PETALING JAYA, 22 September 2023 – KFC Malaysia is turning up the heat this September with a trio of additions to its menu. This lineup is especially significant as the chicken brand reintroduces seafood into its offerings for the first time since 2014, alongside other surprises.
For chicken lovers, the Spicy BBQ Crunch will certainly be a game-changer. This finger-lickin’ good offering moves away from the sweet tangy notes of a regular BBQ sauce and instead turns up the flavour-meter with distinct smoky flavours and subtle heat of chillies. The unique blend of flavours on KFCs tender chicken delivers a flavour packed plate, sure to turn heads and fill tummies.
Zinger Surf ‘N’ Turf burger
For a limited time only, KFC Malaysia is bringing back the taste of the sea with the all-new Zinger Surf ‘N’ Turf burger. This creation has both a Zinger fillet and a shrimp donut patty. Each bite includes a hearty helping of fresh crisp lettuce, rich and creamy garlic mayo, all nestled between perfectly toasted sesame buns.
Wow Bucket
A meal is never complete without a side dish and the Frosted Sweet Potato Fries are a perfect complement. These succulent sweet potatoes are ‘crisscut’ and topped with a dusting of icing sugar. Available as an add-on to the Wow Bucket combo or ala-carte, these fries are a balance of sweet and savoury.
PMC
Additionally, the ongoing partnership between KFC, streetwear brand Pestle & Mortar Clothing and local comic artist Ujang, continues to grow. In addition to the existing range of merchandise launched during KFC Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in July, the collection now has two new items. A Reversible Bucket Hat and a limited edition 24k Gold Plated Zinc enamel pin.
Don’t miss out on these exciting offerings from KFC Malaysia, available for a limited time starting this September. Whether you’re craving the Surf and Turf Burger, the bold flavours of the Spicy BBQ Crunch, or the sweetness of the Frosted Sweet Potato Fries, KFC Malaysia has something in store for everyone.
For more information, visit www.kfcmalaysia.com or follow us on social media @kfcmalaysia
Bangkok, 22nd September 2023– As a key initiative within the “European Dairy – Ireland, working with nature” campaign, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board made a comeback at the Food Ingredients Asia (FI Asia) trade show in Bangkok, the premier meeting ground for Southeast Asia’s vibrant food and beverage industry. This strategic presence served to fortify bonds between European dairy producers from Ireland and esteemed Thai distributors, importers, and media.
Bord Bia – Irish Food Board continues to champion sustainable dairy practices and foster international partnerships, cementing EU/Ireland’s reputation as a trusted source of high-quality dairy products, and the FI Asia trade show in Bangkok served as an ideal platform to share these aspirations.
In conjunction with the FI Asia event, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board hosted the “Sustainable European Dairy from Ireland Trade Seminar” on September 21st. This symposium delivered invaluable expert perspectives, spotlighting the core values of quality, safety, and sustainability that underscore EU/Ireland’s food and beverage production ethos. Attendees were treated to illuminating presentations on the natural and sustainable production methods intrinsic to European/Irish dairy.
Over 60 attendees from the dairy industry, including local importers, distributors, manufacturers, and media, graced the occasion. They were introduced to Europe/Ireland’s role as a steadfast provider of premium-quality, sustainably produced dairy.
The seminar commenced with an opening address by Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Pat Bourne, followed by a comprehensive Bord Bia Dairy Overview, presented by Mr. Liam McCabe, Dairy Specialist at Bord Bia. Mr. Christophe Lafougere, CEO of GIRA Dairy, then presented valuable market insights into the Global & South-East Asia Dairy industry.
Attendees had the privilege of meeting various prominent EU/Irish Dairy producers, including Arrabawn, Glenstal, Lakeland Dairies, Tipperary Co-op, and Tirlan. An engaging practical demonstration allowed the audience to witness the application of European Dairy from Ireland in real-time.
Mr. Liam McCabe’s presentation on European Dairy from Ireland provided a window into the latest market research findings, while also delving into potential solutions and collaborative opportunities for Thai and European/Irish dairy partners.
H.E. Mr Pat Bourne, Irish Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand
Speaking at the seminar, Irish Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr Pat Bourne said “I am honoured to connect with key partners of Irish exporters here at FI Asia and this European Dairy seminar hosted by Bord Bia, which is a significant investment in this market. Building our relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand is a high priority for Ireland, and we look forward to utilising this campaign to further develop are strong connections within the country.”
