The Thai beer brand Leo has unveiled its latest innovation: Leo Supreme, which is the first time a Thai beer brand has used two specific hops from Germany in its brewing process. The use of two specific hops gives the beer a distinctive taste and a premium drinking experience. Leo Supreme is available in both 490ml cans and 620ml bottles.
Bangkok, 2 December 2024 — Central Food Retail Company Limited under Central Retail, the operator of leading retail brands such as Tops, Tops Food Hall, Tops daily, Tops Online, and Matsukiyo, continues to reinforce its position as the pioneer of retail innovation in Thailand. Taking retail experiences to new heights, the company has joined forces with Central Retail Digital and Google Cloud to launch the groundbreaking ‘Tops Chef Bot’, an innovative shopping assistant powered by Generative AI to create a more customized and convenient shopping experience.
This intelligent shopping assistant, the first of its kind in Thai supermarkets, integrates Google Cloud’s state-of-the-art Generative AI technology with Central Food Retail’s Personal Shopper service. It provides customers with a seamless, effortless shopping experience, transforming everyday meal planning into a streamlined and enjoyable process. With Tops Chef Bot, Central Food Retail aims to set a new standard in the retail industry and solidify its position as a ‘Truly World-Class Omni-Channel Lifestyle Food Retailer.’
The service will debut as a pilot program at Tops Food Hall, Central Chidlom. Customers interested in exploring this cutting-edge service can connect with Tops Chef Bot through the LINE application https://lin.ee/bej1ivH, starting today.
Mr. Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Group at Central Retail, remarked: “Since the successful launch of the Personal Shopper service in 2021, which enhanced the convenience and lifestyle of our customers, Tops has continued to innovate and develop cutting-edge retail solutions. We prioritize the integration of digital technology and AI to refine our operations and elevate the customer experience, adapting swiftly to the dynamic trends and demands of the digital era.
“This year, we are revolutionizing Thailand’s retail landscape once again through a strategic collaboration between Central Retail Digital and Google Cloud, a global technology leader. Together, we are proud to unveil ‘Tops Chef Bot’, Thailand’s first intelligent shopping assistant powered by Google Cloud’s enterprise-grade Generative AI capabilities, which is available on the LINE application.”
“Tops Chef Bot offers unparalleled convenience and a more advanced, seamless shopping experience for our customers, reinforcing our vision of being a ‘Truly World-Class Omni-Channel Lifestyle Food Retailer.’ With this initiative, we aim to set new benchmarks for the Thai retail industry, paving the way for a more innovative future.”
Mr. David Llamas, Group Chief Digital Officer, Central Retail Corporation, shared: “The mission of Central Retail Digital is to drive the organization’s complete transformation in the digital era. This includes integrating BigQuery and Vertex AI, Google Cloud’s industry-leading platforms for data analytics and AI development, with our business processes to create a next-generation omni-channel platform, offering the most seamless and comprehensive experience for consumers in line with Central Retail’s CRC OMNI-Intelligence vision.
“In this endeavor, we have collaborated with Central Food Retail Group, starting with Tops Supermarket, to reimagine and enhance the Personal Shopper service. Leveraging Google Cloud’s cutting-edge Gemini 1.5 Flash model and Vertex AI Search capabilities, as well as the expertise of their engineering and AI experts, we have introduced Tops Chef Bot, a groundbreaking intelligent shopping assistant.
“This innovative AI assistant simplifies and personalizes experiences tailored to customers’ individual needs and preferences, making grocery shopping at Tops stores more intuitive and effortless. We at Central Retail Digital firmly believe that the launch of Tops Chef Bot will serve as inspiration for designing even more groundbreaking innovations and mark a significant milestone in advancing Thailand’s retail industry.”
Mr. Annop Siritikul, Country Director, Thailand, Google Cloud, explains: “Central Retail has taken full advantage of our Vertex AI and BigQuery platforms to connect powerful AI models like Gemini 1.5 Flash to its diverse data sources, including inventory, product catalogs, curated recipes, and customer insights – all while upholding stringent security and privacy standards. This platform-first approach has allowed them to develop and launch Tops Chef Bot, a Generative AI agent underpinned by a Google-quality search engine. Tops Chef Bot’s ability to provide personalized meal preparation and grocery shopping assistance is a compelling example of how Generative AI can revolutionize product discovery and truly elevate the retail customer experience.
