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Sunshine Bakeries Introduces KOMUGI GOLD Dark Rye Wholemeal Loaf

A loaf where cloud-soft artistry of Japanese wheat flour meets rich multigrains in every slice.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 18 September 2025 – Bread is often seen as something ordinary that quietly fills our tables everyday, but as tastes evolve, so too does the brand’s mission to make the everyday feel a little more special. Sunshine Bakeries again proves that the bread we eat daily can be different by blending Japanese artistry with the familiar loaves that have become part of every household. This 18 September 2025, Sunshine officially introduces the KOMUGI GOLD Dark Rye Wholemeal Loaf to the Malaysian market. 

This loaf takes inspiration from the artistry of Japanese baking while setting a new gold standard for everyday bread. Made with premium Japanese wheat flour (known as komugi in Japan), balanced with the richness of dark rye and layered with five wholesome grains, this loaf transforms an ordinary routine into something refined. It is simply Japanese perfection, created with care to bring small luxuries into mundane days.

Building on the success of the SHOKUPAN GOLD series, a line that brought soft, flavourful loaves such as the Brioche Butter, Purple Sweet Potato and Shiro Barley into Malaysian homes, Sunshine is now raising the bar once more! The KOMUGI GOLD series marks Sunshine’s first dark rye wholemeal loaf in Malaysia, representing a higher standard of taste and quality through the blend of flax seeds, barley, oats, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds for a rich multigrain experience.

By pairing the pillowy softness of Japanese wheat flour with the hearty bite of grains, KOMUGI GOLD defines what Sunshine calls the “new gold standard”: exquisite texture, premium ingredients, and most importantly, Halal assurance. It is modern, versatile, and made to slot effortlessly into the rhythm of Malaysian lifestyle. Above all, what sets it apart begins with the ingredients themselves.

For most, words such as “dark rye” and “komugi” may feel unfamiliar. Yet it is often the unfamiliar that sparks curiosity and discovery. Dark rye, made from the whole grain of rye, is long celebrated for its rich, toasty profile and natural nutrition. Its flavour is deeper and more robust than white flour, offering warmth and complexity in every bite. Komugi, which means wheat in Japanese, reflects the philosophy of Japanese baking: treating wheat not as a filler, but as an ingredient to be refined and handled with care.

By bringing both into one loaf, Sunshine invites Malaysians to step into a new territory and experience bread that feels both wholesome and intriguing. 

In Japan, bread is crafted with patience where loaves are designed to achieve perfect balance in softness, flavour, and texture. Sunshine has embraced this tradition with KOMUGI GOLD, using premium Japanese wheat flour as the foundation of the loaf to achieve a tender, cloud-like crumb that melts in the mouth while holding structure for more complex flavours. Each slice reflects the artistry of Japanese baking, where detail and refinement are central to the process.

This pursuit of harmony in taste and texture is what is called perfection, with every detail working together to deliver a loaf that upholds the high standards associated with quality breadmaking. When combined with grains, the experience becomes even more layered, creating a bread that feels crafted to the same exacting standards associated with Japanese artisanal baking. With KOMUGI GOLD, Malaysians can now savour the same standard of Japanese perfection once reserved for artisanal bakeries, brought freshly into their own homes.

The KOMUGI GOLD Dark Rye Wholemeal Loaf carries layers of flavour and texture beyond softness. Dark rye lays the foundation with an earthy depth, grounding the loaf in a rich, hearty profile. Folded within are five other wholesome grains: barley, oats, flax seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds, which add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the loaf’s soft, pillowy crumb. 

Just as you settle into the taste, layers of flavour unfold – each bite carries a natural depth from the grains, offering the nutty subtle sweetness that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Fresh from the pack, each slice offers the right amount of richness and softness to be enjoyed on its own. Toasted, they bloom into a warm roasted fragrance that fills the kitchen, sending you a sensory invitation to savour it. If you are in the mood of having something to pair with, spread with butter to bring cafĂ©-style comfort into your home. Paired with savoury toppings, it becomes a hearty meal in between your hectic schedules.

Despite carrying the elegance of an artisanal loaf, the KOMUGI GOLD Dark Rye Wholemeal Loaf is made for daily life. It is crafted to be both premium yet accessible, turning breakfast tables, lunchboxes, and teatime spreads into something special, indulgent and within reach. It represents an affordable luxury made for the pace of modern life, showing that bread can be nourishing without needing to be reserved for special occasions.

