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myNEWS expands into RTD coffee market with launch of Maru Coffee Can

Malaysia’s popular convenience store chain, myNEWS, has officially launched its own ready-to-drink (RTD) canned coffee, aiming to tap into the growing demand for convenient, grab-and-go beverages.

Available in several retail outlets, including myNEWS, CU, SUPERVALUE, and Maru Coffee stores, this RTD coffee lineup offers a quick caffeine fix for Malaysians on the move. The brand has introduced enticing flavours including Americano and Mocha.

By venturing into the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee segment, myNEWS is strengthening its presence in the convenience coffee market, capitalizing on its extensive store network to reach a broad customer base.

 

New Maria Clara Sangria Sparkling now at 7-Eleven in the Philippines

Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc has introduced a delightful new addition to its lineup—Maria Clara Sangria Sparkling—a refreshing, effervescent take on the beloved classic. Packed with light bubbles and bold fruit flavors, this vibrant beverage offers a touch of the brand’s signature magic in every sip.

Designed for a variety of occasions, Maria Clara Sangria Sparkling is perfect for lively playlist nights, quick work breaks, or simply unwinding and savoring the moment. Its convenient can format means no corks, no hassle—just pop, sip, and enjoy.

Exclusively available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide, this exciting new release invites consumers to be among the first to experience its sparkle.

Savour artisanal cocktails, live music, and good vibes at Sips of CHIJMES

On the evenings of June 27 – 29, the iconic lifestyle destination lights up with a vibrant al fresco celebration — expect thematic pop-up bars, live DJ beats, delectable bites, and lots of good vibes!

SINGAPORE, 11 JUNE 2025 – Sip, dance, and indulge at CHIJMES this June! On the evenings of 27, 28 and 29 June, the iconic lifestyle destination lights up with Sips of CHIJMES, an all-new event that invites guests for an evening of curated drinks and bites from around the world, live DJ sets, and plenty of good vibes.

Expect event-exclusive cocktails and curated pours, an interactive cocktail machine that serves up handmade cocktails and mocktails on the spot, and live DJ performances by Jason Marco from 7pm to 10pm each day. What’s more, the first 50 participants each day will also receive a complimentary sampling drink!

Want to keep the party going? Snap a picture at the Instagrammable neon-lit photo spot to commemorate a great night out, and enjoy exclusive promotions from participating restaurants during the event.

Whether you’re headed out with friends or looking for a fresh date night idea, Sips of CHIJMES offers the perfect setting for a memorable night out.

Refreshing Drinks, Delectable Bites from Around the World

Discover a world of flavours at four distinctive pop-up bars at Sips of CHIJMES, each offering a unique take on regional culinary and cocktail culture.

Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar’s Pistachio Wasabi Gimlet

Begin your journey in India at Anglo Indian Cafe & Bar (#01-13), where bold flavours and delectable cocktails await. Try their signature Maharaja, a drink that evokes palatial grandeur with a heady mixture of gin, vodka, and white rum, all brought together with bright citrus notes from the addition of lime and pineapple juice, as well as coconut cream.

Plenty of other classic cocktails are on offer too — indulge in refreshing favourites like the East Coast, a bright and uplifting drink that blends gin, fresh lime, lemon, and coconut water for the perfect sundowner. At their booth you’ll also get to try their special interactive cocktail-making machine, which serves up handcrafted cocktails and mocktails on the spot!

Complement your drinks with authentic Indian light bites, like Dahi Puri, a popular Indian street snack made with crispy puris filled with yogurt, chutneys, and spices. Hearty favourites like the Chicken Tikka — a dish topped with fragrant basmati rice or naan bread — are also available.

Chuan Bistro’s Craft Beers

Venture into Sichuan with Chuan Bistro (#01-05) and experience a thoughtful selection of artisanal drinks inspired by Chinese culture and cuisine, all perfectly paired with traditional snacks from the region.

Expect to see craft beers infused with classic tea flavours like osmanthus oolong, mung bean, and jasmine, and savour pétillant naturels — or sparkling natural wines — from China’s ascendant wine-producing region of Ningxia. They’re light, tinged with delicate florals, and the perfect way to begin a night of merriment. For a taste of tradition, be sure to sample the green plum wine, which offers a distinctive sweet-and-sour flavour that comes from the use of young green plums.

