CJ Foods Indonesia has recently expanded its range of products in the local market to include halal-certified mandu or dumplings. The halal mandu is available in Bulgogi, Spicy Chicken, and Original Chicken flavour.
The company communicates how Korean mandu can be used as snacks, side dishes, or even a main ingredient in a soup, highlighting the versatility of the ingredient.
OT Group, the Indonesian company behind Singaraja beer, has rolled out Singaraja Arak, a new beverage with a 19.7% ABV. This product blends a distilled alcoholic spirit from Bali to achieve its higher alcohol content.
OT Group’s Beverindo Indah Abadi, the maker of Prost beer, launched Singaraja beer in 2019, specifically targeting the dominant traditional consumer segment of the Indonesian drinking market.
In the past months, OT has unveiled Singaraja Bir Rasa Arak, Jeruk dan Madu (Arak, Orange and Honey Flavoured Beer), which is an easy-to-drink flavoured beer with a 4.8% alcoholic drink content. Arak is a traditional Balinese liquor made from fermented white rice and coconut palm flowers.
OT has also released canned versions of its Singaraja Anggur Hijau and Anggur Merah, both containing 10% alcohol, for greater consumer convenience.
Monday 24 February 2025 – VIVID by Verita Health, the vitamin therapy bar located throughout Thailand, is launching new VIVID Multi-Vitamin products, specifically crafted for needs of both men and women with busy lifestyles.
Conveniently packaged in powder form sachets, the new multi-vitamin shots are designed to ensure that health-conscious individuals can easily meet their daily nutritional needs. The new products include:
Multi Vitamin Shot M+: A premium dietary supplement, expertly formulated to optimise men’s nutritional intake. It features a robust blend of Coenzyme Q10 and BCAA, essential for enhancing energy, immune function, and overall health. The inclusion of Korean red ginseng, cordyceps extract, and lycopene further supports prostate health and boosts vitality.
Multi Vitamin Shot W+: Specifically crafted for ladies, this comprehensive multivitamin is enriched with Lutein, Coenzyme Q10, and Astaxanthin ingredients known for their ability to enhance energy, immune function, and skin health. Additionally, Cranberry Extract promotes women’s unique nutritional requirements and fostering optimal wellness.
Both the Multi Vitamin Shot M+ and W+ are enhanced with signature Aquamin, a unique multi-mineral complex derived from 100% seaweed harvested from the pristine waters of Iceland’s Northwest, a renowned “Blue Zone” celebrated for its longevity and health benefits. This plant-based calcium is rich in essential minerals that support bone and joint health, while its anti-aging properties make it a vital component of our formulations.
Enjoy the convenience of ready-to-boost sachets that can be consumed purely or mixed with your favourite yogurt or juice, making it simple to incorporate these benefits into your daily routine. Discover these excellent sources of nutrients at your nearest VIVID locations; in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket Mai Khao at an introductory price of 2,500 baht per set with 60 sachets.
SariWangi expands its Indonesian offerings with the launch of Earl Grey Milk Tea and Matcha Latte tea bags. These innovative blends not only capture popular flavors but also provide the versatility of hot or cold brew preparation.
Cold brew tea caters to the growing preference for chilled beverages among younger tea drinkers. These tea bags can also infuse bottled water with delicious flavour.
6 February 2025 – SAPPE, Thailand’s leading functional beverage company, has announced an exciting collaboration with Dr.PONG, a rising Thai brand specializing in supplements and skincare. Together, they have introduced “Sappe Beauti x Dr.PONG,” a line of Healthy Shot Drinks designed to cater to health-conscious Gen Y and Z consumers. The collaboration features two formulas: ‘Colla Gluta’ and ‘Asta Q10,’ offering powerful skincare and beauty benefits in a convenient shot bottle, available now at 7-Eleven stores nationwide for just 35 THB.
Piyajit Ruckariyapong, CEO of SAPPE Public Company Limited, highlighted the significance of this partnership, bringing together two of Thailand’s leading beauty brands. Sappe Beauti, a pioneer in functional beverages for over 18 years, and Dr.PONG+, a rapidly growing brand in the supplement and skincare industry, have joined forces to develop high-quality products that meet consumer demands. Under the brand “Sappe Beauti x Dr.PONG,” these innovative shot drinks aim to provide accessible beauty benefits while reinforcing consumer confidence in their skincare routines. This collaboration marks SAPPE’s full-scale expansion into the Functional Healthy Drink market.
The “Sappe Beauti x Dr.PONG” product line offers two formulations:
Colla Gluta: A dietary supplement drink enriched with 5,000 mg of collagen and 100 mg of L-Glutathione. It comes in an apple and strawberry flavor, ensuring a pleasant drinking experience without any fishy aftertaste.
