7-Eleven Malaysia continues to roll out its own brand household pantry staples including the latest sauces. The new products include tomato sauce, chili sauce and black pepper sauce as well as mushroom pasta sauce. The tomato, chili and black peppers sauces are in a squeezable pack. All these products are said to be vegan friendly.
7-Eleven Singapore has announced its 7Cafe Arabica coffee beans are now Rainforest Alliance certified. According to Rainforest Alliance, the organisation works to “better position coffee farmers by connecting them with responsible markets, and by providing trainings in climate-smart and regenerative growing practices that boost yields and incomes.”
The “Rainforest Alliance certification program also promotes the human rights of those working in the coffee sector.”
7-Eleven Singapore is setting the ethical standard for coffee and this could encourage other foodservice coffee players including RTD coffee producers to follow suit.
Amazin’ Graze has made available a smaller sachet version of its Oh-So-Protein Blend in Malaysia. The sachet format (35g) complements the current tub format (700g) to make the plant-based protein blend more portable to consume anywhere and anytime.
Oh-So-Protein Blend has 25g of plant-based protein (non-GMO pea protein) per serving, zero sugar, gluten free, 18 amino acids, 2 billion CFU probiotics for digestive health, immunity-boosting turmeric and green tea extracts and Fibersol to manage blood glucose and lower LDL cholesterol.
The Amazin’ Grace Oh-So-Vanilla On-The-Go Sachets / Choco-holic On-The-Go Sachets is priced at RM 39.90 (6x35g).
Oh-So-Vanilla On-The-Go Sachet: Pea Protein Isolate (85.7%), Vanilla Powder (14.3%), Stevia Extract (0.9%), Fibersol 2 (0.3%), Bifidobacterium Longum (0.3%), Acerola Cherry Extract, Tumeric Extract, Green Tea Extract.
Choco-holic On-The-Go Sachet: Pea Protein Isolate (85.7%), Cocoa Powder (13.7%), Stevia Extract (1.1%), Salt, Fibersol 2 (0.3%), Bifidobacterium Longum (0.3%), Acerola Cherry Extract, Tumeric Extract, Green Tea Extract.
Feel Matcha has partnered with Tango, the wafer brand of Orang Tua, to launch new collaborative drinks featuring Tango wafer. The matcha drinks with Tango wafer are available in three variants Crispy Waffle Cookie Cream Frappe, Crumbly Waffle Mocha Latte Frappe and Crunchy Waffle Choco Hazelnut Frappe.
The partnership taps into the rising popularity of matcha, a tea ingredient from Japan that is not only healthy but also tasty.
22 June 2023 – Coca-Cola Indonesia, in partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), has announced the nationwide launch of bottles made from 100% recycled PET (rPET) plastic, excluding the cap and label.
In a first for the country, rPET packaging is now available for Coca-Cola Trademark brands, Fanta, Sprite in 390ml, and Sprite Waterlymon in 425ml.
This significant milestone is a step toward the development of a closed loop circular economy in Indonesia, and underscores CCEP’s commitment to its goal of using 50% recycled plastic in its packaging by 2025. This ambition is aligned with the Coca-Cola Company’s sustainability vision A World Without Waste.
The introduction of 100% rPET bottles marks a substantial contribution towards this goal, reducing reliance on new plastics in Indonesia and lowering carbon emissions in the production process.
A state-of-the-art recycling facility in West Java, established by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Indonesia (CCEP) and Dynapack Asia, manufactures the recycled bottles from post-consumer PET, and boosting recycling capability in the region.
The factory also houses a jointly established foundation – Mahija Parahita Nusantara – a key means of driving circular outcomes for PET bottles while stabilising feedstock pricing and ensuring fair and responsible collection practices for waste collectors.
The foundation supports The Coca-Cola Company’s goal of collecting the equivalent of each can and bottle it sells by 2030, developing collection infrastructure through collection micro-enterprises, social enterprise and community support.