Continue your culinary journey into Sichuan with dishes like the Spicy Marinated Duck Gizzards, which boasts a rich, meaty flavour topped with the region’s signature numbing marinade.

Duomo Ristorante

Learn about the Italian cultural tradition of aperitivo at Duomo Ristorante’s pop-up bar. The aperitivo is a pre-meal drink and a social ritual in Italy, and comes to life at Sips of CHIJMES with a selection of classic Italian spritzes.

Begin with a true classic, beloved as an after-work libation by Italians — the Aperol spritz. It is characterised by its vibrant orange flavour and pleasant bittersweetness, a zesty drink that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. Those already familiar with aperitifs will want to try the delectably bitter and herbaceous Campari spritz. In the mood for something special? Go for the Spritzoncello, a refreshing twist on the classic spritz that combines the bright, zesty notes of limoncello with prosecco and soda water.

Lastly, make a toast to your global tasting journey with official liquor partner Cellarbration, which presents an exclusive showcase of Hendrick’s Limited Release — a rare treat for gin lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike — along with a selection of signature cocktails and curated pours available only at Sips of CHIJMES.

Enjoy a specially crafted selection of signature cocktails and unique pours available only at this event. From bold, botanical blends to light and refreshing sips, each drink is thoughtfully created to bring out the best of this one-of-a-kind experience.

Live DJ performances, thematic photo opportunities, and complimentary drinks

Enjoy live music to accompany your drinks with fresh beats from DJ Jason Marco, who will be spinning from 7pm to 10pm on each day of the event.

A specially designed thematic photo spot provides the perfect setting to capture Insta-worthy moments – what’s more, by sharing your favourite drink via a reel or post with the tags @chijmes.sg & #SipsofCHIJMES, you stand a chance to win one of three $50 Capitol Singapore & CHIJMES vouchers.

Plus, be among the first 50 participants each day to enjoy a complimentary sampling drink as part of the Sips of CHIJMES’s special offerings. This treat is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so head down early and get your evening started on a high note!

For more information, please visit: https://chijmes.com.sg/happenings/sips-of-chijmes/

Pascual rolls out convenient 200ml carton Greek Style Yogurt Drink in the Philippines

Pascual Greek Style Yogurt Drink has introduced a new 200ml carton packaging in the Philippines, making it even more convenient for yogurt lovers to enjoy on the go. This affordable option, priced at PHP 28, is available in three delicious flavors: Strawberry, Mango and Plain.

The introduction of the carton complements the existing glass bottle variant, providing more choices for consumers who enjoy Greek-style yogurt.

East side lunch spot alert: An authentic Thai restaurant near Tai Seng MRT with $8 lunch sets

Thai food always hits the spot – spicy, tangy and hearty. If you’ve been craving a satisfying Thai meal that won’t break the bank, Khao Kaeng — a newly opened restaurant at 552 MacPherson Road — might just become your next go-to.

Just a 3-minute walk from MacPherson MRT, the authentic Thai restaurant is offering a limited-time $8 NETT lunch promotion, available daily from 11am to 3pm. You can pick from eight classic Thai dishes: Think basil pork with rice, tomyum soup, green curry, and pad si ew. You’ll even get a free drink!

Run by a single mum from the country’s northeast Isan region, and helmed by a chef from the south, Khao Kaeng is one of the few restaurants in Singapore that brings together the best of two Thai regions – combining the rich, tangy flavours of Northeast Thailand with the fiery, herbaceous kick of Southern Thai cuisine.

If you’re dining with company or feeling extra hungry, you might also want to try their Special South+Esan Seafood Tomyum soup – it is usually priced at $28, but now going for just $8 if you spend a minimum of $50. This rich and ingredient-packed soup is great for sharing, and a comforting add-on to any meal.

Pork Omelette

Working from home? You’ll be glad to know that Khao Kaeng is also available on food delivery apps like GrabFood and foodpanda and can deliver as long as you’re in range. Out of range? They also offer islandwide delivery — just give them a call at 9107 0159 to place your order.

Tomyum Fried Rice

Whether you’re working nearby or looking for a midday meal worth the detour, Khao Kaeng is worth noting down on your to-visit list.

Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 11am-10pm
Address: 552 MacPherson Rd, Singapore 368229

Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy Launch: Your New Companion for Fun and ‘Bon-tiful’ Family Moments

  • Discover bite-sized oval crispy treats combining milky and cocoa filling, milk chocolate-coated wafer biscuits, and cocoa sprinkles – delicious layers and textures to be enjoyed with every bite!
  • The ideal crunchy and creamy treat to enhance family bonding moments, whether at home or on the go.

SINGAPORE, 3 June 2025 – Kinder®, the beloved confectionery brand, is delighted to announce the launch of Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy in Singapore this June. With this launch, the brand hopes to provide families with a delicious treat to encourage fun, light-hearted bonding moments.

Bite-sized and oval-shaped, the snack features a crispy milk chocolate-coated wafer biscuit covered with tasty cocoa sprinkles, cracking open to reveal a delicious milky and cocoa fi lling. This unique combination of textures and fl avours brings parents and children on a fl avourful adventure as they discover the various layers of the snack. Made for families who value life’s simple pleasures and spending quality time with their kids, Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy is more than just a treat; it’s an opportunity for shared smiles and memorable experiences.

“We understand how much parents cherish and prioritise quality time with their little ones, and we’re thrilled to introduce Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy to help them create special moments and enhance weekly family time,” said Mr. Fabian Heymer, Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy Representative. “We hope that through sharing these delicious chocolate bites, we can help parents create even more joyful experiences with their kids.”

Kinder Schoko-Bons Crispy is now available at major supermarkets including NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, and Giant. The T12 pack retails for S$3.50.

Suntory PepsiCo Thailand Partners with HOT STAR to Celebrate its First Store Opening in Thailand Serving Giant Fried Chicken Paired with Fizzy Drinks

Bangkok, June 10, 2025 – Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, has partnered with HOT STAR XXL Fried Chicken from Taiwan, operated by HOT STAR Chicken (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to celebrate the return of HOT STAR in Thailand with special promotion titled “Just Drop By and Enjoy the Fizz.” For walk-in customers, simply check-in and leave a 5-star review on Google Maps, then click like the Facebook and Instagram pages “HOT STAR Giant Fried Chicken Thailand” to choose and receive a 16 oz drink: Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, 7Up No Sugar, Lipton Ice Tea, Mirinda Orange Flavor, or Mirinda Strawberry Flavor for free! From June 1-30, 2025, at HOT STAR Siam Square Soi 10 branch.

Dr. Sirorat Intarapanya, Chief Executive Officer, HOT STAR Chicken (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “With HOT STAR’s return, we’re excited to reintroduce our beloved signature menu —the ‘Giant Fried Chicken’—a favorite among many, especially Gen Z content lovers. At an impressive 30 centimeters, it offers a crispy exterior and a tender interior, with bold and distinctive flavor from our brand’s special Chinese herb marinade. Starting from just 39-79 baht, we’re launching our first branch in the heart of Siam Square to target student and university customers. To complete the perfect fried chicken experience, we believe nothing pairs better than an iced, refreshing, fizzy drink. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Suntory PepsiCo Thailand, which shares the same target customer, to move forward together as business partners.”

Mr. Boonchai Asavalitiporm, Sales Director, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “Suntory PepsiCo Thailand would like to thank ‘HOT STAR’ for trusting in our beverage products. Throughout the years, we are committed to expanding our collaboration with trusted brands in the food and beverage industry, not only to strengthen our market presence and brand awareness but also to broaden our reach to new customer segments. Partnering with ‘HOT STAR’ marks another significant milestone in expanding our reach, particularly among Gen Z, one of our key target customers. Starting with the special promotion ‘Just Drop By and Enjoy the Fizz,’ allowing customers to engage with the brand and enjoy the crispy delight of giant fried chicken paired with the delicious, fizzy, and refreshing beverage from Suntory PepsiCo Thailand.”

Suntory PepsiCo Thailand is committed to achieving mutual success with its business partners through the “Win with Customers” strategy, focusing on collaborative marketing efforts with leading brands to deliver our beverages to consumers wherever and whenever they need them.

