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Frenché Roast brings Spanish Latte on‑the‑go

Image credit: Frenche Roast

Frenché Roast has introduced its Spanish Latte in ready‑to‑drink format to the Malaysian market. Traditionally recognized as a popular foodservice coffee beverage and also available in instant form, Spanish Latte has until now been absent from the RTD category locally. This gap is now addressed by Frenché Roast, a brand owned by Power Root Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., with the launch of its new RTD Spanish Latte offering.

Lipton pops with berry burst

Image credit: Etika

Lipton Soda Berry Burst has officially entered the Malaysian market, bringing a vibrant new twist to the ready‑to‑drink tea segment. Blending Lipton’s signature refreshment with bold berry notes, this sugar-free drink offers consumers a distinctly fruity flavour experience. Its carbonated texture further enhances the refreshing appeal.

Betagro in Partnership with SIVITT Unveils ‘INSPIRED care’ Healthy Food for NCDs

Bangkok, 18 May 2026 – Betagro Public Company Limited (BTG), a leading integrated food company in Thailand, has partnered with Siriraj Vittayavijai (SIVITT) to launch ‘INSPIRED care,’ a specialized health food brand. The new brand targets health-conscious consumers and those managing Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

‘INSPIRED care’ builds upon the success of INSPIRED, which was Thailand’s first and only health food brand featuring recipes developed by a team of SIVITT doctors and nutritionists. This initiative aligns with Betagro Group’s vision to advance ‘medical-standard healthy food’ that offers both strong nutrition and great taste.

INSPIRED care introduces 12 new menus, including Salmon Fried Rice, Teriyaki Salmon Brown Rice, and Grilled Chicken Breast with Thai Dipping Sauce (Nam Jim Jaew), starting from THB 89 per dish. Each meal is nutritionally controlled, containing no more than 20 grams of fat, 10 grams of sugar, and 700 milligrams of sodium per serving, allowing health-conscious consumers and those managing NCD conditions to enjoy meals.

From Health-Conscious Living to Specialized Nutrition for Better Communities

A recent study on consumer behavior, in collaboration with SIVITT, highlights that consumers, especially working and middle-aged groups, are increasingly choosing medically and nutritionally sound food options due to heightened health awareness.

This year, Betagro bolstered its community commitment by donating ‘INSPIRED care’ healthy meal boxes. These specialized meals supported the Ronald McDonald House, Siriraj Hospital, home for child patients’ families, directly enhancing the quality of life for patients and their caregivers through nutritious food.

Mr. Somsak Boonlarp, President – Thailand Food Business, Betagro Public Company Limited said, “As consumers prioritize healthier, great-tasting, and nutritionally balanced food, our INSPIRED care product directly addresses this need. It reinforces Betagro’s commitment to elevate the quality of life for Thai consumers with accessible, high-standard nutritious food, fully aligned with our sustainability strategy and SDG commitments.”

INSPIRED care is available at Siriraj Hospital. For more information and current promotions on these healthy food products, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

#Inspiredbrand #InspiredCare #Betagro

The crème de la crème of dairy, elevating life’s simple pleasures – Introducing FARMHOUSE’s limited-edition French Vanilla Milk

Photos Credit: F&N Foods

Singapore, 18 May 2026 – The comforting aroma of vanilla is cherished in many different chapters of life, creating a sense of calm and ease. Its gentle fragrance fills the air inviting moments of pause, relaxation and quiet indulgence. While classic vanilla is known for its light and aromatic profile, French vanilla provides a warm, aromatic sweetness that’s comforting and indulgent. As a perennial classic, vanilla evokes warm, nostalgic memories of simple pleasures like ice cream and milk-based treats, making it a timeless flavour that continues to delight in life’s finer moments. 

Known for its deeper, more rounded flavour, French Vanilla delivers a creamier and more refined taste profile, making it a beloved choice in both desserts and beverages. As the mid-year season approaches, it is a timely reminder to pause, and savour life’s simple pleasures. One way to indulge is with FARMHOUSE’s limited-edition French Vanilla Milk, a smooth velvety blend that elevates everyday milk into a truly luxurious treat. Enjoy a quiet moment with each sip that captures the ease and charm of a leisurely escape in France. 