By supporting the informal waste-picker community with stable employment and vital social care, Mahija helps provides the feedstock for the facility while ensuring that the factory operations adhere to human rights principles and regulations in the waste collection supply chain, such as eliminating child labour and providing safe work environments.
Read more about our work in Indonesia here.
YUZU GROUP, a renowned Thai premium food chain operating under the concept of “Happiness comes in tastes… Like no others” has recently made a 100 million baht investment in the restaurant market. This investment comes as a result of deals with KOGORO Katsu, known for its original Japanese recipe of Katsudon, and Chicken Club Thailand, a provider of authentic Korean Fried Chicken. These newly added food chains align with the strong Japanese and Korean food trend that has been consistently popular among customers from various segments.
Additionally, YUZU GROUP is in the process of launching a new product brand in the third quarter of this year to further accelerate its sustainable growth. The company has set a sales target of 20% growth for 2023.
Mr. Poramin Pruangmethangkul, Founder & CEO of YUZU GROUP at Sompasook Co., Ltd., commented, “2023 is an exciting year for the food and beverages market in Thailand. The demand for Japanese and Korean cuisine has been steadily increasing. With the reopening of borders after Covid-19 pandemic that enables import of high-quality food products from Japan and Korea, new opportunities have emerged for menu innovation. The Katsudon and Korean Fried Chicken markets still have untapped potential, as these menus are currently popular and can be expanded to cater to customers of all age groups. We expect this expansion to contribute to the growth and profitability of our company in the short and long term.”
The addition of the two brands, KOGORO Katsu and Chicken Club Thailand, is believed to strengthen YUZU GROUP’s bargaining power and enhance cost management significantly. It will also create new business opportunities in the food industry and support sustainable growth throughout the entire organization. YUZU GROUP plans to leverage its expertise in effectively managing premium-grade raw materials to develop new food products that offer customers a unique dining experience.
As for the newly added brands, KOGORO Katsu is a unique restaurant that exclusively serves a special Tonkatsu recipe directly imported from Niigata, the City of Golden Pear. Operating under the concept of “Living a Crisp Life,” KOGORO Katsu offers sweet and juicy pears that are unlike any others. The pear is one of the main ingredients used in KOGORO Katsu’s menu, delicately paired with over 20 carefully selected katsu dishes to deliver the authentic taste of Niigata to customers during their special meals.
The restaurant takes pride in using rice sourced from Iwate Prefecture, where the rice is grown under perfect water and climate conditions. This soft and fragrant rice is served in clay pots designed to keep the rice warm for a longer period. The breadcrumbs used for the Tonkatsu are made from freshly baked bread, resulting in a crispy coating that doesn’t absorb excess oil. KOGORO Katsu also offers an original Niigata sauce with a sweet and sour flavor, made from 17 ingredients including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Additionally, the restaurant boasts a Signature Katsu Pear Sauce, a secret sauce made from pear fruit that sets their Tonkatsu apart. These sauces complement various food items on the menu.
Currently, KOGORO Katsu operates at three branches: Siam Square Soi 7, Central World, and Mega Bangna.
YUZU GROUP has further expanded its business by venturing into fast-service Korean food with the brand Chicken Club Thailand. Chicken Club Thailand offers street food-style fried chicken from Korea, following the concept of “Walk Out with Wings.” The restaurant adds a slight twist to the recipe to cater to local preferences. Alongside the popular fried chicken, the menu also includes pan-fried dishes, noodles, and various types of Korean street food. Diners can savor the authentic flavors of Korea that make them feel like dining in the streets of Myeong-dong. The restaurant’s first and only branch as of now is located at Siam Square Soi 7.
Mr. Poramin also emphasized the group’s investment in and continuous development of its CRM system. The focus is on comprehensive customer engagement and fostering loyalty. The group’s loyalty program, which offers three levels (silver, gold, and platinum), can be accessed through its LINE@ Official account. In addition to receiving the latest information, members can accumulate points and redeem rewards at any of the restaurants under YUZU GROUP.