Starting today, the Sunshine KOMUGI GOLD Dark Rye Wholemeal Loaf will be available at major retailers and convenience stores across Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Johor Bahru and Malacca. Halal-certified and crafted for modern Malaysian palates, it represents a new benchmark in breadmaking that is now within reach.

So, how will you enjoy your dark rye wholemeal loaf? Toasted golden with butter or paired with savoury spreads? However you choose, this is the bread that makes everyday feel special.

For more information, visit the official website (https://www.sunshinebakeries.com.my/) or follow Sunshine Bakeries on Instagram (@sunshinebakeries.my) and Facebook (@Sunshine Bakeries Malaysia).

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Presents Its Negroni Week Debut At Cacao Mixology & Chocolate

Cacao White Negroni, Cacao Mixology & Chocolate

Kuala Lumpur, 18 September 2025 – This September, Cacao Bar & Mixologist at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur invites you to celebrate Negroni Week.  Since its inception by Imbibe Magazine in 2013, Negroni Week has become a global celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. On 24 September 2025, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will mark its debut in this global celebration with an exclusive evening at Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, the city’s highest bar.

Simone Rossi

The night will feature Simone Rossi, Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong and the South China Morning Post’s Bartender of the Year 2024. A native of Grosseto, Italy known for redefining classics with a contemporary sensibility, Rossi will present a Negroni created exclusively for the occasion.

Resident Mixologist Wei Lung adds a local perspective with his series of cacao-inspired Negroni, an interpretation that introduces chocolate nuance to the cocktail’s distinctive balance. Placed side by side, Rossi’s creation and Wei Lung’s interpretation illustrate the meeting of global perspective and local character. International Negroni Week, happening from 22 September to 28 September 2025 at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur marks more than the debut of a global tradition — it signals the arrival of Cacao Mixology & Chocolate as a new benchmark for the city’s cocktail culture.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: 24 September 2025

Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Venue: Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Find out more about Cacao Mixology & Chocolate by visiting Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur by visiting the parkhyatt.com. and Instagram.

EMPOWERING BARTENDERS, ELEVATING HOSPITALITY: STAR ACADEMY 2025 KICKS OFF NATIONWIDE TOUR

Participants will tap into the future through an all-new immersive VR training experience this year

PETALING JAYA, 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia)’s acclaimed Star Academy programme is back, and raising the bar in the services sector once again. This year’s regional training sessions and National Championship invite partner bartenders from across the country to sharpen their skills, showcase their mastery, and compete for the coveted National Top Bartender title. The programme will be held in Selangor, Perak, Johor, Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak, with an aim to engage more than 1,300 bartenders.

Driven by a bold ambition, Star Academy continues to elevate Malaysia’s service standards while contributing to the growth of the nation’s tourism industry since its inception in 2018. The programme has trained over 11,000 bartenders in mastering the art of the perfect pour. This year, the programme continues its mission with renewed energy, blending innovation and quality bartending services.

Martijn van Keulen, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, said, “We believe that excellence in service begins with investing in people. Now in its eighth edition, Star Academy continues to champion this ambition by equipping local talents with advanced skills that prepare them to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving F&B landscape. Through this programme, we aim to shape future-ready bartenders who drive Malaysia’s hospitality and tourism experience.”

This year’s Star Academy programme continues to deliver in-depth training on the art of the perfect pour, covering essential elements such as optimal temperature, gas pressure, and glassware cleanliness. From past programmes, partner bar owners have seen tangible improvements in service quality and bartender confidence. With enhanced technical skills and deeper brand knowledge, bartenders are now delivering elevated experiences.

Leslie Gomez, Founder and Managing Director of Olive Tree Group shared, “Star Academy has truly raised the bar for our team. Our bartenders are now more confident, precise, and passionate about delivering the perfect serve every time.”

Kent Chua, Founder of The Beer Factory, echoed the sentiment, “Star Academy takes our bartenders beyond routine, making them more confident and proud of their craft. In a tough industry, that pride sets them apart, and it’s the same drive that has made us home to world bartender champions.”

Revolutionising Training with VR Technology

As part of its continued innovation in bartender training, Star Academy 2025 introduces “Tap Into The Future,” an all-new immersive VR training experience that redefines how skills are taught and mastered. This cutting-edge enhancement delivers a fully multisensory learning experience where bartenders engage their sight, touch, and sound to enhance memory retention and deepen mastery of pouring techniques and product knowledge. The VR module provides a gamified, scenario-based learning environment, making complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable for bartenders.