Photos Credit: F&N Foods

Made from the natural goodness of Australian milk, the limited-edition FARMHOUSE French Vanilla Milk invites moments of café-style indulgence where time slows and simple pleasures are savoured. Each sip offers a delicate balance of creamy richness and subtle vanilla warmth, creating a comforting escape in the midst of everyday life. Designed for discerning consumers, it reflects an elegant lifestyle choice rooted in purity and authenticity. Made with dairy sourced from 100% Australian milk, FARMHOUSE French Vanilla Milk delivers a luxuriously creamy and flavourful experience in every sip. 

Turn on favourite classic tunes, take a sip and ease into a moment of quiet indulgence with the limited-edition FARMHOUSE French Vanilla Milk, a simple yet satisfying escape. Halal-certified, it is available at major supermarkets and hypermarkets islandwide, at a Recommended Selling Price of S$3.73 per 946ml pack.  

For more information, please visit www.farmhouse.com.sg or https://sg.fnlife.com/farmhouse. Follow Farmhouse Singapore on Facebook or @farmhousesingapore on Instagram for more updates.

Program MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani 4.0 strengthens women empowerment efforts with KEMAS

Chef Sharifah Hamidah, MAGGI® Resident Chef with women from the KEMAS community during the engagement session held at Pusat Kegiatan Masyarakat (PKM) Bandar Baru Klang.

Empowering Malaysian women nationwide to take action through practice, with RM5,000 in funding and mentorship opportunities open for submissions until 31 May

Kuala Lumpur, May 18, 2026 – MAGGI® has reinforced its long-standing commitment to empowering Malaysian women through a recent collaboration with the Community Development Department (KEMAS), a government agency focused on strengthening community development and rural education in Malaysia. This partnership advances a shared mission to uplift communities by bringing Program MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani (Program MAGGI® WCB) directly to communities at the grassroots, enabling women to build confidence, pursue economic opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward financial independence through food.

Chef Sharifah and Nestlé Nutritionist Leong Ven Luan lead a MAGGI® cooking demonstration, transforming simple everyday ingredients into flavorful creations while inspiring ideas for home-based business opportunities.

As part of Program MAGGI® WCB 4.0, women nationwide are now invited to submit their business ideas by 31 May for the opportunity to receive RM5,000 in seed funding and eight weeks of intensive mentorship, a practical pathway to turn ambition into action.

The initiative kicked off at the Pusat Kegiatan Masyarakat (PKM) in Bandar Baru Klang, serving as a platform for meaningful transformation. By integrating Program MAGGI® WCB into KEMAS’ established community network, the programme specifically targets women from B40 communities, bridging the gap between traditional skills and modern entrepreneurship. 

Wan Alleena Abdullah, Mentor for Program MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani (WCB) delivers a “Confidence” session to equip participants with essential skills in self-presentation, communication and confidence-building.

A Partnership Built on Grassroots Growth

Since its inception, Program MAGGI® WCB has grown from a culinary programme into a nationwide movement with a bold target to reach 10,000 women by the end of 2026, MAGGI® continues to leverage cooking as an accessible entry point to teach business fundamentals, including digital marketing and financial management.

Aspiring women entrepreneurs from the KEMAS community network come together to explore Program MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani 4.0 and seize the opportunity to transform their business ideas into reality before the 31 May 2026 deadline.

KEMAS, which is currently undergoing a digital transformation to better serve rural and underserved communities, provides an ideal infrastructure for this growth. This collaboration creates a seamless pathway for women to move from learning to doing because practice turns empowerment into action, supported by a structured ecosystem of guidance and mentorship. 

The Power of the First Step

[from left to right, front row seated] Ms. Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore, Datuk Mohd Hanafiah bin Man, Director-General of Community Development Department (KEMAS), YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah binti Haji Wang, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Farah Shamsudin, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Content & Audience Strategy, Media Prima Content & TV Networks, Mas Ayu Ali, General Manager, In-House Production, Media Prima Content & TV Networks.
“Program MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani is about having the courage to take the first step toward a better life,” said Ms. Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore. “Today, that first step matters more than ever. As the digital economy continues to grow, women who begin now have the opportunity to build sustainable income streams, gain confidence, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Women have always been the backbone of families and communities, and increasingly, they are becoming a key pillar of the nation’s economy. When we uplift women, we uplift entire households and future generations. Through KEMAS, alongside collaborations with Google and TikTok, we are providing not just inspiration, but practical tools, mentorship, and real opportunities for women to grow and succeed. With the business idea submission challenge closing on 31 May, we encourage women across Malaysia to take that first step now — because empowerment begins when women dare to start putting ideas into practice.” 

