame. The shelf life is 12 months and each bottle weighs 300ml.  The soy milk is high in fibre, contains no preservative and uses non-GMO soybean. It is added with milk powder.

Keko plans to introduce Grandsoy and Glinter Fruit Drinks in Malaysia in July 2017.

Indonesia showcases its best food products at Inafest Shanghai

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

As part of the visit to SIAL China 2017, Mini Me Insights was thrilled to visit the Indonesia Festival (Inafest) 2017 at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai to find out what’s hot in the Indonesian food and beverage export scene.

Richeese – Web sensation

The Richeese wafer, a web sensation in China, was the key highlight for Nabati Group. The banner claims “Richeese is the number one snack on the web and has always been imitated but the knockoffs have never overtaken the real thing.” One of the banners said the products are “fully imported and the product quality is guaranteed”.

Papatonk crackers

United Harvest Indonesia showcased the different flavours of its famous Papatonk shrimp crackers. The company claims on its official Ilovepapatonk Facebook site that it has 10 million fans in China in 2016. The brand is also working with the Ministry of Tourism to promote the Wonderful Indonesia campaign.

Kopiko

Mayora Indah had a huge presence at Inaweek with booths for Kopiko, Cal Cheese and Crispy-Joy. Cal Cheese high-calcium cheese wafer was promoted as fully imported, more cheddar cheese and higher calcium and vitamins for maximum growth.

Crispy-Joy coffee biscuit was marketed as the ideal companion for afternoon tea.

Indomie

Inafest is not complete without Indomie, the iconic instant noodle that offers foreigners the first taste of Indonesian culinary delight. At the fair, Indofood CBP organised sampling activities for its Indomie Mie Goreng Jumbo, Special Fried Noodle and Hot & Spicy Fried Noodle as well as other Dueto biscuits, Trenz crispy crackers, Chitato cassava chips. Indofood CBP is bringing in Dueto, Trenz and Chitato into China, according to the author’s conversation with Indofood at SIAL China 2017.

Good Day Coffee

PT Santos Jaya Abadi showcased its Good Day Bali Cappuccino and Kapal Api White Coffee at the fair.

Inaco

Chinese consumers were exposed to Inaco I’m Coco drink with fruit puree (various flavours) and Gofress strips. Inaco I’m Coco is available online.

OT Tango Waffle

OT focused on promoting its Tango Waffle Crunchox chocolate flavour alongside other Tango wafers (cheese and chocolate flavours).

Garuda Cheese Crackers

Gery Cheese Crackers was GarudaFood’s star product at Inafest 2017. The other was Coconut Crackers.

What Mini Me thinks

Following the success of Richeese cheese wafer, wafer was the key highlight at Inafest with OT, Nabati and Mayora Indah competing fiercely in this segment. However, competition is increasingly moving away from cheese wafer to chocolate wafer as seen in OT promoting Tango Waffle Crunchox and Nabati with Richoco Nabati chocolate wafer.

*All the images were taken by the author

Tesco Gives Back With Bulan Bermakna Campaign in Ramadhan

By
Tan Heng Hong
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Tesco Malaysia corporate services director, Azliza Baizura Azmel Roslawati Nuzi, SK Taman Dato’ Harun 2 headmistress Tesco Malaysia chief executive officer, Paul Ritchie Pintar Foundation Board of Trustees member, Sabri Abdul Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 MAY 2017 – In light of the upcoming Ramadhan period, Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Tesco Malaysia) has launched a campaign to help underserved children in its 59 adopted schools around the country.

The Dana Bulan Bermakna is an extension of Tesco’s commitment to help underprivileged children from the schools it has adopted under the PINTAR Foundation School Adoption programme. The campaign, which runs through the holy months of Ramadhan and Syawal, aims to collect much needed funds through the sale of Tesco-branded items at all its stores throughout the country, and will be channeled to help 500 underserved students from the adopted schools.

The campaign made more meaningful is that it motivates the public, particularly Tesco customers to play their part in helping these children. For every Tesco-branded item that they purchase, 0.5% of the total sales will go to a fund to help these children.