Asta Q10: This formula features Astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus Pluvialis algae and Coenzyme Q10, two powerful antioxidants sourced from Japan. With a strawberry flavor, this shot drink is designed to enhance skin health and combat oxidative stress.
Targeting consumers aged 20-45 years, particularly those who seek high-quality skincare solutions with convenience, the new products are now available nationwide in 50ml glass shot bottles at 7-Eleven stores and online via Sappe Official Store, Dr.Pong Official Store, Shopee, and Lazada. More details can be found on Facebook: Sappebeautyclub and Dr.Pong ดอกเตอร์พงศ์.
Following SAPPE Beauti’s first rebranding in 18 years, the company has embraced a multi-product strategy with the campaign “Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful” to resonate with younger generations. The campaign has been well received, reinforcing SAPPE’s mission to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty. This latest collaboration with Dr.PONG represents a significant milestone, combining expertise from the functional beverage and supplement industries to elevate beauty solutions. “We expect this product to be well-received by consumers, just like our previous launches, as we continue delivering the best solutions at an affordable price,” said Piyajit Ruckariyapong.
KUALA LUMPUR (24 February 2025) – The Marini’s Group hosted Chinese New Year events at its F&B outlets over the past two weeks, creating a festive atmosphere for its guests. The group first ushered in the Year of the Snake with a dragon dance and acrobatic lion dance performance at M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza and Marigin at One KL on 10 February. This was followed by ceremonial dragon and lion dance performances and God of Prosperity appearances at Marble 8 Steakhouse and the annual Marini’s on 57 Chinese New Year party at Petronas Tower 3 later that same evening.
The festive cheer continued on 19 February with another Chinese New Year event at the F&B group’s latest outlet, Mesa on 51, on 19 February. This was the outlet’s first Chinese New Year party and it saw invited guests and friends being treated to more ceremonial dragon and lion dance performances while also receiving mandarin oranges and gold-wrapped treats by the God of Prosperity.
Cavaliere Modesto Marini and Elizabeth Marini, the owners of The Marini’s Group, were present to receive the traditional prosperity fruit basket from the performers at each venue.
“The lion and dragon dance performances are always something our guests look forward to. While the lions and dragon are symbols that are used to usher in and bestow blessings and prosperity, they are also a cultural and festive icons that we enjoy showcasing,” said Cavaliere Modesto Marini. “The Marini’s group would like to wish everyone a year filled with good luck, abundance, prosperity and good health.”
About The Marini’s Group
Founded by restaurateur and entrepreneur Cav. Modesto Marini in 2012, The Marini’s Group prides itself on its F&B and entertainment brands for the different audiences – Marini’s on 57, Marble 8, M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza, Marigin Bar, Maristar and now, Mesa on 51. Each F&B outlet offers a unique dining and sensory experience.
Multi-award winning Marini’s on 57 is Malaysia’s most iconic rooftop destination with a rooftop bar, Michelin Select Italian restaurant and whisky lounge. It sits 876ft (267m) above sea level in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City and offers the city’s closest view of the Petronas Twin Towers and panoramic views of the city. A luxury establishment with an unparalleled level of service and exceptional contemporary Italian cuisine, it has become the preferred venue for numerous events and celebrations and a beacon for international celebrities, tourists, and socialites since opening in June 2012.
The three distinct spaces at Marini’s on 57 have each been designed to encapsulate and project different moods and energy to enthral all five senses. The establishment houses an extensive cigar and whisky collection and is the only luxury F&B venue in Malaysia to have released its own Sunset Hours compilation albums with music greats Jose Padilla, Chris Coco, Afterlife, and Simon Mills.
Marble 8 is Kuala Lumpur’s premier steakhouse which has added depth and elegance by reimagining the steak dining experience. Guests can expect to experience elevated steakhouse dining, exquisite flavours, authentic creations and luxurious charm when they visit this Michelin Select restaurant which specialises in dry-aged beef – their signature cuts are treated in their own inhouse custom-built dry-aging room.
Mesa on 51 is the latest rooftop destination by The Marini’s Group and brings a Spanish touch to its portfolio of luxury F&B establishments. Mesa on 51 is an entertainment and dining destination with stunning vistas of the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park and other city landmarks. This contemporary venue consists of a Spanish cuisine restaurant with private dining rooms; an elegant Nikkei Lounge equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual light technology and boosted by the Void sound system; and the Terrace Bar with its covered and al fresco seating and panoramic views. Mesa on 51 has been designed to provide guests with a multi-sensorial journey that whisks them away from the hustle and bustle of the city below to a rooftop haven with great music, mixology and Spanish cuisine in the centre of metropolitan KL.