Bridging the Gap Between Intention and Action

Participants in Program MAGGI® WCB are encouraged to submit their business ideas as a first step toward entrepreneurship. Five selected participants will receive RM5,000 each in seed funding, along with eight weeks of structured mentorship designed to help them validate, refine, and launch their ideas.

Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man, Director-General of KEMAS added: “At KEMAS, we are committed to creating sustainable pathways for women to thrive. Submitting a business idea through Program MAGGI® WCB is more than an application; it is a powerful act of ownership. With Program MAGGI® WCB’s blend of online learning, mentorship, and community support, women can now take that step with confidence. The 31 May deadline presents a timely opportunity for Malaysian women, especially those in B40 communities, to turn their ideas into real income-generating ventures. Together with MAGGI®, we are making entrepreneurship more accessible, practical, and achievable for all.” 

Turning Practice into Progress for Malaysian Women

The event at PKM Bandar Baru Klang served as a vibrant community touchpoint, featuring a multi-faceted programme designed to foster both personal and professional growth:

  • Entrepreneurial excellence:A dedicated business seminar by Program MAGGI® WCB mentor Anne Idris and KEMAS provided participants with essential knowledge on starting and scaling sustainable businesses.
  • Culinary mastery:A signature MAGGI® cooking demonstration highlighted how nutrition and flavour can form the foundation of a home-based food business.
  • The confidence catalyst:Program MAGGI® WCB mentor Wan Alleena Abdullah led a “Confidence & Grooming Talk,” focusing on self-presentation, communication, and personal branding.
  • Inspiration & mentorship:Successful entrepreneurs shared real stories of resilience, offering participants a roadmap to begin their own income-generating journeys. 

Looking Ahead

The journey toward confidence is now more accessible than ever. Malaysian women are encouraged to submit their business ideas before 31 May, complete the four online modules, and join the movement at https://www.maggi.my/ms/maggi-happenings/WanitaCukupBerani_Musim4/.

Italian Trade Agency Bangkok Office Delighted to Extend Warmest Invitation to Visit the “ITALIAN PAVILION”

May 26 – 30, 2026 mark your calendar to visit the “ITALIAN PAVILION” at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, the most influential food and beverage trade show in Asia Pacific will take place in Bangkok at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre Hall 8, Booth W01 – W43 and V02 – V44.

Organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the pavilion aims to enhance opportunities for trade, collaboration, and commercial partnerships for Italian food and beverage businesses within the Asian market. The “ITALIAN PAVILION” will feature the participation of 40 renowned companies from Italy, each representing the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship synonymous with Italian gastronomy, alongside a curated series of activities designed to offer an authentic experience of the essence of Italian cuisine.

Paola Guida, Italian Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency – Bangkok Office said “Italy is renowned worldwide for its rich culinary heritage, premium products, and innovation in food technology. A special focus this year is the promotion of Italian culture and authentic ‘Made in Italy’ products, featuring by 40 distinguished Italian exhibitors.

“I warmly invite you to explore the Italian Pavilion to meet our exhibitors, experience live cooking demonstrations, and participate in exclusive activities at the ITA Lounge.”