“In the 15 years since we began our operations, we’ve worked hard to serve our Malaysian customers as well as the communities wherever we are. From this, we look to the future and find opportunities of how Tesco can more involved and engaged, to make an even more sustainable positive impact in the communities where we operate. Through our insights we know that our customers are looking to realise their aspiration to contribute to those in need during this Ramadhan and Syawal. This year we are making it easier for them to do this, while enjoying Tesco own brand products,” said Paul Ritchie, Tesco Malaysia CEO at the launch of the campaign held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Dato’ Harun 2 in Petaling Jaya today.

“In the short time that we have adopted the schools, we’ve learned about the opportunities for Tesco to directly help the children, not just in terms of education but also in ensuring that they have their needs fulfilled, in order to have a productive day at school. We believe the funds we raise through Dana Bulan Bermakna, will go a long way to helping the children and keeping them in school,” Ritchie added.

A member of the PINTAR Foundation Board of Trustees, Sabri Abdul Rahman, who was present at the launch, agrees with Ritchie.

“Any family can fall on hard times and find it difficult to make ends meet. But with the right policies in place and empathy from all of us, every child can have the opportunity to do well in life. The Government and the various agencies can only do so much, so it is indeed refreshing to see companies such as Tesco engaging with communities to give hope to underprivileged children in underserved schools,” said Sabri.

Dana Bulan Bermakna Tesco will run from 11 May to 12 July 2017, during which 0.5% of the total sales of 3000 types of participating Tesco-branded products – Tesco Everyday Value, Tesco Basics, Tesco Eat Fresh, Tesco Loves Baby, Inspirasi, Lewis Baker and Tesco Finest – will be channeled to help 500 children from Tesco Malaysia’s 59 adopted schools under the PINTAR programme.

About Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is a joint-venture company between Tesco PLC and Sime Darby Berhad. Tesco PLC is one of the world’s largest international retailers with operations in 12 countries, employing over 500,000 people and serving millions of customers every week.  Across its operations worldwide, Tesco believes in giving local customers what they want and creating value while earning their lifetime loyalty.

Tesco Malaysia, established in May 2002 with its first hypermarket in Puchong, Selangor, today continues to deliver excellence in areas that matters most to Malaysian customers from service excellence, diverse product range and quality to great prices and store environment.  Tesco Malaysia employs over 7,000 employees and operates 56 stores throughout Peninsula Malaysia. In 2013, Tesco paved the way in online grocery shopping with the launch of its online Grocery Home Shopping service, offering even greater convenience to customers in the Klang Valley, Seremban, Penang and Johor Bharu.  This service offers customers 18,000 lines of fresh and frozen food, groceries and non-food items such as health and beauty, baby needs and basic household items with delivery to their homes. Tesco has also recently joined into a partnership with Lazada and Happyfresh to offer more products online.

About PINTAR Foundation

PINTAR Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, with a vision to inspire the young generation to become responsible citizens through the three key tenets of Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility (acronym of PINTAR). PINTAR Foundation was formed in 2008 to spearhead the implementation of the PINTAR Programme, which is a social responsibility initiative mooted by Khazanah Nasional Berhad.

Working in partnership with GLCs, private corporations, partner NGOs and the Government, PINTAR Foundation strives to build human capital by reaching out to Malaysian children in the under- privileged communities through its PINTAR Programme, a school adoption programme, which seeks to improve the educational outcomes of students from under-performing schools.

Since the PINTAR pilot project in late 2006, PINTAR members and partners have implemented no less than 300 PINTAR activities per year at their respective adopted schools with the involvement of students, teachers, parents and the community. To date, there are 522 PINTAR schools nationwide (including the 59 new schools adopted by Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd) which have been adopted by 50 PINTAR members and partners; and more than 812,000 students and teachers have benefited from these various PINTAR activities throughout the country.

Kindly log on to www.mypintar.com.my to find out more about PINTAR Foundation.

Coca-Cola and Muslim Aid Malaysia teams up for charity this Ramadan

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Coca-Cola representatives join the Muslim Aid Malaysia team and children from the underserved communities at a Fast2Feed event last year

26 May 2017

Yayasan Kemanusian Muslim Aid Malaysia will continue its annual charity Fast2Feed programme this Ramadan, which will bring a nourishing meal, thirst quenching drinks and seasonal cheer to over 4,000 people from deserving communities, with the continued support of Coca-Cola Malaysia.

One of Muslim Aid Malaysia’s key activities that is solely dependent on donations and charity by generous individuals and corporations, the programme will see orphans, children from underprivileged families, residents of aged care homes, Orang Asli and refugees receive break fast meals, food baskets, duit Raya and new clothes so that they too can look forward to the fasting month and Hari Raya.