Mr. Liam McCabe, Dairy Specialist in Bord Bia
Mr. Liam McCabe, Dairy Specialist in Bord Bia said that “Today’s EU/Irish dairy overview gave attendees an understanding of why our system of production is different, and how that translates into a unique end product. Despite some fluctuations over the past four years our longer-term year-on-year export figures for the region show considerable growth which is an accurate reflection of our continued activity in the market”.
Christophe Lafougere, Food Industry Expert at GIRA indicated “It’s evident that the Southeast Asia region is becoming more crucial for major dairy producing nations. We see particular growth in added value products like mozzarella. The appetite and interest for cheese and butter is growing which puts EU/Ireland in a prime position to capitalise”
The seminar was followed by a networking session which provided the opportunity for Thai customers to connect with Irish dairy exporters.
Economic data:
Ireland exported over 15,900 tonnes of dairy products to Thailand in 2022, worth over €47 million. Due to strong demand for milk powder ingredients, Irish dairy exports to Thailand are up 18% in value terms in the first six months of 2023 (Source: Bord Bia https://www.bordbiaperformanceandprospects.com/).
Suncrest Foods Inc., the maker of Fudgee Barr in the Philippines, has embraced the Korean trend with the launch of Fudgee Bang. The new Citron Tea Honey Lemon Flavoured Cake with Filling taps into the popular Korean citron tea drink. This limited edition product celebrates Fudgee Barr’s 20th anniversary.
Selecta Philippines has unveiled three limited edition ice cream for Christmas 2023. From bonding with friends and family to enjoying it yourself, the new ice cream is available in the following flavours: Vanilla Almond, Triple Chocolate and Ube Kasoy Con Keso.
The White Rabbit returns to celebrate Mid-Autumn! The White Rabbit creamy candy brand, officially imported into Singapore by Hao Food SG, is pleased to announce a brand new treat for the season: An all-new White Rabbit Ice Cream Popiah!
From now to 29 September at City Square Mall’s Atrium, indulge in a medley of nostalgic treats: From rainbow bread and sesame mochi cookie ice cream sandwiches to the brand new White Rabbit Ice Cream Popiah, expect to be spoilt for choice with the White Rabbit in town! Psst – do keep your eyes peeled for adorable limited-edition White Rabbit lanterns as well – just in time for your Mid-Autumn festivities!
Filled to the brim with delicious White Rabbit ice cream, the ice cream popiah is sure to delight anybody who is looking for a new way to experience the magic of White Rabbit! Filled with your choice of Oreo and/or peanut crumble, the White Rabbit Ice Cream Popiah ($5) will be available exclusively at City Square Mall’s White Rabbit pop up until 29 September 2023.
In addition, the White Rabbit will be spreading the Mid-Autumn joy with festive deals for every purchase of White Rabbit ice cream! Simply spend $9 and above and receive a limited-edition White Rabbit paper lantern – what’s more, any ice cream purchase above $18 will bag you an exclusive White Rabbit LED lantern!
What’s more, be sure to spot the adorable White Rabbit Pillow ($25) at the pop up – a loyal companion that is easy to love and even easier to care for!
White Rabbit Fluffy Pillow. Photo credit: Hao Food SG
There are plenty of other tasty White Rabbit treats on the menu, too. Don’t forget to check out the Rainbow Bread Ice Cream Sandwich ($3.50) and Mochi Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.80) from Keong Saik Bakery, which will be making their return to City Square Mall due to popular demand. Of course, for the convenience of all White Rabbit lovers, the Original White Rabbit Popsicles ($2.50 per stick) and fan-favourite White Rabbit Creamy Cup Ice Cream ($5) will be available for you to stock up on as well!
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic creamy White Rabbit candy or simply looking to savour a unique Mid-Autumn treat, make your way down to City Square Mall for a hopping good time this Mid-Autumn!
White Rabbit fans are able to savour the nostalgic flavour of the White Rabbit Ice Cream in the comfort of their homes as well, available online at Hao Food SG’s official White Rabbit store, and select Fairprice retail outlets.