Star Academy Alumni Shine on the World Stage

Star Academy has a proud legacy of nurturing world-class bartending talent. Our journey began with Eddy Jay Jaimin from The Beer Factory, who made his mark on the global stage as our first champion at the Global Bartender Finals in Amsterdam. This legacy continued in 2024 with Jason Dennis Dcruz from Rockafellers by The Olive Tree Group, who triumphed at the Global Bartender Finals, competing against elite bartenders from around the world.

These two historic victories reinforced Malaysia’s reputation for top-tier bartending and showcased the transformative impact of the Star Academy programme.

“Every year, we see incredible growth in our bartenders, not just in skill, but in confidence and passion. For 2025, I’m excited to see how they embrace the new VR training and push their limits. I hope to witness bold creativity, stronger mastery, and maybe even discover the next National Champion who will make Malaysia proud once again,” commented Cian Hulm, Trainer and Commercial Quality Manager of HEINEKEN Malaysia.”

Ready to Raise the Bar?

HEINEKEN Malaysia’s partner bartenders across Malaysia are invited to step up, stand out, and sign up for the Star Academy 2025 journey. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative journey in service excellence. Training dates and registration details are available now on the webpage. Register and book your spot today!

For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.

Thai Glico unwraps limited-edition chocolate and snack flavours

Thai Glico Co., Ltd. has introduced two new Alfie dark chocolate bar flavours Yuzu Orange and Blueberry Yogurt. These limited edition flavours will only be available for three months.

In a new twist, Thai Glico has unveiled a Thai tea flavour for its popular Collon snack—famous for its bite-sized crispy biscuit rolls filled with smooth, creamy filling.

In addition to the Collon Thai Tea variant, Thai Glico has recently introduced a new limited-edition Pejoy flavour inspired by Italian-style tiramisu.

Pepsi Clear offers intriguing flavour and taps Into Thailand’s clean-label trend

The newly launched Pepsi Clear stands out as one of Thailand’s most intriguing non-alcoholic beverage innovations in recent months. We held off on sharing our thoughts until we had the chance to try it firsthand—and now, the wait is over.

Unlike the classic Pepsi, Pepsi Clear offers a flavour profile that lands somewhere between traditional Pepsi and 7Up. The result is a refreshingly distinctive taste that is unlike anything we have had before. Pepsi Clear does have a slight clean tasting profile.

The clear appearance instantly evokes memories of past innovations like Crystal Pepsi and Coca-Cola Clear, while sparking curiosity among consumers eager to discover its unique flavour.

Another perspective on Pepsi Clear is that it may be seen as a response to growing consumer concerns in Thailand over the use of coloring in beverages—particularly artificial additives. Its transparent appearance could symbolise a shift toward cleaner, more natural-looking products that align with evolving public sentiment.

Ultimately, we anticipate that Pepsi Clear may be phased out, as its flavour profile is unlikely to resonate with mainstream consumer preferences.

 

Beanwell debuts: soy power with 12g protein and zero additives

Dutch Mill, a leading brand from Thailand, has launched Beanwell to meet the rising demand for plant-based protein and clean-label products. This new soy milk is crafted from whole soybeans grown in the US and is designed with purity in mind:

  • No added sugar
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • No vegetable oils
  • No milk powder
  • No artificial flavors
  • No synthetic colors

Beanwell is packed with 12g of protein.

Vitamilk Vita Plus+ super plant power for everyday wellness and new Taiwanese tea flavour

Vitamilk introduces Vita Plus+, a next-level plant-based milk drink enriched with added nutrients and triple immunity support. It’s powered by super plant-based protein, essential amino acids, and immunity-enhancing vitamins—making it a smart choice for today’s active lifestyle.

With a reduced sugar formula, Vita Plus+ is available in two delicious flavours: Almond Oat and Black Sesame.

Vitamilk has also expanded its flavour to include Taiwanese tea-inspired flavour for a refreshing taste.

Bar.B.Q Plaza fires up solo dining trend

Bar.B.Q Plaza is embracing the rising popularity of solo dining—a trend that gained momentum post-COVID—as a strategic opportunity to reach urban professionals and office workers, reported prachachat.net. The brand has launched a new compact restaurant model at Central Park, Bangkok, featuring single-seat zones and private grills tailored for individuals and couples.