Throughout Ramadan, the Muslim Aid Malaysia team will tirelessly travel across Peninsula Malaysia to give charity to those in need. Within Malaysia, the NGO will touch the lives and bring some happiness to communities in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.

As they look forward to the breaking of fast, the children will be entertained with art and craft activities such as colouring and ketupat weaving. Joining them at each location would be Coca-Cola staff from nationwide branches, where they will help serve up the break fast meal and participate in the activities.

A partnership that began in 2010, Coca-Cola continues to support Muslim Aid Malaysia’s charitable work for the underprivileged and this year, to bring a touch of local flavour Coca-Cola is also involving its partners such as Mydin, Texas Chicken, AEON Big, CapitaLand Malaysia and PNB Commercial to come in with even more goodies to bring more smiles.

“Malaysians look forward to Ramadan as a time for family reunion, community gatherings and an opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate. Working with our long time partner, we are able to contribute in a small way through this meaningful annual programme by Muslim Aid Malaysia and this year we are delighted to be able to involve our local partners who have been generous and supportive,” said Ahmed Yehia, Country Manager, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Region, The Coca-Cola Company.

“The continued participation of Coca-Cola has allowed Muslim Aid Malaysia to extend our reach to more underprivileged communities year after year. We always welcome contributions from the public, be it individuals or companies, to join us to offer some hope, help and care for those in need especially during Ramadan,” said Habsah Marjuni, Chairman of Muslim Aid Malaysia’s Board of Trustees.

Members of the public can also spread some joy by donating to the Fast2Feed programme. Visit http://muslimaid.org.my/fast2feed/ to find out how your contributions can make a difference this Ramadan.

The Coca-Cola Company in Malaysia

In addition to Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable brands, the Coca-Cola system in Malaysia manufactures, markets and distributes over 80 products including sparkling beverages (Fanta, Sprite, A&W, Schweppes), zero-calorie sparkling beverages (Coca-Cola Light, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite Zero), juice drinks (Minute Maid Pulpy), teas (Heaven and Earth), isotonic (Aquarius) and water (Dasani).

Coca-Cola has invested RM1 billion in Malaysia since 2010, creating more than 800 jobs and touching over 75,000 customers directly with a total reach of over 200,000 customers across Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. Through its programmes and partnerships Coca-Cola Malaysia aims to make a lasting positive difference in the local community.

From recycling through partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), to working with Raleigh International and Muslim Aid Malaysia to provide access to clean water for more than 22,000 villagers in rural Sabah, and economically empowering women through the Coca-Cola KU entrepreneurship programmes – Coca-Cola is committed to building sustainable communities in Malaysia.

Yayasan Kemanusiaan Muslim Aid Malaysia

Muslim Aid is a non-political and non-sectarian aid and development organisation inspired by Islamic values and works within the parameters of Islam irrespective of religion, colour and creed. Muslim Aid takes special interest in the orphaned, refugees and internally displaced people, communities caught in the cycles of poverty, and survivors of disasters as its beneficiaries.

Biscuit maker Munchy’s diversified into pre-packed croissants

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Image from Chipita S.A.

New pre-packed croissants

Malaysia’s biggest biscuit manufacturer Munchy’s has launched 7Days pre-packed croissants in the country in collaboration with Greece’s Chipita S.A., the owner of the 7Days brand. The Greek baker currently markets the 7Days brand of flour-based products, both sweet and savoury, in 66 markets including Malaysia.

Joint venture with Chipita

The new product comes under the purview of Muchico Bakery Sdn Bhd, the joint venture between Munchy Food Industries Sdn Bhd (Munchy’s) and Chipita S.A. Muchico. The joint venture is located at Tongkang Pecah in Batu Pahat, Johor, sharing the same address as Munchy Food Industries. Munchy’s has invested RM 50 million to make available the new product in Malaysia.

Only brand to offer pre-packed croissants

Munchy’s is the only brand offering pre-packed croissants in the country. The 7Days Croissant by Munchy’s is available in three flavours – Chocolate, Caramel and Vanilla and in one format 60g. The retail price is RM 1.30, which is affordable and is priced closely to the popular cream rolls (RM 0.85) of Gardenia and Massimo.