“Tops also supports Thai small and medium enterprises, such as farmers, by helping them get their products onto the shelves at supermarkets. An AI innovation like Tops Chef Bot will help these products become more discoverable by individuals in the grassroots, thereby boosting these farmers’ earnings. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Central Retail to bring more enterprise-grade data- and AI-driven innovations to shoppers in Thailand.”
Tops Chef Bot, powered by Generative AI, has been developed based on insights from Tops customers, the majority of whom reside in urban areas and lead fast-paced lifestyles. These customers often lack the time to visit physical stores or prepare meals themselves. Tops Chef Bot addresses these needs by providing real-time assistance, mimicking the experience of walking the aisles in person, through four key features:
Tops Chef Bot not only delivers an exceptional shopping experience for customers but also incorporates an advanced online inventory management system. This system optimizes operational efficiency by reducing the need for manual stock checks and conserving resources. Additionally, it drives sales growth through a cross-selling strategy, which focuses on recommending complementary products or services that add value to items customers have previously purchased. The introduction of Tops Chef Bot represents a significant step forward in fostering sustainable business growth, fully aligned with the Central Food Retail Group’s roadmap for long-term development and innovation.
Tops Chef Bot is now live and ready to serve online shoppers, starting with its first integration at Tops Food Hall, Central Chidlom. This marks the first step in a phased rollout, with plans to expand its services to all Tops branches nationwide in the near future. Shoppers can now enjoy the convenience of this intelligent shopping assistant by simply adding Tops Thailand as a ‘friend’ on the LINE application.
For more information, visit www.tops.co.th, follow the TopsThailand Facebook page, or connect via the LINE application at @TopsThailand.
Dousoul, a new premium soy milk brand, has been launched in Thailand at the Makro “Dairy Destination” event. Sold at Makro (1L), Lotus’s (1L and 300ml) and 7-Eleven (300ml), Dousoul uses non-GMO soybeans grown in the rich black soil of Heilongjiang, a province in Northeastern China.
Dousoul is available in traditional and honey-flavored soy milk flavours. The inclusion of honey in soymilk makes it a fascinating choice.
Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd., has recently launched new addition to its aminoVITAL range. The new amino acid supplements to support athletes and fitness enthusiasts include:
In another development, Ajinomoto is marking its 65th year of enhancing the nutrition and health of Thais with the “aminoVITAL Run 2025”. Scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan, the race offers a scenic route through Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Register now at run.checkrace.com/event/amino2025 until January 17, 2025.
Chao Sua, the famous meat snack brand in Thailand, has launched its latest innovation ready-to-rat crispy pork sausage. The new Crispy Chinese Pork Sausage can be enjoyed with hot rice, as a main dish ingredient, or as a quick snack. This meat snack product is available in a 20-gram pack for THB 30, at all 7-Eleven stores, supermarkets and nearby retailers.
This innovation transforms a traditionally cooked meat product into a ready-to-eat snack.
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 DECEMBER 2024 – With the festive season fast approaching, Cinnabon Malaysia, operated by AC Hesed Group, is delighted to unveil the Lotus Biscoff Series! Launched in official collaboration with Lotus, this Series comprises of one Cinnabon and two drinks, imbued with delicious Lotus Biscoff.
First in the Series is the brand-new Lotus Biscoff Cinnabon! This indulgent creation combines Cinnabon’s iconic and world-famous cinnamon rolls, with the caramelised richness of Lotus Biscoff. Specifically, Cinnabon Malaysia has innovated a Lotus Biscoff flavoured cream cheese frosting, which tops its classic cinnamon rolls, along with decadent caramel and Lotus Biscoff cookie crumbs. This combination promises an unforgettable treat for family and friends.
Available in classic and mini sizes, these limited-time Lotus Biscoff Cinnabon offer a delightful blend of comfort and festive flair, making it ideal for solo indulgence or sharing. They are perfect for bringing Cinnabon’s magic into your holiday gatherings.
The Lotus Biscoff Series also includes two sumptuous new, Biscoff-filled drinks: the Lotus Biscoff Latte and Lotus Biscoff Chillatta®! These drinks prominently feature the distinct tastes of Lotus Biscoff and promises to be a warm and comforting delight to anyone who tries them.
“We’re thrilled to bring this fresh and delicious twist to Malaysians, allowing them to savour new indulgent experiences close to home. With our ongoing expansion across Malaysia, we hope to create the best taste experiences for our fans, and we look forward to everyone sharing more sweet moments with us,” said Andy Chaw, Founder of AC Hesed Group.