Highlights Include:

  • Meet 40 top Italian companies, expanded international presence through direct discussion with Italian producers
  • Taste authentic Italian food and wine brought directly from its regions
  • Cooking demonstration to experience the taste of Italy lead by professional Italian chefs at Hall 8 Booth W31 / V32 at 12.00-13.00 and 15.00 – 16.00 during 26 – 29 May
  • Discover essence of Italy on “An Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Masterclass” at Future Food Experience+ Stage Hall 4 on May 28 at 15.30 – 17.00

Don’t miss the taste of Italy at the “ITALIAN PAVILION,” where business meetings perfectly combine with products experience and tasting. At the ITA Lounge, Enjoy true Italian coffee with Espresso Bolognese and discover the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine prepared using “Made in Italy” products from participating Italian exhibitors through live cooking demonstrations. Experience Italian gastronomy crafted by Chef Michele – Prego Restaurant Amari Bangkok, Chef Anna Borrasi from iO Italian Osteria and Chef Nicholas Bonoldi -Alberto’s Pizzeria & Trattoria.

The 40 esteemed exhibitors are pleased to establish new partnerships and fostering collaboration to promote high-quality Italian food and beverage products in Thailand and across the region. The exhibition will be open to trade professionals from 26 to 29 May, while the final day 30 May will be open to the general public.

Join an in-depth experience at “An Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Masterclass,” led by Italian EVOO Expert – Sara Tosti from Italian Sommelier Foundation, Italy at the Future Food Experience+ Stage, Hall 4, on May 28 from 15:30 – 17:00. Discover the world of Italian extra virgin olive oil a cornerstone of Italian gastronomy from its origins to innovations. Learn tasting techniques, sensory evaluation methods, and enjoy a tasting of five different olive oil varieties.

Looking forward to welcoming you and sharing the true essence of Italian excellence at the “ITALIAN PAVILION” at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026.

DOWNLOAD E-Catalog https://bit.ly/4da3Jaa

VISIT ITALIAN PAVILION REGISTRATION https://registration.thaifex-anuga.com/event/THAA26

MORE INFORMATION on ITA Facebook Page: ITA Bangkok

ITA – Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses. Using the most modern multi-channel promotion and communication tools, it acts to assert the excellence of Made in Italy in the world.

40 Exhibitors from Italy

Booth W01 COPPOLA FOODS – Tomatoes, sauces, beans, vegetables, olive oil, vinegar, rice, pasta, cocoa spreads

Booth W03 ACETAIA TERRA DEL TUONO SOCIETA AGRICOLA S.R.L. – Balsamic vinegars, solid balsamic, balsamic pearls, premium glazes and condiment

Booth W05 BISCOTTIFICIO VERONA S.R.L. – Ladyfingers, amaretti, puff pastries, cantuccini, tiramisu kits, assorted biscuits

Booth W07 OLIO GUGLIELMI – Extra virgin olive oil

Booth W09 TEDESCO S.R.L. – Biscuits, panettone, croissants, and savory snacks

Booth W11 IL BUON GUSTO ITALIANO S.R.L. – RETE DI IMPRESE – Italian agri-food products

Booth W13 CAMPO D’ORO S.R.L. – Preserves, ready sauces, pesto, jams, sweet spreads

Booth W15 BEST ITALIAN SELECTION S.R.L. – Authentic Made in Italy food products

Booth W17 EUROCHEF ITALIA S.P.A.- Frozen ready meals and desserts

Booth W19 FIRMA ITALIA S.P.A. – Dehydrated ready meals

Booth W21 FILOTEA INTERNATIONAL S.R.L. – Dry pasta

Booth W23 FOODEAST TRADE S.R.L.- Wide range of Italian food products

Booth W25 A.R. TARTUFI S.R.L. – Truffle sauces, oils, and specialty truffle-based items

Booth W27 ANTICHI COLLI S.R.L. – Balsamic vinegar, glazes, wine vinegars, raspberry vinegar, various condiments

Booth W29 PASTIFICIO FRATELLI DE LUCA S.R.L. – Dry pasta

Booth W31-33 ITA Lounge – Information, Cooking Demonstration and Food Tasting

Booth W35 NOVI S.R.L. – Canned tomatoes, legumes, fruits, vegetables, oils, rice, sauces

Booth W37 MONARI FEDERZONI S.P.A. – Balsamic Vinegar

Booth W39 PASTIFICIO LIGUORI S.P.A. – Pasta Durum wheat semolina pasta

Booth W41 BASSO FEDELE & FIGLI S.R.L. – Olive oil, pomace oil, avocado oil, pistachio oil, sunflower oil, and blended oils

Booth W43 ALLEMANDI S.R.L.- Dry pasta

Booth V02 FRACCARO SPUMADORO S.P.A.- Focacce, panettoni and plum cakes.