7Days is halal

The 7Days Croissant is certified halal by JAKIM. Here is the screenshot of when the halal certification of the new products will expire.

Filling the gap of Hi-5 Conglomerate Berhad 

One of the major bakery player in Malaysia, Hi-5 Conglomerate Berhad, was declared bankrupt in 2016. The company reported revenue of RM 79 million in the 12 months ending October 2013, down from RM 129 million in the same period a year ago. The departure of Hi-5 saw companies such as Fuji Bakery and Mighty White racing to fill the gap in the packaged bread market.

On-the-go option

7Days is positioned as a “convenient and affordable bakery snack that tastes like fresh-baked croissant anywhere and anytime,” said Munchy’s Group chief executive officer C.K. Tan. He said the company “has always been in a position to offer ready-to-go food, and our mission is to provide fun, ‘yummilicious’ and affordable products for every family globally, especially our own country.”

The pre-packed croissant is ideal for Malaysians who “tend to skip or even forget meals while on the move,” added Tan.

Regional biscuit companies tapping into bakery

In view of the tepid growth of the biscuit market, which largely hinges on population growth, it is timely for biscuit players to explore a new category.

According to Hup Seng executive director Kerk Chian Tung, the company’s flagship product cream cracker is growing by 2-4% a year in line with Malaysia’s population growth of 1-2% a year. The limited room for growth for the cream cracker segment means Hup Seng has to bet on new products including oat biscuits or expand the export market.

We are seeing similar things happening with Britannia Industries in India. The biggest biscuit manufacturer in India signed an MoU with Chipita in February 2017 to produce rolls, croissants, and other dough products.

The graphic below was from The Economic Times.

Scalability and compatability are the keywords for the collaboration. Britannia managing director Varun Berry told the Economic Times (ET) that there is “immense scale through this partnership, since the categories are highly scalable and are bridge products between biscuits, chocolates and fresh bakery, at competitive prices.”

What Mini Me thinks

We see synergy in Munchy’s joint venture with Chipita as both parties can make use of their strength with Munchy’s in distribution and Chipita in technology to expand the market for packaged bread in Malaysia.

Peppa Pig loves coconut water

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Peppa is a loveable, cheeky little piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. One sunny morning, they went to the beach. Peppa was having a good time with her family while sipping fresh coconut water from Indonesia.

The new Peppa Pig coconut water is made by Indonesia’s PT Pulau Sambu (Kara) and was showcased at the recently concluded SIAL China 2017 in May. The 100% fresh coconut was imported by Dongguan Fenya Import and Export Trading (东莞市纷亚进出口贸易).

The range included Coconut Water with Coconut Milk.

Dongguan Yizhi Foods (东莞亿智食品有限公司) is the producer of  food featuring Peppa Pig in China.

Peppa Pig is popular in China. According to Entertainment One Ltd, “Peppa Pig has generated more than 24.5 billion views on multiple SVOD platforms since the brand was first launched two years ago” in China.

The FY2017 annual report of Entertainment One describes “Peppa Pig’s licensing and merchandising revenue [in China] has increased significantly year-on-year” since its debut in 2016. The country has become the “second largest licensing market globally after the US.” “China is expected to grow from 20 licensing agreements in FY17 to 60 by the end of FY18,” says the report. Entertainment One’s FY2017 financial result ended 31 March 2017.

Kara coconut water

The coconut water under the Kara brand is distributed in China by China Commerce Group for International Economic Cooperation (CCIEC).

*Images for the products and booth were taken by the author

 

 

Chun Cui He (Just Drink) milk tea storming into Malaysia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Now in Malaysia

The Taiwanese Chun Cui He (纯萃喝) or Just Drink milk tea is finally available in Malaysia at selected 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Click here for the participating outlets. In Malaysia, the range comprises milk tea, latte and earl grey milk tea. The promotion price of RM 8.95 (normal price RM 9.50) is until 31 August 2017.

Craze in Singapore

The drink has taken neighboring Singapore by storm. Noticed the spike in web search for Chun Cui He during the July-August 2016 period. That was when the Taiwanese bottled tea and coffee drink brand was first officially launched in Singapore on 13 July 2016. The first two beverages were Chun Cui He milk tea and latte drinks.

The drink, made by Taiwan Bifido Foods Inc. (台湾比菲多食品股份有限公司), is a common sight in Taiwan and sought after by tourists.

