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Glico Wings unveils Pandan Sarikaya Mochi with kaya-filled center

Glico Wings has unveiled its newest creation in Indonesia: Frost Bite Pandan Sarikaya Mochi, a mochi treat inspired by beloved local flavors. The launch coincides with the country’s national day celebrations, a time when many brands spotlight regional tastes to connect with consumers and celebrate cultural pride. The mochi comes with kaya sauce in the centre.

Nestlé Thailand brews up Starbucks RTD Espresso line

Photo credit: Starbucks

NestlĂ© Thailand has officially launched three new ready-to-drink (RTD) Starbucks Double Shot Espresso variants, marking a bold entry into the country’s growing premium coffee segment. The lineup includes:

  • Starbucks Double Shot Espresso Americano (unsweetened)
  • Starbucks Double Shot Espresso Latte
  • Starbucks Double Shot Espresso Americano

Each comes in a sleek 220ml can, priced at THB 49, and is now available at convenience stores nationwide. Starbucks Double Shot Espresso is currently not manufactured in Thailand; instead, it is imported by Nestlé (Thailand) from Malaysia, where it is produced by Nihon Canpack (Malaysia).

This launch signals a strategic move by NestlĂ© to tap into Thailand’s premium RTD coffee market—once a niche category valued at just THB 500 million two years ago. Today, the segment is rapidly expanding, fueled by consumer demand for convenience and portable caffeine fixes.

Previously, the brand only sold Starbucks coffee beans, ground coffee, and coffee capsules under the Starbucks name, using NescafĂ©’s technology.

Fami Canxi Soy Milk powers up schoolchildren’s health across Vietnam

Photo: Vietnam Red Cross Society

Alongside its school milk initiative, Vietnam also runs a school soy milk program aimed at supporting underprivileged and vulnerable children with nutritious alternatives.

The Vietnam Red Cross, in collaboration with Vinasoy and the Vietnam Soy Milk Study Promotion Fund, officially launched the “School Soy Milk Program” for the 2025–2026 academic year. Held in QuáșŁng NgĂŁi, the event introduced the campaign’s theme: “Delivering Wholesome Nutrition, Sowing a Green Future.”

The initiative aims to provide free soy milk to underprivileged and vulnerable children across Vietnam, reinforcing the Red Cross’s commitment to child nutrition and educational equity. Since its inception in 2016—and with Vinasoy’s support dating back to 2002—the program has reached millions of students nationwide.

Recent results from October 2024 to May 2025 show impressive impact:

  • Over 750,000 cartons of soy milk distributed
  • More than 12,000 students across 33 schools benefited
  • Noticeable improvements in weight, height, and overall health

For the 2025–2026 school year, the program expands to ĐáșŻk LáșŻk, Lai ChĂąu, QuáșŁng NgĂŁi, and QuáșŁng Trị, aiming to distribute over 970,000 cartons of Fami Canxi soy milk—valued at VND 4.5 billion —to 16,101 students across 32 primary schools.

Thai Union’s Qfresh sets bold expansion goals, eyes THB 500 million sales by 2028

Qfresh, Thailand’s leading frozen seafood brand under Thai Union Group, marks its 8th anniversary with an ambitious growth plan. The company aims to reach THB 500 million  in sales by 2028, up from THB 300 million, by leveraging strategic campaigns, product innovation, and expanded customer engagement.

Thai Union, a global leader in sustainable seafood with over 40 years of industry expertise, launched Qfresh to deliver high-quality, accessible seafood to Thai consumers.

In 2024, Thai Union’s frozen seafood business portfolio consists of four main categories:

  • Shrimp – 59%
  • Salmon and Seabass – 21%
  • Ready-to-Eat Frozen Meals – 18%
  • Seafood Snacks – 2%

The business operates both as an OEM (Private Label) and under its own brand, Qfresh. Currently, Qfresh’s frozen seafood product mix includes:

  • Shrimp – 42%
  • Other seafood (salmon, seabass, hamachi, scallops) – 58%

Growth strategy highlights:

  • Customer Centricity: Product development driven by consumer insights and market research.
  • Segment Expansion: Targeting younger demographics via digital and e-commerce, especially in high-growth provincial areas.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Co-Innovation: Collaborating with premium restaurants to create trend-driven menus, including Chef’s Table and fine dining experiences.