“Make It Authentically, Make It Italian” Celebrates Italy’s Culinary Heritage at B.I.G. Publika

Make It Authentically, Make It Italian” Celebrates Italy’s Culinary Heritage at B.I.G. Publika

KUALA LUMPUR, MalaysiaJune 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The vibrant sights, enticing aromas, and genuine flavours of Italy were brought to life at the launch of “Make It Authentically, Make It Italian,” a collaborative event by The Food Purveyor (TFP), the Embassy of Italy in Kuala Lumpur and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). Held at Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.), Publika on June 10, 2025, the event invited food lovers to immerse themselves in the essence of Italy through captivating live cooking demonstrations, delightful product sampling, and a carefully curated showcase of premium ‘Made in Italy’ goods.

The event was officiated by Dr. Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency, together with Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of TFP Retail Sdn Bhd.

Guests were treated to an immersive Italian culinary experience, highlighted by a captivating live cooking demonstration from renowned Italian chef Stefano Criber, who expertly prepared pasta in a traditional cheese wheel. Attendees also enjoyed a sample of iconic Italian dishes, including fresh homemade pasta, crisp salad, and classic Tiramisù. Complimentary illy coffee and Fabbri gelato were served to round up this gastronomic journey through delicious, high-quality and authentic “Made in Italy” ingredients.

“Our culinary heritage and the exceptional quality of Italian products are a great source of pride for all Italians,” said Dr. Angela Donvito, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency in Kuala Lumpur.

She went on to highlight the event’s purpose: “This gathering reflects our commitment to raising awareness of authentic Italian food products and celebrating their unmatched quality. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to experience the richness of Italy’s culinary tradition firsthand.”

Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of  The Food Purveyor Retail Sdn Bhd said, “Partnering with the Italian Trade Agency enables us to offer our shoppers more than just products. We’re sharing a story, a culture, and a memorable experience. At The Food Purveyor, our philosophy is that food is a powerful link to heritage, tradition, and community. Through this collaboration, we are delighted to bring the authentic richness of Italy’s food culture to our customers, presenting them with premium products that celebrate both quality and enduring flavours.”

This special collaboration between The Food Purveyor and the Italian Trade Agency aims to further promote the rich heritage and exceptional culinary craftsmanship of Italian products in Malaysia.

Together, they seek to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the authentic flavours, time-honoured traditions, and unique stories that define ‘Made in Italy’.

This exclusive selection of authentic Italian products is now available at Village GrocerBen’s Independent GrocerThe Food Merchant, and BSC Fine Foods—bringing the true taste of Italy straight to your home.

For more information on Make It Authentically, Make It Italian, please visit https://villagegrocer.com.my/ , https://big.com.my/ and www.bscfinefoods.com

MIFB Partners with MalaysiaPCA to Launch Gastronomic Sensory Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, MalaysiaJune 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia’s most influential F&B trade fair, the Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB), has announced a landmark collaboration with the Malaysian Professional Culinaire Association (MalaysiaPCA) for 2025. Setting a new benchmark for experiential trade engagement in Malaysia’s F&B industry, this year’s edition marks the launch of the Gastronomic Sensory Hub, an experiential zone where culinary innovation and strategic business matchmaking converge.

Built in consultation with exhibitors and curated by chefs, the Hub reimagines the traditional trade floor by transforming it into a living kitchen theatre; where product sourcing meets gastronomy, and every dish tells a story of Malaysian excellence and global readiness.

“Our collaboration with MIFB reflects a shared mission to elevate Malaysia’s culinary excellence on the world stage,” said Chef Soon Pau Voon, Secretary General of MalaysiaPCA. “Through the Gastronomic Sensory Hub, we aim to inspire, train, and showcase the next generation of culinary innovators and reinforce Malaysia’s place as a rising force in global gastronomy.”

Organised by Constellar and set to take place from 30 July to 1 August 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, MIFB 2025 will host over 500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, and is expected to attract over 12,000 industry professionals. Set against the theme “Future-Ready F&B: Serving the Evolution of Trends,” the fair comes at a time when Malaysian consumers are demanding healthier, tastier food with clearer sourcing and production details. MIFB is answering that call with immersive, trend-led experiences instead of static exhibition booths.

Created with input from exhibitors and chefs, the Gastronomic Sensory Hub gives buyers something they rarely get on the trade floor: the chance to see, taste, and test ingredients under real conditions. It features:

  • Live cooking demos using exhibitor products;
  • Ingredient application tests for chefs and food service professionals;
  • Pop-up fine dining experiences to showcase product storytelling; and
  • Knowledge-sharing sessions with award-winning culinary teams

“Beyond giving exhibitors a voice, it’s also about giving buyers an experience they will remember,” said Bruno Thong, Portfolio Director of MIFB. “We want to show buyers, from restaurateurs to grocers, how an ingredient performs on the plate, not just on paper. That’s what makes the Gastronomic Sensory Hub a game changer.”