Recalled

On 23 August 2016, the Singapore Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) issued a statement recalling Chun Chui He milk tea for using a non-permitted food additive – L-theanine. However, “there is no food safety risk associated with the recalled products,” reassured AVA.

New products

The Milk Tea, now with approved food additive, returned to store shelves in Singapore on 29 December 2016. The seasonal Earl Grey Tea was launched on 30 March 2017, followed by the Rose Honey Milk Tea on 20 May 2017, a date that rhymes with “I love you” in Mandarin.

What Mini Me thinks

The Chun Chui He drink will likely spark a similar rush to store in Malaysia as the awareness of the product is high especially among the local Chinese population.

Since the news broke out on 7-Eleven Malaysia Facebook page on 23 May 2017, the post was already shared over 12,000 times as of noon the next day. We expect sales of Chun Chui He to be very strong in the coming weeks. Product availability will be the key barrier as consumers are already asking why the drink is not available at their usual outlet.

Sappe introduces exotic flavours – durian, sticky rice at SIAL China

By
Tan Heng Hong
-
Sappe booth at SIAL China 2017

Two new exotic flavours for China

Sappe Public Company Limited, the Thailand-based producer of functional beverages, unveiled for the first time at SIAL China 2017 two Mogu Mogu flavoured drinks exclusively for the China market. The two limited-edition exotic flavours from Thailand are Mango with Sticky Rice and Royal Thai Durian. The durian flavour is to capitalise on the growing interest in durian fruit and durian flavour in China.

The two new flavours will be introduced in China at the end of July 2017, said Ampawan Benjathanarak, assistant vice president international business at Sappe.

Purii coconut water

Sappe also has plans to introduce its Purii by All Coco Pure Nam Hom Coconut Water and the All Coco 100% Pure Nam Hom Coconut Water in the country.

In 2016, Sappe bought a 40% stake in All Coco Co, the producer of ‘Nam Hom’ (aromatic green young) coconut juice. The stake is to be raised to 51% in 2018 and subsequently to 60% by 2020. Sappe will tap into its strong global distribution network and international branding to help market Thailand’s coconut juice abroad, according to the press release in August 2016.

Other products

Lemo Play, a new juice drink introduced in Thailand in 2017, was showcased at SIAL China 2017 alongside Aloe Vera drinks and Beauti Shot.

7-Eleven Malaysia – First Retailer in Malaysia To Launch Alipay Mobile Wallet Payment Acceptance in Partnership with MOL

By
Tan Heng Hong
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From left: Ms. Greta Gunawan (Alipay Country Head, Malaysia), Mr. Tan U-Ming (7-Eleven Malaysia Executive Director), Mr. Gary Brown (7-Eleven Malaysia CEO), YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan (Founder of Berjaya Corporation), Mr. Douglas Feagin (Alipay Senior Vice President, International Business), Ms. Lena Tan (MOL Chairman), Mr. Dayong Zhang (Alipay General Manager, South East Asia) with Mr. Preecha Praipattarakul (MOL Global CEO).

Kuala Lumpur, 22nd May 2017 – 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad and the No.1 standalone convenience store chain in the country with over 2100 stores, is proud to announce its latest in-store service offerings. As of the 12th of May 2017, 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd started accepting Alipay app as a means of cashless payment from Mainland Chinese tourists, as witnessed in an official launch ceremony today.

This service is being rolled out in partnership with MOL Accessportal Sdn Bhd (MOL), a subsidiary of MOL Global, Inc., 7-Eleven’s strategic partner and technology provider for in-store payment services. MOL acts as a third party merchant acquirer (TPA) to facilitate Alipay payments in Malaysia, by signing up merchants such as 7-Eleven.

Mainland Chinese tourists can now use their Alipay app to make payments in Renminbi while touring Malaysia. Alipay payments are easy and simple to use – merchants only need to scan a barcode generated by the Alipay app in a customer’s mobile phone.

Preecha Praipattarakul, Global CEO of MOL Global, Inc., said, “We are excited to work with Alipay to provide Chinese tourists with a convenient and secure payment experience while in Malaysia. We look forward to developing our relationship with Alipay by acquiring more merchants and enabling them to acceptance Alipay”.