With the resurgence of street food culture, Qfresh is also focusing on ready-to-cook, value-added products that cater to modern lifestyles—quick, convenient, and flavorful.

To commemorate its 8th year, Qfresh launched the “Sealebration” marketing campaign, valued at over THB 3 million. Running from September 1 to November 30, 2025, the campaign offers promotions, exclusive deals, and prize giveaways.

The celebration culminates in a special event, “8th Birthday Sealebration”, on August 26, 2025, at Eden 1, CentralWorld. Highlights include:

  • A live concert by popular artist LYKN
  • Signature dishes from 8 premium street food restaurants
  • Interactive activities and consumer engagement

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Beyond The Scale: Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre Advocates a Medically Supervised, Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Care

Dr Nurul Nadiah Mohd Iqbal, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician, highlighted the importance of medically supervised weight management for safe and sustainable outcomes.

Klang, 13 August 2025 – As Malaysia faces rising obesity rates and related non-communicable diseases, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) is championing a multidisciplinary, medically supervised approach to weight management, to promote a safer, more structured approach to obesity care, one based on clinical screening, patient education, and long-term support.

In a media session titled, “Beyond Diets and Fads: Medical Experts Decode Sustainable, Supervised Weight Loss for Obesity Management,” BTMC brought together its team of internal medicine physicians, a senior dietitian, a physiotherapist, and a patient advocate to highlight how coordinated, medically guided obesity care can lead to more sustainable health outcomes, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or mobility challenges.

Obesity in Malaysia: A Public Health Emergency

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024, more than half of Malaysian adults (52.1%) experience abdominal obesity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Among adolescents, only 5.2% meet daily vegetable intake recommendations, while poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles remain widespread.

“Obesity is more than excess weight, it is a chronic medical condition that often hides other risks,” said Dr Nurul Nadiah, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician. “When patients attempt drastic changes without understanding their health baseline, they can do more harm than good. That is why supervised weight management, which considers each patient’s medical profile, nutritional needs, and physical condition, is essential for safe and sustainable results.”

What Medical Supervision Looks Like

Medical oversight ensures that underlying health issues, such as hypertension, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, or hormonal imbalances are identified and accounted for before patients embark on a weight loss programme.

For example, patients with prediabetes may require a different dietary strategy than those with thyroid conditions. “We begin with comprehensive blood tests and physical assessments to identify silent risk factors,” explained Dr Nurul Nadiah. “These insights guide every step of the patient’s personalised treatment plan, ensuring safer and more effective outcomes.”

Dr Tamilvani Arumugam, Consultant Internal Medicine, emphasised the need for regular reassessments and close monitoring in medically supervised weight management.

“Every patient’s journey is different. We reassess regularly,” said Dr Tamilvani, Consultant Internal Medicine.

“When medications are involved, they must be closely monitored to ensure effectiveness and to avoid side effects like fatigue, dehydration, or nutrient imbalances.” She added that medical supervision plays a key role in reducing dropout rates, as ongoing follow-ups help patients sustain their efforts and address setbacks early.

Food You Love, Done Differently

Ms Rama Parahakaran, Senior Dietitian, shared how mindful eating and personalised nutrition play a role in sustainable weight management.

Rather than placing patients on strict or unfamiliar diets, the approach involves working with what patients already know and love. “Food is cultural and emotional,” said Senior Dietitian Ms Rama Parahakaran. “We are not here to take that away, we help patients understand how to enjoy food more mindfully.”

For instance, modifying a meal like nasi lemak might involve adjusting portion size, swapping coconut rice for a smaller portion of brown rice, or replacing fried anchovies with grilled chicken. Rather than avoiding favourite dishes, the goal is to train patients to make healthier choices consistently, even during festive seasons, family events, or eating out.