Previously, YUZU GROUP operated seven brands, including Yuzu Omakase, Yuzu Suki, Yuzu Ramen, Yuzu Sushi Delivery, Yuzu Honey, Thai Thai Boat Noodles, and Yuzu Ramen Express. The group had a total of 13 outlets in Thailand and four outlets overseas as of May 2023. With the addition of KOGORO Katsu and Chicken Club Thailand, the group now operates a total of 17 outlets and aims to open another 10 outlets by the end of 2023, resulting in a total of 27 outlets and projecting a 20% growth. Mr. Poramin also revealed the group’s plan to launch a new brand within Q3 of this year, expanding its product line to meet the demands of customers across all market segments.
The business turnover of the YUZU GROUP in 2022 was 430 million baht, with a profit of over 80 million baht. The proactive marketing plan in the food industry for 2023 aims to increase the group’s business turnover by more than 20%.
For more detailed information, please visit www.yuzugroup2018.com.
Shah Alam, June 28, 2023- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising many aspects of our lives. For this Parents’ Day that falls on the 23rd of July, Alce Nero™ enlisted a popular AI powered search to suggest an organic and creative three course menu that kids can make for their parents using its products.
Alce Nero™’s AI-prompted initiative empowers kids to take charge in the kitchen, so that they are confident in their capabilities while fostering creativity and experimentation. Cooking is a valuable life skill that kids should learn early on, and Parents’ Day is the perfect occasion for kids to gift parents and grandparents with a meal that they have made mostly by themselves with just a little help from their proud parents.
Alce Nero™’s farm-to-table concept is made possible by working with its network of organic farmers, making the produce much healthier as they are grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals, non-polluting and with no Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to meet global organic certification standards. All Alce Nero™ products are certified organic displaying European Organic Certification and the Japanese Organic Certification. Malaysians can use Alce Nero™ products with confidence as it is certified Halal by official certification bodies recognized by JAKIM.
Ready for this AI-powered organic three-course meal that looks fancy, tastes delicious and is simple enough for kids to prepare for parents or grandparents? It’s time to add AI to “I Love You” and “我爱你” (I love you in Mandarin) this Parents’ Day, with Alce Nero™ organic products. The products featured are Alce Nero™ Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Alce Nero™ Organic Pasta Sauce with Vegetables, Alce Nero™ Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar, Alce Nero™ Organic Wildflower Honey and Alce Nero™ Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Drink: Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Kids can mix up this impressively pretty and healthy drink in minutes. Thinly slice an orange, a lime, and a grapefruit. Place 1 slice of each citrus fruit in a glass. Pour one teaspoon of Alce Nero™ Apple Cider Vinegar and one teaspoon of Alce Nero™ Wildflower Honey over the fruit. Top with chilled sparkling water, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy immediately.
Prep time: 10 minutes, serves: 3-4 pax
Appetiser: Saucy Rainbow Crostini
This saucy rainbow crostini looks stunning and tastes even better, yet is simple to make.
Slice a baguette diagonally to about 1 to 2 centimetres thickness – thinner slices will be crispier, thicker slices will be heartier. If you do not have access to baguettes, regular sliced bread will work, but won’t be as crisp. Heat oven to 200C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush Alce Nero™ Extra Virgin Olive Oil on both sides of each slice. Sprinkle minced garlic on each slice. Toast for 7 minutes on each side. Remove from the oven.
For the saucy base, mix Alce Nero™ Organic Pasta Sauce with 1 to 2 tablespoons of Alce Nero™ Apple Cider Vinegar. Generously spread sauce bread on each slice. Add a layer of grated cheese so toppings can adhere. Load up each saucy slice with some Ayam Brand™ Sweet Corn, Ayam Brand™ Processed Peas, black olive slices, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Finish with another sprinkle of grated cheese.
Increase the oven temperature to 220C on the grill function. Pop the tray back into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is melty and gooey.