M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza is the country’s first champagne and caviar establishment and it combines Italian elegance with casual comfort to give guests a taste of Italian Caffè culture. At M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza, guests can enjoy the sophisticated offerings designed to delight epicurists, from Italian cuisine staples to local dishes.
MariGin Gin Bar is a traditional gin parlour with a twist, which offers concoctions that capture the cosmopolitan spirit of gin but with a local touch. This hidden gem in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is located at One KL.
Maristar is a caviar seafood bar and fashion lounge where food, fashion and passion come together. A unique space designed unlike any of the other The Marini’s Group establishments, Maristar is a place to enjoy Italian favourites, indulge in decadent caviar and savour scrumptious seafood dishes while keeping up with the latest fashion and lifestyle trends.
With RM500,000 Up For Grabs, the Dew Challenge 2025 Invites Gamers Across Malaysia to Battle It Out.
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 February 2025 – Mountain Dew and Honor of Kings, the world’s most-played mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, have officially launched the inaugural Dew Challenge 2025, bringing you the largest community tournament in Malaysia with an RM500,000 prize pool up for grabs. The tournament which kicks off on the 15th of February and culminates in a Grand Finale, scheduled from the 23rd till 25th May, 2025, aims to cultivate a strong Honor of King’s community, and caters to gamers of all levels, from casual enthusiasts to rising esports stars and professional gamers.
This year’s Dew Challenge kicks off with an electrifying hype video that premiers today for gamers across Malaysia! Featuring the iconic Honor of King heroes, Lam and Agudo, the video is the perfect example of Honor of Kings and Mountain Dew’s synergy, powering up gamers with their commitment towards innovative and meaningful engagement with the gaming community. With three tournament tiers from which to get pumped up, players compete towards a central leaderboard to qualify for the exciting grand finals! Players are to register at DewChallenge.com, where they start their journey toward esports glory.
Mountain Dew and Honor of Kings are united by a shared vision to break limits, energise communities, and create unforgettable experiences. With over 100 million daily active users globally, Honor of Kings has revolutionised mobile gaming and captured the hearts of players worldwide. Mountain Dew, a brand synonymous with bold flavours and adrenaline-fueled adventures, is the perfect partner to amplify this momentum.
“Honor of Kings represents innovation and excitement, qualities that align perfectly with Mountain Dew’s bold spirit,” said Amy Gan, Vice President of Marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd. “Together, we’re creating a gaming experience that goes beyond competition—it’s about building a thriving community. From the RM500,000 prize pool to our dynamic digital activations, the Dew Challenge celebrates the passion and potential of gamers everywhere.”
Amy continued, “Gaming is no longer just entertainment; it’s a cultural movement, and Mountain Dew is proud to fuel that energy. By partnering with Honor of Kings, we’re making esports more inclusive and accessible, inspiring a new generation of gamers to dream big and achieve greatness. The Tier 1 competition is just the beginning of what promises to be our most exciting season yet.
“The partnership with Mountain Dew marks an exciting milestone for Malaysian fans, uniting two brands that thrive on innovation, high-energy engagement, and building strong community connections,” stated Ashley Phuah, Senior Business Development Manager, Southeast Asia for Tencent. “Mountain Dew’s pioneering spirit in creating dynamic, interactive experiences aligns perfectly with Honor of Kings’ dedication to immersive gameplay and community engagement. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire players, spark creativity, and bring unforgettable moments to gamers everywhere.”
“Mountain Dew has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2015. Having been part of the very first Dew Challenge as the official caster, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this platform has discovered and nurtured incredible esports talent. Now, with Honor of Kings taking centre stage, I’m excited to see a new generation of esports athletes rise to the occasion. Thank you, Mountain Dew, for your unwavering support and for being a true champion of esports in Malaysia. Here’s to another decade of empowering esports athletes and etching names into esports history,” said Muhammad “Flava” Farouq, professional esports commentator and host.
The first tier of the Dew Challenge kicks off with a season filled with epic battles, unforgettable prizes, and unparalleled community engagement. While esports enthusiasts and professionals are the centre ofattent ion in the tournament, the wider gaming community also has access to the Dew Challenge platform where gamers can access and redeem exclusive items from the Dew Store like Honor of Kings tokens, vouchers and other rewards. Players can also look forward to future tournaments, surprise activations, and exclusive in-game and physical rewards that will keep the adrenaline pumping all year long.