Hi-Q Food Products, the Thai company behind the Roza brand, has turned to AI to power its Roza Chef@Home Variety Stir-Fried Sauce. Harnessing the power of AI, the campaign identified five stir-fried dishes tailored to Thai consumers’ taste preferences, utilising common leftover ingredients and readily available pantry staples.
When faced with the question of what to eat, many people simply respond with an indifferent ‘anything.’ This versatile stir-fry sauce is the perfect solution to this common dilemma, as it can transform a variety of ingredients into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Roza, the company behind the world’s first film-to-kitchen sauce in collaboration with Netflix, is tackling the common cooking challenges faced by millennials, Gen Z, and even experienced home cooks with their Variety Stir-Fried Sauce. This versatile sauce is designed to simplify meal creation and make cooking more enjoyable for everyone.
The five dishes and their cooking instructions can be found here.
Blue Diamond, distributed by Thailand’s Heritage Snacks & Food, has launched Almond Breeze Almond Milk Yogurt, marking the expansion of the Almond Breeze line into yogurt drinks. The almond yogurt milk contains 70kcal per serving and has real fruit juices. It comes in two variants: Tropical Fruit and Mixed Berries. Both are available for purchase at 7-Eleven.
Almond spoonable yogurt and almond yogurt drink are still a niche segment in Thailand, but the recent launch of new products from Blue Diamond suggests that the market may be ready for such a concept.
In addition to the almond milk, Blue Diamond has also launched a new line of XTREMES almonds in Sriracha, Korean BBQ, and Volcano flavors. XTREMES almonds are available at TOPS markets.
(From left) Roderick Wong, Honorary President of SOMLAY; Hans Ong, Manager of Hank’s; Daniel Teng, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Jaya Grocer and Ronald Willie Binati, President of SOMLAY, applauding as Hank’s Five-Star Wines label is introduced to wine connoisseurs gathered to celebrate the “new” Hank’s at the Intermark, Kuala Lumpur on Sept 20.
Here’s Hank’s Five-Star Wines endorsed by Sommelier Association of Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR – For the first time ever in Malaysia, consumers get to choose from 60 labels of officially-rated “Five-Star” wines curated by professionals for quality and value, yet easily available over 40 stores nationwide.
These Hank’s Five-Star Wines, found in eight categories, have undergone a rigorous impartial blind-tasting judging process by sommeliers who are trained and knowledgeable wine professionals.
The Hank’s Five-Star Wines initiative resulted from an exclusive collaboration between Malaysia’s largest wine retailer Hank’s and the Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY).
(From left) Roderick Wong, Honorary President of SOMLAY; Hans Ong, Manager of Hank’s; Daniel Teng, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Jaya Grocer and Ronald Willie Binati, President of SOMLAY, posing with Hank’s Five-Star Wines label at a wine tasting party to celebrate the “new” Hank’s at the Intermark, Kuala Lumpur on Sept 20.
SOMLAY president Ronald Willie Binati introduced the inaugural Hank’s Five-Star Wines to connoisseurs at a gathering hosted by Hank’s at the Intermark, Kuala Lumpur outlet here on Sept 20.
The 60 labels comprise Old World Red, New World Red, Old World White, New World White wines which are then duplicated for those priced RM100 and below per bottle and those priced from RM101 to RM300.
Binati explained that SOMLAY evaluated over 140 labels submitted by suppliers throughout Malaysia and it was done through a blind-tasting process to ensure the utmost objectivity.
“Judges are unaware of the wine’s identity and categorise them by grape variety and price. Using a 100-point scoring system, they score each wine, and the scores are averaged. Those achieving 85 points or above are bestowed the coveted 5-Star rating.
“This meticulous process assures that consumers receive a fair and objective evaluation of wine quality,” he added.
This list is indeed a milestone in the Malaysian wine scene as it’s the first credible guide for wine selection endorsed by SOMLAY.
Jaya Grocer Deputy Chief Executive Officer Daniel Teng said that, based on market research, selecting a good wine could often be daunting for consumers.
“With the wide variety of wines available, selecting a wine can be overwhelming. Hank’s Five-Star Wines offers you professionally-curated top-quality wines, making it much easier for the average wine drinker to decide,” he said.
Teng said this unique collaboration with SOMLAY emerged from Hank’s commitment to providing a customer-centric experience. “We hear your request for guidance and recommendation on which wines to buy. With Hank’s Five-Star Wines, the world of wine is more accessible and enjoyable for all,” he quipped.