Booth V04 F.LLI RUATA S.P.A. – GOCCIA D’ORO – Extra virgin olive oil

Booth V06 PASTIFICIO ANTONIO PALLANTE S.R.L.- Durum Pasta

Booth V08 BONOMI S.P.A.- Sweet pastry

Booth V10 CASEIFICIO PUGLIESE F.LLI RADICCI S.P.A.- Frozen and chilled premium Burrata, Mozzarella and Stracciatella.

Booth V12 RIZZOLI EMANUELLI S.P.A. – Semi-preserved seafood products

Booth V14 GRUPPO FINI S.P.A.- Fresh filled pasta, durum pasta and preserve foodsBooth V16 ACETIFICIO ANDREA MILANO S.R.L. – Vinegar and condiments – retail, HoReCa, and industrial formats under Andrea Milano and private labels

Booth V18A ACQUA MINERALE SAN BENEDETTO S.P.A.- Non-alcoholic beverage

Booth V18B CIRIO (CONSERVE ITALIA) – Tomato preserves, vegetables, sauces, and fruit juices

Booth V18C PONTI S.P.A. – Balsamic vinegar, wine vinegars, glazes, pestos, vegetables, sauces, and pickled items

Booth V24 CALUGI S.R.L- Truffles, mushrooms, and gourmet delicacies

Booth V26 AGRICOLA OTTOVENTI S.R.L.- Wine

Booth V28 FIAMMA VESUVIANA S.R.L. – Canned vegetables, durum wheat semolina pasta, and olive oil

Booth V30 GRUPPO MILO S.P.A. – Bronze-drawn pasta and savory snacks

Booth V32-34 ITA Lounge – Information, Cooking Demonstration and Food Tasting

Booth V36 COMEX COMPANY S.R.L. – Canned food products

Booth V38 AZIENDA AGRICOLA IOTTI ANDREA – ACETAIA CASTELLI – Balsamic vinegars and condiments

Booth V40 SULPIZIO TARTUFI S.R.L. – Truffles, sauces, truffle cheese, oils, risotto, truffle salt, and truffle sausage

Booth V42 PASTIFICIO ATTILIO MASTROMAURO – GRANORO S.R.L.- Pasta, flours, potato gnocchi, lasagna, cannelloni, organic products, sauces, and condiments

Booth V44 DAVIA S.P.A. – Tomato preserves

 

MR D.I.Y. celebrates stories of Malaysians with ‘Satu Beg, Seribu Cerita’

Iconic bag evolves from a sustainability initiative into a symbol of everyday Malaysian life

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 May 2026 – What began as a simple effort to encourage Malaysians to reduce single-use plastic has grown into one of the country’s most recognisable everyday items. 

First introduced in 2023 as part of MR D.I.Y’s commitment to promoting responsible shopping habits, the retailer’s iconic yellow recyclable bag has since sold more than 10 million units nationwide.  Today, it can be found in homes, laundrettes, university dorms, markets and offices around the country – carrying everything from groceries and laundry to balik kampung essentials and daily necessities.

Now, MR D.I.Y is celebrating the unexpected journey of the bag through its new campaign, ‘Satu Beg, Seribu Cerita’. 

The campaign shines a spotlight on how Malaysians have embraced and repurposed the yellow bag in their own unique ways over the years, transforming it from a practical reusable bag into a familiar part of everyday life.

Alex Goh, Vice President of Marketing at MR D.I.Y. Group, said the campaign reflects the brand’s belief that sustainability should be simple, accessible and woven into daily routines.

“When we first introduced the yellow bag, the goal was simple – to encourage Malaysians to reduce single-use plastic and adopt more sustainable habits. Over time, we saw the bag become part of everyday Malaysian life, carrying stories, routines and memories along the way.

“Through ‘Satu Beg, Seribu Cerita’, we wanted to celebrate that shared connection.  By keeping the bags affordable, we also want to demonstrate that sustainable choices are not a luxury – everyone can make them.”