The Lotus Biscoff Series joins Cinnabon Malaysia’s fan-favourite lineup, including the Classic, Chocobon, and Caramel Pecanbon. You can also enjoy Cinnabon’s signature Roll-on-the-Go, Classic hand-squeezed Lemonade, espresso-based drinks, and blended Chillattas®.
In addition to this new flavour, AC Hesed Group has been continually expanding Cinnnabon’s presence across Malaysia. Currently, Cinnabon operates at The Exchange TRX, Nu Sentral, Sunway Pyramid, and IOI City Mall, with plans to open more outlets soon, making these indulgent treats more accessible to Malaysian fans. In particular, fans can look forward to new Cinnabon outlets at AEON Tebrau and KLCC very soon!
Visit Cinnabon stores at The Exchange TRX, Nu Sentral, Sunway Pyramid, and IOI City Mall during their operating hours from 10.00 am to 10.00 or follow Cinnabon Malaysia on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
About AC Hesed Group
AC Hesed Group’s goal is to bring luxurious and delicious treats from around the world to Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. With a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, AC Hesed Group is home to a growing portfolio of internationally beloved food and beverage brands from around the world. In Malaysia, its current brand portfolio includes Cinnabon (USA); 108 Matcha Saro (Japan); and Ben’s Cookies (UK). When bringing these delectable treats into new markets, AC Hesed Group is committed to ensuring that all products maintain the same quality, taste, and standards as those in their place of origin. In other words, AC Hesed Group’s goal is to give those in their communities the opportunity to taste and enjoy the best sensations that the world has to offer, from the comforts of their home. To ensure these standards of met, AC Hesed Group imports all core raw materials in their products straight from their source. For example, Ben’s Cookies’ cookie dough is imported directly from the United Kingdom, and 108 Matcha Saro’s desserts and treats contain ceremonial grade Uji Matcha, imported directly from Kyoto, Japan. With relentless dedication and commitment, AC Hesed Group aims to expand to over 100 stores in Malaysia in the next three years.
Finally, aligned with its mission to bring delicious treats to the region is the hope to provide homes to similar businesses. This formed the motivation for AC Hesed Group to venture into freehold, food industries commercial property development. AC Hesed Group and their dedicated team look forward to serving you soon.
Lay’s, the popular crispy potato chips by Pepsi-Cola (Thailand) Trading Company Limited, has announced the five fan-nominated flavours that will make a triumphant return and win the hearts of Lay’s fans once again.
From the ten fan-nominated flavors, the top five that everyone voted to bring back are (in bold):
Pepsi-Cola (Thailand) has created more than 201 unique flavours in the past 30 years.
This marketing campaign provides valuable insights into Thai consumer tastes.
M&M’s and global lifestyle brand kate spade new york have collaborated for this Holiday season with limited-edition candy-themed collection. The collection features a range of accessories, including handbags, phone cases, jewelry, and home goods, all adorned with M&M’s characters.
In Singapore, the limited-edition M&M’s x Kate Spade New York collection, priced from SGD140 to SGD740, will be available at specialty stores islandwide.
In Thailand, consumers can experience the M&M’s x kate spade new york Statement Candy Pop-up at Table of Contents café (@tableofcontents.toc) in Banthat Thong. The launch event featured a colourful fashion show by the 4EVE girls, showcasing seven coats inspired by the iconic chocolate balls.
The exclusive dessert and beverage menus includes M’acaron, Fun Filled Fresh Cream Cookie, Statement Candy Brownie, M’ilk Slushy and M’Smore Hot Chocolate Peanut.
ZUS Coffee has launched the Brownie Series to encourage consumers to chill this December. The Brownie Series are available from 9 December 2024 and come in the following variants:
Along with the launch of the Brownie Series, the homegrown coffee chain is leverage the capybara appeal with limited-edition capybara merchandise such as stickers and the Bulu Bulu Cup Sleeve.
Beverage chains often use cute animal mascots, like Thailand’s Moo Deng, which is a cute pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand, alpacas and capybaras, to attract customers.
Nissin has collaborated with Japanese “fast-steak” restaurant franchise Pepper Lunch to launch Pepper Lunch Bowl Noodles in Singapore. The new offerings come in two popular Pepper Lunch signatures:
Nissin has been collaborating with various brands in Singapore as a strategy to engage with the local audience with new and interesting flavours. The latest partnership taps into Pepper Lunch, the original fast casual Japanese DIY concept restaurant, serves sizzling and delicious meals. They currently operate 11 restaurants and 12 express outlets in Singapore.
Nissin has also launched Pepper Lunch Bowl Noodles in Thailand.