Teng said ultimately Hank’s was empowering consumers to make more informed and confident choices thus fostering a deeper appreciation of quality wines in Malaysia.
On this note, Binati described the Malaysian wine market as “fast diversifying” though traditional favourites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc remained popular. More consumers are exploring lesser-known grape varieties and wine regions such as Albarino from Uruguay & Nero d’Avola from Sicilia, Italy.
Evolving palates for Malaysian consumers make them more discerning and sophisticated in their wine preferences on the quality. They are willing to explore wines at various price points and are increasingly interested in wines with unique characteristics.
Hank’s Five-Star Wines is a timely boost for consumers in view of the year-end festivities and New Year revelry. “You can now shop for quality wines to usher in 2024 that meet your budget with absolute peace of mind,” Teng said.
Teng also took the opportunity to showcase the refreshed look of Hank’s at The Intermark featuring a premium wine room to host wine tasting parties.
The new-look Hank’s covers a sprawling 2,500sf shop space complete with a dedicated wine dispenser. Opened since August this year, it will host launches and wine discovery sessions by various brands and partners. It carries wines and other alcoholic drinks including sake and spirits from all over the world.
About Hank’s
Hank’s is the leading Malaysian retailer of beer, wines and spirits providing exceptional selections and expertise to both wine connoisseurs and general consumers. With an expanding network and commitment to customer satisfaction and quality products, hank’s is the top trusted destination for all wine and alcohol-related needs.
About the Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY)
The Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2009. It is the only official Sommelier Association in Malaysia. Membership is open to professionals in the beverage trade, hospitality industries, and beverage education.
The association’s primary focus is to develop the knowledge and skills of people working with hospitality, tourism, and wine businesses, by constantly being “Evolving, Enlightening and Engaging”.
We strive to network with other sommelier associations worldwide and is affiliated with renowned international sommelier associations or groups such as Association de la Sommellerie Internationale and Southeast Asia Sommelier Alliance.
Spritzer Malaysia has unveiled its latest Spritzer Sparkling Lemon at FHM 2023 as part of the bid to expand the usage occasions of its carbonated water series. Consumers can now enjoy the lemon flavoured carbonated water on its own or use it as a mixer.
The bottled water company has also showcased Spritzer Sparkling Water in a new premium glass bottle. The packaging of the sparkling water in a glass bottle has the logo bearing the date 1989. The year 1989 was the year when Spritzer founded its first bottling plant in the Tupai Industrial Area in Taiping. The use of the date and the choice of glass bottle are both ways to express the premiumness of the product and the heritage of the brand.
Nestlé Malaysia has launched new limited edition MILO cans that reflect new activities that young Malaysians are engaging in to express their interest and identity. The company’s new marketing campaign is a refreshing change from the traditional portrayal of young people in sports. It is clear that the brand is trying to connect with its target audience in a more meaningful way by embracing their new and diverse interests.
In the words of MILO, “In an age of uncertainty, it’s about twisting the rules. Creating new experiences. And accomplishing it all in the most unexpected spaces and places. No matter what you choose to discover, MILO cans will be there to energize you. Keep you going. So you can show what you’re made of. Time to Tunjuk Taring, Yo!”
Nestlé Malaysia has also showcased its latest ice cream MILO Kaw at the recent Surf Skate Championship at Putrajaya. The new ice cream features the image of a surf skater showing his sleek moves.
Image credit: Minimeinsights.com
MILO Kaw authentically recreates the MILO experience in this category. “Whereas traditional ‘hard’ chocolate coatings on ice creams melt at a different rate to the ice cream core, the ganache that covers MILO Kaw – which is made using real MILO – is designed to melt at a similar rate to the ice cream underneath, for added flavor and mouthfeel,” according to Nestlé Research & Development.
Guglielmo Bonora, Head of R&D Singapore, said: “People will enjoy the brand’s signature “kaw” taste, as well as the soft ganache coating and the enjoyable crunch of the MILO ‘bites’ embedded in it. To achieve this we used our ingredient know how, while coating the top portion of the bar, for example.”
To develop and promote Thailand as a world-class gastronomy tourism destination, and to raise the profile and value of Thai food on the international...