Whether you’re aiming for the RM500,000 prize pool or simply looking to join the fun, the Dew Challenge 2025 is your ultimate destination!
Wait no more! Head to DewChallenge.com and register today. Stay connected with Mountain Dew Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, exclusive content, and announcements. The journey to esports glory starts here—don’t miss out!
Unprecedented Collaboration Between Etika Sdn Bhd and Peugeot Malaysia Celebrates CSOIAM Fans for The Show’s Success.
Kuala Lumpur, 24th February 2025 – After eight electrifying episodes, Calpis Soda One in a Million (CSOIAM) concluded with a spectacular grand finale, captivating over 30 million viewers and more than 630,000 votes during the show’s run. Topping social media rankings every week at number one (# 1), Calpis Soda One in a Million was more than just about crowning a winner—it was about delivering an immersive and rewarding experience for contestants and fans alike.
Week after week, contestants mesmerised audiences, earning their place in the highly anticipated finale. Mary Grace’s journey to victory was nothing short of extraordinary, defined by breathtaking performances that left judges and audiences spellbound. Her commanding stage presence and vocal prowess set her apart, solidifying her place as Malaysia’s next big star. Her crowning moment was not just a personal triumph but a defining milestone in CSOIAM’s legacy of transforming raw talent into superstardom.
The overwhelming success of CSOIAM was driven by its dedicated fans. More than just spectators, they were the heartbeat of the show—watching, cheering, and rallying behind their favourite contestants from their homes. Whether in front of their televisions or tuning in online, their passion and unwavering support made CSOIAM a cultural phenomenon, proving that music and entertainment have the power to unite and inspire.
How a homegrown legacy like Mydin stands the test of time
If you ask Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, what sets Mydin apart from other hypermarkets, he’ll tell you it’s more than just affordable prices or a diverse product selection — it’s the soul of the brand, one that’s deeply woven into the Malaysian way of life.
For him, Mydin isn’t just a business; it’s a legacy. It’s a story of resilience that began with his father, Mydin Mohamed, selling goods by the roadside — a small yet determined start that would one day blossom into Malaysia’s largest homegrown hypermarket chain. From those humble beginnings, Mydin has cemented itself as a Malaysian brand that understands the pulse of the people.
Fast forward to 2025, and Mydin has just opened its 70th outlet in Kulim, a long way from its first hypermarket in Subang Jaya in 2006, which propelled the brand into national prominence. But what truly sets the retail giant apart isn’t just its rapid expansion, but its unwavering commitment to being a champion of local brands, a reflection of Malaysia’s cultural identity, and for many – an essential part of daily life.
The Heart of the People
Mydin embodies what it means to be a truly Malaysian hypermarket. At a time when multinational chains dominate the retail space, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to affordability and diversity. But it’s not just about competitive prices. Mydin has always been a staunch supporter of local businesses, giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the platform they need to flourish.
When you step inside a Mydin store, you’ll find everything from daily necessities such as Malaysian snacks and handcrafted naan bread to an extensive range of traditional clothing like baju kurung, all locally sourced. The shelves are lined with products that tell the story of Malaysia’s cultural heritage and industrious spirit. For conscious consumers who prefer supporting homegrown brands, Mydin is a natural choice.
“You’ll be shocked at the range and quality of our local products – it’s really good,” Datuk Wira Ameer says with a knowing smile. “We’re not just about selling products. At Mydin, we want Malaysians to remember that their traditions, as well as the country’s local brands, are worth celebrating.”
Blending Digital with Tradition
When it comes to digitalisation, Datuk Wira Ameer’s views may seem conservative, but his approach is pragmatic rather than trendy. Indeed, Mydin was one of the pioneering adopters of self-checkout, being the first to introduce self-scanners in Malaysia. However, rather than replacing traditional checkout tills with self-service kiosks, he believes the human touch is core to the shopping experience. It’s one of the reasons he was hesitant about bringing Mydin onto eCommerce, which he felt was embraced out of necessity rather than preference.
Despite his initial reluctance, he now sees online platforms like Lazada as an extension of the Mydin brand – an opportunity to expand its reach beyond physical stores, allowing customers to browse, compare prices, and discover products.
“Many people still want to see, touch, and examine products in person,” he explains. “But platforms like Lazada serve as a gateway for consumers to discover what we have to offer before coming to our stores to see the full range for themselves.”
Trust in the Age of Online Shopping
Mydin’s partnership with LazMall is a testament to this balance. Datuk Wira Ameer understands that one of the biggest hurdles for online shopping in Malaysia is trust. Many consumers prefer brick-and-mortar stores, where they can assess product quality firsthand and avoid the risk of buying counterfeit goods. Partnering with Lazada to launch a branded store on LazMall was key in reaffirming Mydin’s reputation in the digital space.