The educational component includes teaching patients how to read food labels, plan balanced meals, manage cravings, and eat at regular intervals to prevent binge-eating behaviours.

Restoring Movement with Purpose

Physical activity is a key part of weight management, but only when done safely. Many patients with obesity also experience knee pain, poor posture, or balance issues. Physiotherapists carry out personalised strength and mobility assessments using AI-assisted tools, allowing for precise, measurable progress.

“Our goal is not just to increase activity, it is to rebuild function in a way that respects the patient’s current limitations,” said Ms Kiran Kaur, Physiotherapist and General Manager of DAVID Rehabilitation Centre. “We guide patients through movements like spinal stabilisation or hip and shoulder exercises that ease joint strain while improving control and endurance.”

These plans are adapted from session to session, allowing for gradual progression. “When someone who used to avoid stairs or long walks can now manage daily tasks without pain, that is a meaningful step forward, not just physically, but emotionally too,” she added.

Personal Journeys, Professional Guidance

One patient, 37-year-old Karthikeyen, shared how clinical structure changed his outlook. “Before my wedding, I tried losing weight on my own, but I kept slipping back,” he said. “Once I got proper guidance, from the doctors, the dietitian, and physiotherapy, it all made sense. I’m still on the journey, but this time I’m doing it right.”

The session also included a demonstration of how physiotherapy tools with AI capabilities can help clinicians monitor progress and make real-time decisions to ensure physical activity remains safe and effective.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to obesity, an integrated approach built on clinical care, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing assessment, can offer individuals a more realistic and sustainable path toward better health.

“Obesity care is not about willpower alone. “It is about structure, science, and steady support,” concluded Dr Nurul Nadiah.

For those ready to take the next step, BTMC offers a 3-month comprehensive weight loss programme, including medical consultations, dietitian guidance, and 12-session physiotherapy support. For more information, visit www.bukittinggimedicalcentre.com

YAVA launches YA’Bar

Image credit: Yava

YAVA, Indonesia’s leading healthy food brand, has introduced its new philosophy, “The Joy of AND”—a commitment to combining great taste with real nutrition. Rooted in sustainability and community empowerment, YAVA continues to use responsibly sourced local ingredients to support farmers and protect the environment. YAVA Indonesia is widely known for its granola products.

As part of this vision, YAVA unveiled YA’Bar: The MORE Bar, a nutrient-packed snack 40% larger than standard bars, with 5x more oats, 13% real cashews, and low-glycemic palm sugar for steady energy. It’s designed for busy urban consumers seeking a healthier alternative to traditional breakfast options.

To amplify its message, YAVA named actress and wellness advocate Nana Mirdad as Brand Ambassador, reflecting the brand’s mission of balanced, purposeful living.

Samyang launches ROSÉ and Quattro Cheese Ramen to meet Indonesia’s taste for creamy comfort

Samyang Foods Indonesia has recently introduced two new instant ramen variants: Samyang ROSÉ and Samyang Quattro Cheese, blending Korea’s signature spiciness with creamy, comforting flavors to meet the evolving tastes of Indonesian consumers.

At the launch event on June 3, 2025, President Director Eunsan Jeong shared that the growing demand for creamy cuisine played a key role in the company’s decision to introduce fusion-style flavors to the Indonesian market. Jeong noted that the new offerings blend traditional Korean spiciness with contemporary, adventurous flavor profiles—highlighting the strong appeal of creamy comfort food, particularly among younger consumers.

  • Samyang ROSÉ: Inspired by Italian rosĂ© pasta, this variant features a tomato-cream base with Samyang’s signature spice. It’s designed for fusion food lovers seeking a milder, creamy kick.
  • Samyang Quattro Cheese: A bold blend of four premium cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and camembert—paired with Samyang’s fiery sauce. Perfect for cheese enthusiasts craving a rich, savory experience.

Both new flavors are certified halal by MUI, reinforcing Samyang’s commitment to serving Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population. The company has maintained halal certification since 2017.