The new concept, officially opened on 4 September 2025, spans just 80 square meters and includes 33 seats: 7 single tables, 7 couple tables, and 3 four-person tables. It is designed for quick, convenient meals, reducing dining time by 40% and offering set menus priced about 30% lower than usual—ideal for the working crowd, which makes up 97% of its customer base.

Since launch, the model has exceeded expectations, especially during lunch and dinner hours. Notably, 85% of customers dine alone or in pairs, and even larger groups opt for individual grills—highlighting the long-term potential of solo dining as a behavioral shift, not just a passing fad.

Bar.B.Q Plaza aims to lead the market by catering to every dining style—solo, couple, or family—reinforcing its commitment to personalized, lifestyle-driven barbecue experiences.

Solo dining is poised to become a rising trend, and foodservice operators must seize the opportunity to cater to this evolving consumer behavior.

Ajinomoto (Thailand) climbs market ranks with THB 32.66 billion revenue and new health-focused offerings

Ajinomoto (Thailand) has announced plans to introduce a new line of ready-to-eat products, including instant porridge designed for on-the-go consumption straight from the packaging—catering to health-conscious individuals with busy lifestyles, reported prachachat.net.

In addition, the company is set to expand its portfolio with amino acid-based supplements, leveraging its exclusive Amino Science technology to meet the needs of various consumer lifestyles. This innovation will encompass items such as gyoza and porridge, complementing flagship products like AminoVital, which are tailored for athletes and those focused on overall wellness.

Ajinomoto has recently launched AminoNite, a supplement formulated to enhance sleep quality. The company is also actively growing its i-LiveWell app platform, which supports employee wellness initiatives within corporate environments. In 2025, Ajinomoto aims to double its corporate client base—from five to ten organizations.

Mr Ichiro Sakakura, Managing Director of Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd., shared that the company experienced remarkable growth in 2024, despite facing economic challenges. Revenue climbed to THB 32.66 billion, propelling Ajinomoto to 6th place among Thailand’s leading food manufacturers—an impressive rise from its 8th-place ranking the year before.

Ajinomoto (Thailand) has secured the following market share in the local market.

  • Ajinomoto MSG: 90%
  • RosDee seasoning powder: 80%
  • Birdy canned coffee: 50%

The most rapidly expanding categories include amino acid supplements, which saw a 30% surge, and frozen foods, which experienced a remarkable 80% growth.

Guided by its “Eat Well, Live Well” philosophy, the company is pursuing growth through strategic market expansion and continuous product innovation.

  • Strengthen seasoning products with friendlier, more accessible branding
  • Use MSG to enhance cooking experiences and enjoyment
  • Modernize Birdy coffee branding to appeal to younger consumers
  • Expand Japanese-style frozen food offerings, such as gyoza, which are easy to eat and health-conscious

Ms. Pimson Lert-Utsahakul, Manager of the Food Vendor Business at Ajinomoto, highlighted that Thailand’s food service industry is valued at THB 1 trillion, encompassing between 700,000 and 1 million restaurants nationwide. Notably, 90% of these establishments are small-scale street food vendors, with noodle shops making up roughly 20%—around 200,000 outlets.

Street food saw a 4.7% growth last year, surpassing the pace of similar markets globally. This segment accounts for 70% of seasoning product usage, with Ajinomoto products featured in 80% of these kitchens.

To help vendors manage costs more efficiently, Ajinomoto introduced the RosDee noodle soup base. This solution streamlines preparation by reducing the number of ingredients and cooking time—replacing traditional recipes that typically require over 10 ingredients and two hours of boiling.

In another development, Ajinomoto has unveiled Birdy Café Black Yuzu, a bold coffee with a fragrant yuzu twist, crafted with Double Extraction technology for a premium quality coffee.

Dali Foods set to start operations at its Indonesia factory

China’s Dali Foods Group Co Ltd is preparing to launch operations at its inaugural overseas manufacturing plant, located in the Suryacipta Industrial Park in Karawang, West Java in Indonesia. Outfitted with advanced intelligent production lines, the facility will focus on producing pastries, biscuits and puffed snacks.

Goods produced at the Indonesian site will also be distributed to nearby markets, including Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations.

Dali Foods Group Co Ltd’s range of pastries, biscuits, and puffed snacks are highly adaptable and well-suited for localisation to meet the preferences of regional markets.

In addition to Dali Foods, Chinese beverage giant Jianlibao is eyeing expansion into Southeast Asia, identifying Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam as key target markets for its growth strategy.

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