Hishammudin Hasan, Deputy CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia said, “As a convenience store operator, we are thrilled to be able to accept payments via Alipay, adding to the convenience aspect for Chinese tourists shopping in our stores. While we are currently enabling this service in over 2,000 stores covering all of Peninsular Malaysia, and by the day after tomorrow, we plan to roll out this service to our entire network of over 2,100 stores”.

Tan Sri Vincent Tan, majority shareholder of MOL Global, Inc. and 7-Eleven Malaysia and Founder of the Berjaya Corporation said, “I greatly believe in the value of Alipay’s partnership, which will bring a trusted and convenient means of payment to the many Chinese tourists who visit Malaysia every year, while providing local merchants with the opportunity to tap into this growing customer segment market. The Berjaya Group of companies has over 5,000 outlets nationwide. We will go live with Berjaya Group merchants such as Starbucks, Kenny Rogers, Cosway and many more others, as well as our existing partner merchants, in the coming months.”

Today a launch ceremony was held between MOL, Alipay and 7-Eleven to mark the launch of the partnership. Tan Sri Vincent Tan, majority shareholder of MOL Global, Inc. and 7-Eleven Malaysia and Founder of the Berjaya Corporation, Gary Brown, CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia, Preecha Praipatarrakul, Global CEO of MOL Global, Greta Gunawan, Country Head of Alipay Malaysia, Dayong Zhang, General Manager of Alipay Southeast Asia, and Douglas Feagin, SVP of Ant Financial, parent company of Alipay all attended the launch ceremony.

7-Eleven Malaysia is the largest stand-alone convenience store-chain nationwide, with over 2,100 outlets across the country and continuously aspires to elevate customers’ shopping experiences and to scale greater heights as the largest stand-alone convenience store operator in Malaysia. To meet today’s expectations in providing convenience to customers; 7-Eleven Malaysia opts to stay close to its customer’s heart by staying true to its motto, Always There for You.

About 7-Eleven Malaysia

7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4 June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and have been a prominent icon for over 28 years. We are the pioneer and the largest 24 hours convenience store operator in Malaysia.

Upon achieving its 1,000 mark in stores network, 7- Eleven Malaysia opened its door to local entrepreneurs through its unique franchising program in 2009. We are the first franchisor in the local market to offer existing profit-making stores to franchisees.

The largest convenience store in Malaysia with over 2,100 outlets nationwide, 7-Eleven Malaysia serves more than 900,000 customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and medical institutions. 7-Eleven is Always There For You.

About MOL Global, Inc.

MOL Global, Inc. (“MOL”) is a leading e-payment enabler for online goods and services in emerging and developed markets. MOL operates a payments platform that connects consumers with digital content providers, telecommunications service providers and online merchants by providing a vast network of distribution channels that accepts cash and online payment methods. Its physical distribution network comprises more than 970,000 locations in 11 countries across four continents. The Company also has mobile payment channels, electronic distribution channels that accepts major credit cards and online banking from more than 100 banks.

MOL’s diverse products and services include the MOLPoints, an online micropayment system which sells payment credits that can be used to purchase online game credits and digital content; MOLReloads, a distribution network that distributes prepaid mobile airtime and digital content; MOLPay, a payments solution for online merchants; and MMOG.asia, an online games portal; Gift Cards, a perfect gift for any occasion and MOLWallet, an online mobile payment processing and money transfer application. For more information, please visit http://molglobal.mol.com/

About Alipay

Launched in 2004, Alipay currently has over 450 million active users, mostly in China. Alipay has evolved from a digital wallet to a lifestyle enabler. Users can hail a taxi, book a hotel, make appointments with doctors, buy movie tickets, pay utility bills or purchase wealth management products directly from within the app. In addition to online payments, Alipay is expanding to in-store offline payments both inside and outside of China. Alipay is supported in 70 overseas markets, with in-store payments covering more than 110,000 retail stores, and tax reimbursement via Alipay is supported in 24 countries and regions. Alipay supports the settlement of 18 currencies.

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Animal-free Very Dairy comes to Singapore

Tan Heng Hong - 0
Very Dairy is a new animal-free dairy launched recently in Singapore by US-based food tech company Perfect Day. Very Dairy is made using the...

Boiled fresh udon noodles with new Lucky Me! bowl series

Joint Partnership Between Gamuda Land and the Beaconhouse Group To Welcome...

Maepranom has a plant-based version of Thai Crispy Chili

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