Priced at just RM1.20 for the small size and RM2.20 for the large size, the recyclable bags remain intentionally affordable as part of MR D.I.Y’s commitment to making environmentally responsible choices accessible to all Malaysians. 

Spot the Giant Yellow Bag

Spot MR D.I.Y.’s iconic yellow bag at selected storefronts nationwide.

As part of the campaign, MR D.I.Y will bring the iconic bag to life through giant inflatable and billboard installations at selected storefronts and locations nationwide

The larger-than-life yellow bag installations are designed as community touchpoints where Malaysians can take photos and share their own stories connected to the bag.

Join the ‘Satu Beg, Seribu Cerita’ Social Media Contest

in up to RM18,000 in prizes when you share your story through the ‘Satu Beg, Seribu Cerita’ contest.

MR D.I.Y. is also inviting Malaysians to share their personal stories through the ‘Satu Beg, Seribu Cerita’ social media contest.

Whether it is used by students, small business owners, parents, commuters or families going about their daily lives, Malaysians are encouraged to share how the yellow bag has become part of their routines. 

Participants can submit their stories via mrdiy.co/SatuBegSeribuCerita or through MR D.I.Y.’s social media channels, with prizes worth up to RM18,000 to be won. 

For more information, visit MR D.I.Y. Malaysia’s website or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, XiaoHongShu, X and YouTube.

Malaysia’s Biggest Café and Beverage Show Returned Bigger, Bolder, and With More to Offer Than Before

The International Cafe and Beverage Show marks its milestone fifth edition with a first-ever tea segment, as Malaysia’s beverage scene grows more diverse, more competitive,
and more globally relevant.  

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY 2026 — Malaysia’s café scene entered a new phase – a shift that was on full display at the recent International Cafe and Beverage Show (ICBS) 2026, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. In its fifth year, ICBS has outgrown the label of trade shows. It is now the clearest annual read on where the industry is, where operators are placing their bets, and what kind of café culture Malaysia is building for the decade ahead.

The numbers reflect a market with momentum. Over three days, ICBS 2026 welcomed 650 brands, 1,000 baristas, and 2,000 café owners, drawing approximately 13,000 attendees from 55 countries. International participation was up, exhibiting brands were up, and the conversations on the floor – between producers, operators, and buyers from across Southeast Asia – were notably sharper and more cross-border in character than editions past.

“Coffee built this industry in Malaysia, but it doesn’t get to decide alone where it goes next,” said Mr Alun Jones, Project Director of Montgomery Asia, which organised ICBS 2026 in partnership with Barista Guild Asia and Eciatto.

“The cafes winning right now are the ones who read the room early – they put something new on the menu before the customer had to ask for it. That instinct is what ICBS exists to sharpen.”

That energy is not happening in a vacuum. Malaysia’s coffee market is projected to grow from USD 753.8 million in 2024 to USD 1.07 billion by 2030, while the broader cafe and bar sector is forecast to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2028. What ICBS is capturing in real time is an industry mid-expansion – one where the question is no longer whether the market will grow, but who will define what it grows into.

This year’s edition introduced a first for the show’s five-year run: a tea segment featuring local and international tea producers. The move reflects a genuine shift already visible across café menus — not a displacement of coffee, but a broadening of what the modern Malaysian café offers. Alongside artisanal teas, the exhibition floor showcased advanced brewing equipment, ready-to-drink and functional beverages, and hybrid concepts blending coffee, tea, and mixology into formats the market is still learning to categorise.

That appetite for reinvention ran through this year’s competitions. The Malaysia Open Coffee Championship (MOCC) drew 38 competitors across three categories – the Malaysia Open Barista Championship, Malaysia Open Brewers Cup, and Malaysia Open Latte Art Championship – with judges noting that more participants are incorporating local ingredients and unconventional techniques into their routines, pointing to a barista community evolving beyond technical execution toward genuine creative expression. The Unite Malaysian Taste Challenge 2026 pushed this further, with mixologists crafting story-driven mocktails drawn from Malaysia’s culinary heritage, turning familiar local flavours into cafe-ready beverages that resonated as much with trade visitors as with the public crowd.