A Moonlit Celebration of Heritage with Old Seng Choong’s Celestial Bloom

Singapore, 20 Aug 2025  –  Beloved local pastry shop Old Seng Choong’s 老成昌 unveils its highly-anticipated Mid-Autumn Festival Collection Celestial BloomÂ èŠ±ćŒ€äž€ć­ŁïŒŒç€ŒçŒźćƒæƒ…Â a poetic celebration of reunion, reflection, and the enduring joy of gifting.

Old Seng Choong’s 老成昌 known for its meticulous craftsmanship, use of premium ingredients and a reverence for tradition, seeks to rekindle conversations and bring family, friends, and generations together to celebrate the charm of the festival, with its nostalgic selection of classic baked mooncakes.

The delicate treats are housed with love in a striking red or orange gift box, adorned with a gold lattice depicting a whimsical tableau of rabbits and lotuses; traditional symbols of purity, joy, and the Mid-Autumn moon. A timeless keepsake, the set includes a limited-edition Celestial Bloom Porcelain Plate, featuring floral tapestry in soft pastels and gold accents.

Customers may place their orders online at www.oldsengchoong.com and in-store for pick-up and deliveries from now to 6 October 2025, while stocks last. Last delivery date is 28 September 2025. Free delivery to one location is applicable for online orders of $120 nett and above. 

Heritage of Baked Treasures

Celebrated for its artisanal baked creations made with premium ingredients, each mooncake boasts generous lower-sugar unbleached lotus paste encased in the brand’s signature thin, golden-brown pastry. These festive treats are best savoured after a resting period of five to seven days, a traditional process known as 曞æČč which allows the flavours to deepen and the pastry to develop a smooth, lustrous sheen.

Celestial Six BloomÂ ć…­ć‘łèŠ±æœˆç€ŒÂ ($70.80) is a curated introduction to the brand’s perfected range of sweet and savoury delights. The assortment spans from floral and fruity inclusions, contemporary innovations and nostalgic favourites.

Taro with Olive Kernel

NEW! Taro with Olive KernelÂ èŠ‹æł„æ©„æŠ„ä»éŠ…,

$68.80 (Box of six)

A delight for true-blue ‘orh nee’ fans, this harmonious blend of creamy taro paste punctuated by wholesome olive kernels conjures memories of family dinners and time-honoured tastes passed down through generations during times of reunion.

Peach Oolong with Roselle Cranberry

NEW! Peach Oolong with Roselle CranberryÂ ç™œæĄƒæŽ›ç„žäčŒéŸ™, $68.80 (Box of six)

Blushed in pink, this modern interpretation reveals aromatic peach oolong-infused lotus paste with studded roselle cranberry centre. Light yet layered, it recalls the soft glow of lanterns and shared laughter under the full moon.

Pandan Melon Seed with Yolk

NEW! Pandan Melon Seed with YolkÂ éŠ™ć…°ç“œä»è›‹é»„,

$68.80 (Box of six)

Fragrant pandan juice lends a familiar warmth to silky lotus paste, complemented with crunchy melon seeds surrounding the salted duck egg yolk. The golden yolk centre resembles the full moon, doubling the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Gracing Old Seng Choong’s 老成昌 collection once again are perennial favourites such as the Lotus Paste with Yolk Blend 癜èŽČ蓉蛋黄銅, Black Truffle Bakkwa 黑束éœČ肉ćčČ and  Wu RenÂ ćŸĄć“äș”仁.

The iconic Lotus Paste with Yolk Blend 癜èŽČ蓉蛋黄銅 ($68.80 for a box of six) stars an even layer of impeccably smooth salted egg yolk blend nestled within scrumptious lotus paste. This time-honoured signature is a firm favourite among the young and old.

Back by popular demand, the Black Truffle Bakkwa 黑束éœČ肉ćčČ ($78.80 for a box of six), is a decadent treat chock-full of smoky hand-chopped bak kwa folded into red lotus paste with a touch of premium black truffle oil encased in charcoal-black pastry and beautifully accentuated with a gold brushstroke.