Garnish with some fresh basil and dig into Saucy Rainbow Crostini, healthy, colourful, crunchy and scrumptious.
Prep time: 10 minutes, cook time: 25 minutes, serves: 3-4 pax
Mains: Meatballs in Spaghetti Nests
How cute is this dish? Add one large meatball for each family member into the nest for a symbolic and adorable main course.
Prepare meatballs by adding minced onion, black pepper, cornflour, salt and the minced meat of your choice (we used chicken) then form into balls. Coat with breadcrumbs. Bake at 180C for 25 to 30 minutes. While the meatballs are baking, cook Alce Nero™ Whole Wheat Spaghetti following the instructions on the packet, packet drain and allow to cool. Spray an oven-proof bowl with cooking spray. Add the grated cheese into the cooled Alce Nero™ Whole Wheat Spaghetti, toss well until well combined. Set aside.
Mix the Alce Nero™ Pasta Sauce with Vegetables with the Ayam Brand Baked Beans. Pour the pasta sauce mixture into the middle of the nest. Arrange the baked meatballs atop the pasta sauce mix. Sprinkle more grated cheese if desired. Cool slightly, decorate the meatballs to form bird faces, garnish with chopped basil and it is ready to serve.
Prep time: 15 minutes, cook time: 45 minutes, serves: 3-4 pax
Availability
Alce Nero™ products are available at AEON, Ben’s, Cold Storage, Giant, Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, TF Value and via the Ayam Brand Shopee Official Store & Ayam Brand Lazada Official Store.
For more time and effort saving recipes that you can enjoy, please visit https://alcenero.asia/recipes.html and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AlceNeroMalaysia/
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 JUNE 2023 – Pizza Hut Malaysia, in an exciting collaboration with the award-winning mobile game Genshin Impact, announced a new campaign for its recently launched Pizza Hut Melts with the official slogan “A Tasty Adventure with Pizza Hut”. The campaign which spans across six weeks will offer fans exclusive merchandise, captivating store designs, and an in-game treat.
The collaboration will be marked with Pizza Hut inspired characters dressed in Genshin
inspired outfits. The two brands first collaborated in 2022 where the campaign by Pizza Hut China was extremely well received. Consecutive campaigns in both Taiwan and Japan also saw tremendous success.
Pizza Hut Malaysia Chief Marketing Officer Emily Chong says that the introduction of Pizza Hut Melts is the perfect opportunity to bridge gaming and food, as it is a handheld crunchy wrap, prefect to be enjoyed when gaming.
The Pizza Hut x Genshin Impact campaign will unfold in three phases, each offering unique Genshin Impact merchandises, paired with the newly launched Melts meal set. From 5th July to 18th July, fans will be able to collect limited-edition merchandise featuring the character Ningguang. The second phase, running from 19th July to 1st August, will showcase merchandise centered around the character Yelan and finally, from 2nd August to 15th August, featuring the character Xiangling. The MyBox Melts collaboration combo sets will come in a Standard Meal Set priced at RM 27.90 containing photocards & sticker packs, while the Premium Meal Set will be priced at RM 47.90 containing a photocard, sticker pack and a notebook.
Furthermore, Pizza Hut will transform three of its stores into enchanting havens for Genshin Impact fans. These Flagship Stores will be adorned with captivating Genshin Impact characters and scenery, providing the perfect backdrop for fans to enjoy the game and a delicious meal.
Exclusive fan events will be hosted in these Flagship Stores starting with Pizza Hut Sunway Pyramid on 8th July, followed by Pizza Hut Queensbay Mall in Penang on 15th July and finally the final leg at Pizza Hut Midvalley Southkey in Johor Bahru on 22nd July.
Tickets to the event are priced at RM 60 and includes a MyBox Melts Genshin Impact Premium Meal Set worth RM47.90, a limited-edition merchandise, in-game inspired beverage and the opportunity to meet and greet cosplayers. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in activities to win exclusive prizes. The event will be an immersive experience, allowing fans to indulge in their love for Genshin Impact while savouring the delicious Pizza Hut Melts. Entrance tickets are available for purchase from 30 June onwards at Pizza Hut WhatsApp number at 016-7552525.
