Malee’s latest Power Plants features a unique combination of prebiotics and postbiotics. As many Thai consumers may not know what postbiotics are, more brand education is needed. Malee is taking the lead in introducing the concept of postbiotics by comparing it with prebiotics.
Prebiotics = Dietary fiber that is food for the good bacteria in the gut.
Postbiotics = Substances that good bacteria create after consuming prebiotics, which help reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
Postbiotics has seen growing application and Japan and is slowly emerging in Thailand, subject to regulatory approval. In Thailand, Morinaga’s LAC-Shield has been approved for use in food and drinks. ILDONG Bioscience’s RHT3201 has also received FDA registration in Thailand.
The new Malee vegetable and fruit juices (200ml) are available in Red Radiance and Green Guardian featuring the Innogutz innovation with prebiotics and postbiotics to help balance gut microbiota.
Green Guardian: contains Vitamin B6, D, and prebiotics promoting gut health and immunity.
Red Radiance: contains Lycopene, Vitamin C, Zinc and probiotics, focusing on overall wellness.
Ichitan has launched three new refreshing RTD teas in Indonesia. The flavours—Apple, Blackcurrant, and Honey Lemon—are not new, but what makes this latest Ichitan RTD tea interesting is the packaging. The RTD tea comes in a slim 280ml PET bottle with vibrant, youthful colours to attract young consumers.
Ichitan has released another refreshing RTD tea in Thailand: the new Ichitan Green Tea Pineapple and Honey, featuring the perfect blend of pineapple and honey flavour. This RTD tea is now available at Makro and general stores.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) reported a record-breaking performance in the first quarter of 2025, with a net profit of THB 8.549 billion—an increase of 642% or six times higher than the same period last year. The surge reflects CP Foods’ strong adaptability to economic and geopolitical challenges, along with its strict disease prevention systems and high occupational health and safety standards implemented throughout its operations.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods, attributed the impressive Q1 2025 results to efficiency improvements and cost reductions throughout the entire supply chain. Furthermore, outbreaks of avian influenza in several countries, along with the ongoing impact of African Swine Fever (ASF), have led to a decrease in global poultry and swine supplies. Meanwhile, raw material costs have remained at favorable levels. These factors have enabled CP Foods to surpass its performance targets both domestically and in over 10 countries where it operates.
The company’s strong performance in Q1 2025 is a testament to the dedication of its global workforce and its long-term resilience across diverse environments. CP Foods’ continuous investments in innovation, technology, and the implementation of IT management systems—alongside its commitment to biosecurity and systematic disease prevention in livestock farming—are essential in strengthening the organization throughout the supply chain. These factors enable the company to maintain production stability and ensure consistent product quality.
Mr. Prasit further emphasized that CP Foods’ overall performance for 2025 is expected to surpass that of the previous year. This optimistic outlook is driven by the company’s ongoing strategic initiatives and a rebound in the industry from past challenges. Regarding concerns surrounding U.S. tariff policies, CP Foods remains unaffected due to its focus on affordable food products that are produced locally in over 10 countries. The company depends on exports only 4–5% of its sales, primarily to Asian markets such as Japan and European countries, with exports to the U.S. market accounting for just 0.3%.
Amid global animal disease outbreaks and the reemergence of COVID-19, CP Foods’ leadership has reinforced comprehensive risk management, targeted investments in promising sectors, and, most critically, elevated safety standards throughout its operations. This includes robust disease prevention across the supply chain and stringent occupational health and safety measures to safeguard business continuity.
Cycle & Carriage advances its customer experience with the next-generation Mercedes-Benz retail concept
Batu Caves, 14 May 2025 – Cycle & Carriage together with Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its newly upgraded Batu Caves service centre, featuring Mercedes-Benz’s latest retail brand presence, a benchmark in customer-centric service excellence. This milestone follows the successful launch of Cycle & Carriage Sungai Pinang in Penang, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering a seamless and elevated ownership journey for Mercedes-Benz customers.
L-R: Mark Ho, General Manager, Head of Aftersales, Cycle & Carriage; Edmin Naidoo, Vice President of Customer Services Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia and SEA II; Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage; Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & Head of Region SEA II; James Zhang, CFO of Cycle & Carriage
“Cycle & Carriage is proud to bring another state-of-the-art service centre to life,” said Mr. Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage. “We remain committed to enhancing every touchpoint of the Mercedes-Benz customer journey through continuous investment in innovation and service excellence, staying true to our promise of providing Exceptional Journeys for our customers.”
Mercedes-Benz’s latest retail brand presence is designed to transform the dealership experience by focusing on improved customer touchpoints, seamless digital integration, and streamlined processes across the entire service and sales environment. At Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves, this transformation is brought to life through a complete redesign of its service operations.
Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, “The unveiling of Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves marks yet another chapter in our commitment to delivering a truly luxurious and customer-centric experience. This crafted space is a reflection of the Mercedes-Benz promise—where timeless design, comfort, and service excellence converge. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to offer an elevated level of convenience, sophistication, and care that our customers have come to expect from the brand.”