Harking back to yesteryear, Wu RenÂ ćŸĄć“äș”仁 ($68.80 for a box of six) presents a rich medley of premium nuts and seeds, including walnuts, almonds, sesame and melon seeds complemented by tender strips of barbecued pork jerky. Glazed with molasses and rose wine.

Making its debut this year, the endearing Celestial Piggy Mooncake çŒȘçŹŒé„ŒÂ ($12.80 per piece) is a sentimental token and makes an excellent gift for both adults and children.

For more information and updates, please visit Old Seng Choong’s official website and social media pages:

 

MILO goes bite-sized with new MILO Champ Bites

NestlĂ© Philippines has officially launched an exciting new addition to its beloved MILO lineup—MILO Champ Bites, a bite-sized snack designed to energise Filipinos throughout the day. This innovative product transforms the iconic MILOÂź drink into a crunchy choco malt milk snack, offering the same signature taste and nutritional benefits in a convenient, on-the-go format.

Packed with essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, MILO Champ Bites are crafted to support active lifestyles and provide a quick energy boost, whether at school, at work or on the move.

Old Seng Choong opens its brand-new store at WEAVE at Resorts World Sentosa

Singapore, 21 August 2025 –  Heritage brand Old Seng Choong celebrates its grand opening at WEAVE, Resorts World Sentosa’s (RWS) biophilic mall, Singapore’s all-new prime destination that welcomes tourists and Singaporeans alike. Old Seng Choong’s brand-new store will feature an open-concept kitchen to delight visitors with a multi-sensory experience through sight, smell and taste of its premium traditional treats with a modern twist. 

In Old Seng Choong’s pathway to expansion, its presence at this strategic location supports growth into new markets and customer segments. The diverse visitor demographics at Sentosa is a key touchpoint for tourists, introducing them to local delights that are beautifully packaged. This reinforces Old Seng Choong’s position as the perfect source of premium gifts for family, friends and business partners.

Savour Singapore’s heritage in every bite

Salted egg is a popular flavour across Asia because of its rich umami profile and culinary versatility. For international tourists, it is a novel, exciting introduction to Singapore’s vibrant food culture. Available exclusively at Old Seng Choong’s RWS outlet, the Salted Egg Cookies, part of the brand’s well-loved “Flavours of Singapore” collection, are made with real salted egg yolk that gives a bold savoury crunch in every bite, available at S$26.80 per tin. 

Another ingredient close to the hearts of many in Southeast Asia is rose essence, known for its fragrant, floral notes. In Singapore, it is a key ingredient in bandung, a rose-scented milk drink that evokes nostalgia for many locals. Tourists will now have a taste of this flavour through the Rose Cookies, an introduction to a cherished part of Singapore’s heritage. It is also an Old Seng Choong RWS outlet-exclusive item and available at S$26.80 per tin.

L-R: Salted Egg Yolk Croissant, Salted Egg Yolk Creme Brulee Tart and Kaya Croissant from Old Seng Choong.
In addition to the RWS outlet-exclusive cookies, a selection of freshly baked pastries will also be available exclusively at this location. Highlights include the Salted Egg Yolk Creme Brulee Tart (S$4.50), Kaya Croissant (S$5.90), Salted Egg Yolk Croissant (S$5.90), and more.

Chef Daniel Tay established Old Seng Choong to honour the legacy of his father, who was the owner of Seng Choong Confectionary, a household name among Marine Parade residents during the 1960s. Old Seng Choong’s newest outlet is located at WEAVE at Resorts World Sentosa – 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-223, Singapore 098138. It opens from 9am to 8pm daily. 

For more information and updates, please visit Old Seng Choong’s official website and social media pages:

●      Official Website: www.oldsengchoong.com/

●      Instagram: www.instagram.com/oldsengchoong/

●      Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldsengchoong

●      TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@oldsengchoong

●      Xiao Hong Shu: 老成昌OLD SENG CHOONG

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