For more information and updates on the Melts campaign and Fan Event, fans and gamers
are encouraged to follow Pizza Hut Malaysia’s official Facebook, Instagram pages and its
website at https://www.pizzahut.com.my/
Kuala Lumpur, 28 June 2023 – Lazada Malaysia has been announced as one of the strategic partners of Rakan Muda – Nafas Baharu under the Ministry of Youth and Sports during the launch of the revitalised programme by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh and the former Minister of Youth and Sports, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Abdul Ghani Othman, who first introduced the Rakan Muda programme back in 1994. Adding inspiration to the youth of Rakan Muda, world badminton champion, Datuk Lee Chong Wei and world No. 1 Keirin track cyclist, Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang were also present at the launch that took place at University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi on 25 June 2023, along with over 3,000 youth and volunteers.
In support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ objective to engage one million young Malaysians between the age of 15 to 30 to join Rakan Muda, Lazada will offer a slew of incentives on its platform. As an eCommerce partner that values diversity and acknowledges the importance of inclusivity across its local consumer-base, Lazada is in a strong position to engage the younger generation through three out of ten Rakan Muda main pillars, namely – Rakan Niaga (Entrepreneurial), Rakan Digital (Technology) and Rakan Aktif (Sports).
“Malaysian youth are passionate about their place in the world, as they seek to make a difference, while charting their own path. As the pioneer eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, Lazada is a dynamic organisation with a young workforce that is vested in the growth of the nation’s digital economy. We are committed to create more job opportunities and to develop future-ready talents across our eCommerce ecosystem. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the Rakan Muda programme is synergistic, as we work together to uplift the next generation in the years to come,” said Alan Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Malaysia.
Resonating the strong spirit of inclusiveness, Lazada will be engaging thousands of sports enthusiasts, including hundreds of youths through Lazada Run, the first-ever initiative to champion fitness and sports for all by an eCommerce platform in the region. The Malaysia leg of Lazada Run will take place at Persiaran Flora, Cyberjaya on 16 July 2023. In the effort to add greater value and contribute towards the activation of Rakan Aktif, Lazada will sponsor the participation of more than 40 para-athletes, along with 1,000 complimentary Lazada Run tickets for the youth and students of public universities to join the run. Hundreds of Satria volunteers under the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Skuad Sukarelawan will also partake in the event as cheerleaders, supporters and assistants to the para-athletes. On top of that, Lazada will make a charitable donation to the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM).
Rakan Muda was launched in 1994 as a unifying platform for youth development across the country, as well as to foster multiculturalism. As one of the official partners of Rakan Muda, Lazada will offer a one-off voucher package worth up to RM15 for youths that sign-up for the programme. To find out more, visit https://www.kbs.gov.my/rakanmuda.
In its effort to promote digital entrepreneurship amongst local youth, Lazada has also launched Lazada4Youth in 2022 through an MoU with Universiti Teknologi Mara. To date, the series of Lazada4Youth hybrid workshops that have been organised via online and face-to-face engagements across UiTM campuses nationwide has engaged over 36,000 students, enabling them to explore digital commerce opportunities and sparking their interest to be Lazada’s online sellers or LazAffiliates partners. Recently, the Lazada x Asia Pacific University ASBX Business Challenge has also successfully engaged 105 students, where they pitched AI tech-driven innovative ideas and entrepreneurial solutions that can be adopted for eCommerce business operations.
Lazada will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to contribute and add value to the Rakan Muda pillars of Rakan Niaga and Rakan Digital in the future.
Nestlé Malaysia has unveiled its latest La Cremeria ice cream with the new La Cremeria Hazelnut. This is a vanilla and chocolate flavoured ice cream with chocolate coating, hazelnut and peanuts. The total sugar content on a per serving of 76ml is 15g.