The upgraded 2S facility now boasts a 3,633 square-foot luxurious customer lounge, offering a contemporary, comfortable setting designed to meet the evolving expectations of today’s luxury vehicle owners.
Supporting the enhanced experience is a 41,000 square-foot workshop equipped to handle a wide range of service and repair needs. The facility includes 22 service and repair work bays, 22 body and paint bays, 5 car wash bays, and 4 dedicated bays for commercial vehicles, handling up to 40 vehicles monthly. It also features Premium Express Service bays for expedited turnaround. In line with sustainability goals, a solar PV system has been installed to offset building energy consumption.
Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is also home to one of Malaysia’s largest Mercedes-Benz Body & Paint Centres and is proudly certified with the Mercedes-Benz Certificate of Competence (CoC) Level 4, the highest level of recognition for collision repair capabilities. Awarded in 2013 and achieving a perfect 100% audit score in 2017, the workshop is among the top-performing collision repair centres globally.
“We believe ownership goes far beyond the initial purchase. It’s about every interaction, every visit, and every detail,” added Mr. Tok. “This upgrade reflects our promise to continuously raise the bar in delivering best-in-class service to Mercedes-Benz customers in Malaysia.”
Located at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves, Lot 5, Jalan Perusahaan 1, Kawasan Perindustrian PKNS, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, the service center caters to any aftersales needs of Mercedes-Benz customers. The branch operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. For more information, visit https://cyclecarriage.com.my/ or connect with Cycle & Carriage’s WhatsApp chatbot at +6012-620 2042.
First UNIQLO roadside store for Negeri Sembilan marked with special offers and community activities, as UNIQLO celebrates its 15th anniversary in Malaysia
May 9, 2025, Seremban – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO continues to expand its presence in Malaysia with the grand opening of its first roadside store in Seremban 2, Negeri Sembilan. As the brand’s sixth roadside store in the country, this new location reflects UNIQLO’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality everyday clothing more accessible, creating local employment opportunities, and supporting communities through its core LifeWear philosophy.
“As UNIQLO celebrates our 15th anniversary in Malaysia this year, we remain focused on growing alongside our customers by offering high-quality and functional apparels more accessible. The opening of UNIQLO Seremban 2 is an important part of our strategic expansion plan in Malaysia. It reflects our commitment to the local community and represents another step in our mission to make LifeWear accessible to all,” said Rie Aramoto, Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO Malaysia.
The opening also coincides with a major milestone for the brand, UNIQLO’s 15th anniversary in Malaysia. Since entering the market in 2010, UNIQLO has grown steadily across the country, offering Malaysians thoughtfully designed, high-quality everyday wear. The new Seremban 2 store represents not only an expansion of UNIQLO’s retail footprint but also a celebration of 15 years of shared growth, trust, and connection with Malaysian communities.
Strategically situated in the heart of Seremban 2, the fast-growing township known for its family-friendly amenities and vibrant residential neighbourhoods, the UNIQLO Roadside Store spans approximately 12,000 square feet, offering a spacious and welcoming shopping experience. Designed with the community in mind, it features ample parking and a barrier-free layout with no steps or stairs, making it easily accessible to all, including families with strollers, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
This spacious and modern store offers a wide range of UNIQLO’s high-quality and comfortable LifeWear clothing, catering to men, women, and children. Customers can explore the latest seasonal collections, including versatile basics, innovative activewear, and stylish casual wear.
[From left] Siti Kholijah, YB Puan Nicole Tan Lee Koon, Tomohisa Kikuchi, Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung, Datuk Chai Kian Soon at the opening of UNIQLO Seremban 2 Roadside StoreThe grand opening was officiated by an esteemed lineup of distinguished guests including, Yang Berhormat Puan Nicole Tan Lee Koon, Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Tomohisa Kikuchi, Chief Financial Officer of UNIQLO Malaysia; Datuk Tony Ling Thou Lung, Chief Executive Officer of IJM Land; and Datuk Chai Kian Soon, Chief Operations Officer of IJM Land joined hands to commemorate the joyous occasion.
In line with the brand’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and community engagement, both core focuses over its 15-year journey in Malaysia, UNIQLO will continue expanding its contributions in the months ahead through more community-driven activities, environmental initiatives, and donation efforts. At the Seremban 2 store, customers can also take part in eco-friendly initiatives such as recycling pre-loved UNIQLO clothing through the RE.UNIQLO programme, contributing to a more circular society.
Further reinforcing this commitment, UNIQLO partnered with local stakeholders to carry out a clean-up initiative at PPR Cempaka, reflecting its belief in giving back and growing together with the communities it serves. The opening of the UNIQLO Seremban 2 Roadside Store marks another step in this journey, bringing LifeWear closer to more Malaysians while strengthening the brand’s connection with neighbourhoods across the country.