By tapping into LazMall’s trusted seal of authenticity, quality, and high service standards, Mydin offers customers peace of mind – knowing that even if they can’t visit the store, they are shopping for the same original products, backed by guaranteed delivery and a 30-day return policy. In many ways, LazMall serves as a bridge, seamlessly connecting Mydin’s digital presence with its physical stores.
Doing Good for Raya
With Ramadan and Raya just around the corner, Mydin is gearing up for the festive season – one of its most important and busiest times of the year. In the past, the company has led a range of initiatives to celebrate this season of giving, reflection, and community. From distributing over 45,000 packs of bubur lambuk to supporting numerous charitable efforts, Mydin has consistently gone beyond retail to make a meaningful impact.
This year, Mydin is stepping up with its Berkat Ramadan campaign, offering extensive promotions both in-store and online on a wide range of products, from premium dates sourced from Palestine and Egypt to Raya must-haves like songkok, samping, and kuih muih.
The company is also running its Mydin Prihatin campaign, a collaboration with suppliers to collect CSR funds from every purchase made with participating brands. These efforts aim to raise funds for various social causes, furthering Mydin’s commitment to community welfare. The synergy between in-store campaigns and online promotions, like Lazada’s 3.3 Epic Raya Sale from March 2 (8pm) to March 5, offers shoppers exclusive Raya assortments from Mydin at unbeatable prices.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
Despite Mydin’s success, Datuk Wira Ameer remains grounded. His vision for the brand has always been clear: Mydin will always be about people – understanding their needs, supporting local industries, and staying true to Malaysia’s cultural fabric. His approach to business isn’t about chasing fads; it’s about sustainability, both in the retail sense and in the way Mydin contributes to the local economy.
As digitalisation continues to shape the industry, Mydin will adapt – but on its own terms, in a way that makes sense for its customers. And as the brand grows, so too does its promise — to remain accessible, affordable, and deeply Malaysian.
“Shopping isn’t dead; it’s evolving,” he says, reflecting on the future of brick-and-mortar stores. While Mydin will never replace the physical shopping experience with eCommerce entirely, shopping online with Lazada is the first step in discovering what makes this homegrown hypermarket – truly our own.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) reported its 2024 financial performance with a net profit that exceeded expectations, driven by balanced operations in the livestock industry and improved cost management. The company expects to maintain robust performance in 2025 and is committed to the “Sustainovation” initiatives, having ranked in the top 1% of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score (DJSI).
Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods, announced the company and its subsidiaries’s 2024 performance, reporting total sales of THB 580,747 million and a net profit of THB 19,558 million, marking a remarkable increase of 476% from a net loss in 2023. Of the total sales for 2024, 63% was generated from overseas operations across 13 countries, while 31% came from domestic operations in Thailand, and 6% from export activities, with food products sold to over 50 countries globally. By business segment, revenue contributions were 23% from animal feed, 55% from farming operations, and 22% from food products.
According to Mr. Prasit, the outstanding performance in 2024 surpassed targets largely due to a strong recovery in overseas operations. This improvement resulted from successful adjustments in supply and demand within the swine industry, which had faced oversupply and depressed prices in 2023. Notably in Vietnam, rising pork prices—driven by ASF outbreaks late last year—contributed to better-than-anticipated results. Furthermore, CP Foods gained from its business restructuring efforts, enhanced efficiency in livestock operations and raw material procurement, effective cost management, and reduced financial costs compared to the previous year, all of which led to improved overall efficiency.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate maintaining our growth trajectory. Over the past two to three years, we have focused on optimizing asset utilization and managing costs and expenses in line with economic conditions. Additionally, we have been developing products that align with consumer behaviors and preferences while exploring new investments to enhance our core business potential. Furthermore, we remain committed to promoting ‘Sustainovation’—innovations that foster balanced economic, social, and environmental growth. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in CP Foods’ ranking among the top 1% of companies in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment,” stated Mr. Prasit.
He emphasized that the company is closely monitoring a range of factors that could impact operations, including potential trade policies under the “Trump 2.0” administration, the effects of climate change, and animal disease outbreaks in various countries. CP Foods has instituted rigorous measures to mitigate these risks and ensure food security across all of its markets.
Meanwhile, the CP Foods Board of Directors has approved a second dividend payment of THB 0.55 per share for the 2024 financial year. Combined with the first interim dividend payment of THB 0.45 per share (paid on September 13, 2024), the total dividend for 2024 is THB 1.00 per share. This proposal will be presented for approval at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for April 24, 2025.