The broader picture is of an industry in active self-definition. Independent cafés still command a substantial majority of Malaysia’s cafe market, even as homegrown chains scale aggressively – a dynamic pushing the entire ecosystem toward faster menu innovation, stronger concept differentiation, and a sharper eye on what consumers in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru are actually ordering. The operators gaining ground are not waiting for trends to arrive. They are moving ahead of them.

“As we mark five editions, ICBS is not just reflecting the industry – it is actively shaping it,” Mr Alun Jones said.

“What starts on this floor, whether it is a new beverage category, a local flavour given a modern format, or an idea that travels back with a buyer from Seoul or Jakarta – that is the measure of what the show has become.”

For more information on International Cafe and Beverage Show, future exhibition opportunities and partnership enquiries, visit https://intl-cbs.com/.

Carlsberg Malaysia Debuts ChongQing Beer, Iconising Decades of Chinese Brewing Heritage Locally

Roger Li ZiKun, Supply Chain Director of Carlsberg Malaysia

Born in ChongQing and brewed since 1958, ChongQing beer is now locally brewed in
Malaysia and available nationwide.

SHAH ALAM, 18 May 2026 – Rooted in nearly seven decades of Chinese brewing heritage, ChongQing beer has made its debut in Malaysia, introducing a unique Chinese lager inspired by one of China’s most iconic food cultures. Born in ChongQing and brewed since 1958, the easy‑drinking lager is crafted to complement shared dining moments, offering Malaysian consumers a refreshing beer choice designed for togetherness around the table.

Crafted as a refreshing and easy‑drinking lager, ChongQing beer features a balanced taste
profile with 3.8% ABV, making it well suited for long meals and relaxed social occasions.
Available in 490ml cans, the beer offers an approachable and affordable option for everyday moments, fitting naturally into conversations and shared dining experiences.

The brand’s visual identity reflects its roots, featuring a hotpot inspired logo and a red and
gold colour palette that symbolises warmth, passion, and togetherness – values closely
associated with Chongqing’s culture and the beer’s role in bringing people together.

“As Malaysian beer consumers show growing interest in authentic Chinese brands, this shift reflects more than a passing trend. The increasing appreciation for Chinese food, culture, and lifestyle points to a broader evolution in consumer behaviour,” said Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. “We are confident in making the brand affordable and accessible to meet the evolving consumer needs,” he added.

Named after its city of origin, ChongQing beer draws inspiration from Chongqing, an
8‑dimensional city nestled among mountainous terrains and renowned for its bold flavours, fiery cuisine and vibrant social dining culture. Designed to pair naturally with Chinese cuisine and hotpot, the beer reflects the communal spirit and warmth that define Chongqing’s food culture, bringing an authentic taste of the city’s shared traditions to dining tables.

Anchoring the brand’s expansion to Malaysia lies a strong sense of pride and brewing integrity. “Having started my brewing journey with ChongQing beer in its home city, I am incredibly proud to now brew this iconic beer here in Shah Alam, Malaysia,” shared brewmaster Roger Li, who is also the first Asian Supply Chain Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. “What matters most to us is staying true to its original character – refreshing, smooth, and easy‑drinking, so the flavours remain familiar to those who know ChongQing,” Li added.

ChongQing beer will be made available at 99 Speedmart outlets nationwide from June 2026 onwards, offering Malaysian beer consumers a refreshing lager with authentic Chinese provenance, crafted for lively meals and everyday moments with friends.

And remember to always #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY. Don’t drive and drive. For non-
Muslims aged 21 and above only.

 

Influencer power fuels functional fruity soda Loveza!

Image credit: Lovepotion.official

The founders of Love Potion, a well‑known Thai cosmetics and skincare brand, have expanded into the beverage sector with the launch of Loveza!, a new line of functional sodas in Thailand. The drinks are available in three variants: Kyoho Grape enriched with Vitamin B12, Honey Lemon enriched with Vitamin B6 and Lychee enriched with Vitamin B3. Each can is priced at THB 18 and is currently sold through CJ Express and CJ More stores nationwide.

Influencer‑created Loveza! has achieved instant brand recognition, thanks to the established popularity of Love Potion. In addition, positioning the product as a functional fruity soda allows it to tap into the growing wellness trend, while the brand benefits from strong distribution support through the CJ store network.

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