Malaysian Culinary Stars in the Spotlight

The Hub will spotlight Malaysia’s top culinary talents including:

Chef Ikhwan

A star of Malaysia’s fine dining movement, Chef Ikhwan merges European technique with Malaysian soul. He led the team to a Silver medal at the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024 and a Gold at the FHA Culinary Challenge 2022. Now leading Daun & Co and serving as Sous Chef at Hotel Renaissance KL, he will be headlining live demonstrations throughout MIFB.

MalaysiaPCA National Culinary Team

Fresh off a Silver medal win at the FHA National Team Challenge 2025, the team features chefs from Taylor’s University, Hilton KL, Le Meridien, APCA, MIB College, and more, all bringing cutting-edge creativity and world-class technical finesse to the stage.

Whether you are a chef, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, MIFB 2025 is where the next chapter of Malaysian F&B will be written, driven by a shared vision with MalaysiaPCA, innovative showcases from local brands, and a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations.

MIFB 2025, organised by Constellar, is now open for exhibitor and buyer registration at www.mifb.com.my.

Caltex sets to drive non-fuel businesses through continued partnership with the FLA to expand retail outlets at Caltex fuel service stations

Ms. Sompratana Chermsirivatana, Vice President, Retail Business Development, Star Fuels Marketing Limited (SFL)

Tuesday 10 June 2025 – Ms. Sompratana Chermsirivatana, Vice President, Retail Business Development, Star Fuels Marketing Limited (SFL), a subsidiary of Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) and the exclusive licensee of Caltex fuels in Thailand, said “Caltex has been committed to developing high-quality products and services. The partnership of over 2 years with the FLA has successfully gained positive reception from over 20 branded retail partners in various businesses currently operating at Caltex service stations including food and beverage groups, convenience stores, and other services. This year, Caltex, in collaboration with the FLA, has organized “Caltex Partnership Networking 2025″ at Thailand Franchise and Business Opportunities 2025 (TFBO) with the goal to provide a venue for investors, Caltex retailers and FLA members to network, exchange ideas, explore mutual business opportunities and expand a new customer base to effectively strengthen their brands and market competitiveness.”

“Caltex has given priority to continuing our partnership with branded retailers under the “Smart Partnership” concept which plays an important role in helping us achieve our non-oil business growth target. This year, we have targeted to increase our retail outlets to cover 85% of our Caltex fuel service station network from the existing 80%. There are currently over 530 Caltex fuel service stations with more than 1,300 retail outlets under the Caltex network across the country. In addition, we continue to actively grow our business and expand our fuel service station network year on year to achieve our sales growth target.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Suthichai Panitnarakul, President of the Franchise and License Association Thailand (FLA), revealed “In 2024, the trade value of franchise businesses in Thailand totaled over 300 billion THB and saw investments exceeding 100 million THB. In 2025, the franchise business market is forecasted to grow around 15-20% amidst ongoing impact from the sluggish economy and franchisors’ business system issues. However, franchise businesses still have the potential to grow in all sectors. If investors can determine the strengths and identify ways to meet the needs of each franchise market segment, the franchise business market will continue to be an attractive investment option especially in sectors focusing on innovation, health and specialized services which continue to thrive as mainstream businesses in the market now and in the future. The partnership with Caltex of over the past 2 years has been regarded as one of the FLA’s key missions to help franchise operators access areas with strategic potential and simultaneously nurture and develop Thailand’s franchising industry. The “Caltex Partnership Networking 2025″ event demonstrates the strong partnership between Caltex and over 20 franchise brands which have the potential to expand alongside Caltex fuel service station network. Caltex is well prepared to welcome non-oil retailers to become a part of its fuel service station network to offer joyful experiences to all customers.”

“Caltex has a capable area management team to help our partners select suitable spaces in service stations across the country. The team is also ready to provide support and consultations on investments, management processes as well as other marketing plans. At the same time, the FLA is also available to offer guidance to franchise members to steadily drive and sustain franchise business growth in Thailand that can compete in the international stage, adding value to the overall franchising industry in the kingdom in the future.”

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