To celebrate its grand opening, UNIQLO Seremban 2 will offer exclusive promotions and limited-edition novelties available only at this location. These special offers are a token of appreciation for the continued support from customers and reflect UNIQLO’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, functional, and accessible LifeWear.
Opening:
May 9, 2025
Address:
UNIQLO Seremban 2
PT 1496, Persiaran Utama S2-3, Seremban 2, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
International expansion accelerates after securing revenue contributions from a strategic deal in Singapore
Bangkok – 14 May 2025 – Betagro Public Company Limited (BTG), a leading integrated food company in Thailand, reported a 12.1% increase in total income to 30,499.0 million baht and a 1,629.3% surge in net profit to 1,897.8 million baht in the first quarter of 2025, marking a strong growth compared to the same period last year. This robust performance was driven by three core strategic pillars — international expansion, portfolio optimization, and cost transformation — and higher domestic prices and growing demand for pork and chicken, together with the first-time recognition of revenue contributions from the completed acquisition of Eggriculture.
Vasit Taepaisitphongse, Chief Executive Officer and President of Betagro, said BTG delivered a solid growth in the first quarter of 2025, with particularly strong momentum in its food and protein business, largely attributed to our three key strategies, — international expansion, a portfolio optimization focused on higher-margin products and distribution channels such as processed and ready-to-eat food, food service and exports channels, and cost efficiency, together with higher domestic pork and chicken prices, rising consumption in overseas and domestic markets. BTG’s total income, as a result, soared to 30,499.0 million baht, up 12.1%YoY from 27,215.4 million baht in 1Q24.
For the first quarter of 2025, BTG’s gross profit amounted to 5,362.7 million baht, up 83.5% from 2,921.8 million baht in the same quarter last year, while the gross profit margin rose to 17.7% in the first quarter of 2025, up from 10.8% in the same period last year. BTG’s EBITDA was 3,766.8 million baht, an increase of 153.4% from 1,486.6 million baht of the same period last year. The net profit was 1,897.8 million baht, a turnaround from a net loss of 124.1 million baht in the same quarter last year. The recovery stemmed from enhanced gross profit margin and improved cost control.
This year, BTG remains focused on three core strategic pillars, including:
1) International expansion: pursuing M&A, and strategic partnerships in high-potential, high-income markets
2) Product and Channel Mix Optimization: shifting toward higher-margin products and distribution channels
3) Cost Transformation: leveraging digital technology and process innovation to improve product quality and operational efficiency
Furthermore, BTG began recognizing revenue contributions of SGD27.3 million (or 688.8 million baht) from Betagro Foods (Singapore) Limited for the first time in the first quarter of this year, following the completion of the acquisition of Eggriculture, a leading Singaporean egg producer. This confirms the success of our international expansion strategy, while also highlighting our ongoing efforts to explore opportunities in other Asian markets such as Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with an aim to become a leading regional player in the food industry.
“Despite business challenges, particularly the US-China trade war, we see growth opportunities driven by the continued recovery in domestic pork and chicken prices as well as expected declines in key animal feed costs, namely soybean meal and cassava. This will support our business performance over the coming months, underpinned by robust demand from major export markets in Europe and Asia, along with improved cost efficiency. We believe we are on track to reach our 3-7% sales target this year,” said Mr Vasit.
Betagro remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of good governance across its business operations. It was recently awarded the 3-star status, the highest certification level granted by Thailand Private Sector Collective Action Against Corruption (CAC). This underscores Betagro’s commitment to conducting business with ethics, transparency and sustainable growth over the long term.
Pascual and UCC Ueshima Coffee have recently collaborated in the Philippines on a promotion where consumers can get a free Pascual Non-Fat Strawberry Yogurt with every purchase of 3 UCC Matcha Lattes, or a free Pascual Greek Yogurt (Vanilla) with the purchase of three UCC Iced Creamy 3-in-1 Coffee Mix (Chocolate Vanilla).
The deal also comes with a recipe card showcasing the mixing of UCC drinks with Pascual yogurt to elevate the drinks.
The new Del Monte Halo-Halo Mix allows consumers to make their halo-halo easily at home. Just add ice and milk, and you get the perfect homemade halo-halo for you and your family. Del Monte Halo-Halo Mix is available in Puregold stores in GMA and Visayas.
Century Tuna in the Philippines is using Korean heartthrob Park Seo-jun to promote its tuna products as a source of protein. The key theme, “fit with the power of protein,” aligns with Park Seo-jun being at his best. Each 180g can of Century Tuna is packed with 22g of protein.
Century Tuna encourages consumers to boost the health of everyday meals, like Korean ramyun, by adding their protein-packed tuna.
Century Tuna products now feature the image of Park Seo-jun, along with a contest to win a fan fest at Araneta Coliseum on 12 July 2025.
Bayani Brew, a social enterprise brewing farm-fresh tisane drinks inspired by Filipino heritage, has added a new beverage. The latest flavour is Lemongrass Mango,...
