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Le Minerale ‘volcanic mineral water’ makes its debut in Malaysia

Mayora’s Le Minerale bottled mineral water has been launched in Malaysia. The company describes the product as ‘volcanic mineral water’ with the source of the mineral water coming from volcanic mountains in Indonesia.

Other positive attributes of Le Minerale include:

  1. Bottles are nitrogen-filled to prevent minerals in the water from oxidation
  2. Bottles utilise shrink-wrapped caps to prevent any contamination
  3. Sealed capping of the bottles ensure the pressure within the bottle is maintained to prevent it from damage
Image by Minimeinsights.com

As companies push forward with their sustainability agenda, we feel having the shrink-wrapped caps is a move backwards.

In Peninsula Malaysia, Le Minerale 600 ml and 1.5L are priced at RM 1.25 and RM 2.50 respectively, with pricing for East Malaysia at RM 1.50 and RM3.00 respectively.

For comparison purposes, Bleu Mineral Water (1.5L) is priced at RM 1.95 at AEON Big, Spritzer Mineral Water (1.25L) at RM 3.45, Cactus Mineral Water (1.5L) at RM 1.39 and AEON Big private label mineral water (1.5L) at RM 1.05.

 

Milo Mindvibe is a new variant for Vietnamese youths with green tea and taurine

Milo Mindvibe, which was launched in Vietnam, is an interesting Milo drink with a peppermint flavour. This shelf stable drink targets youths by providing them with ingredients like green tea, taurine, zinc and B vitamins to help them focus especially for studying. Milo Mindvibe also has malt and protein to provide the energy to fuel their active lifestyle.

URC enters the cultured milk segment in the Philippines

Universal Robina Corp (URC) has partnered with Asahi Beverages Philippines (ABP) and a move that marks URC’s entry into the cultured milk segment in the Philippines. The Goodday cultured milk, which contains Lactobacillus Paracasei MCC1849 to help improve immunity, was first launched in the Philippines in 2020. This strain is also known to help prevent the common cold, promote production of antibodies and enhance the effects of certain vaccines.

Having URC on board will accelerate the go-to-market of Goodday cultured milk where the drink will be made available in all of URC’s distribution networks across the country.

Goodday cultured milk is competing directly with Yakult and Dutch Mill Delight, which is distributed locally by Monde Nissin.

Dutch Mill Delight’s market share fell to 18% in 2021 from 26% in 2020 due to supply chain issue as a result of COVID-19-related manpower shortages in the Dutch Mill factory in Thailand. Dutch Mill Delight is still the number two player in the category with a market share of 20.8% in the second quarter of 2022, according to Nielsen data.

Thailand reinforces Kitchen of the World status with Healthier, Tastier Food of The Future

Wednesday 17 August 2022 – Thailand, a long-standing leading producer, and net exporter of food is gearing up to provide the world with volume and nutritive quality in a sustainable manner, and to meet global consumer demand for unique tastes with its food of the future offerings.

The country promotes itself as the “Kitchen of the World’ on account of its strength in the food industry, arising from its abundant natural resources, continuing investment in food innovation and commitment to food safety standards. In 2021, Thailand ranked 13th largest food exporter in the world, with exports valued at USD30.5 billion.

However, the country is not resting on its laurels and is pushing ahead to meet the growing global demand for healthier food, and so-called food of the future, such as plant-based proteins and meat alternatives. Presently, Thailand is the world’s 25th largest exporter of alternative proteins, with USD1.21 billion worth of food of the future in the first quarter of 2022, up 26% on year. Major markets include US, China and Vietnam.

With an increasing number of conglomerates, SMEs and food tech start-ups entering this segment, Thailand’s future food offering is increasing in both quantity and quality. To compete producers not only aim to create the taste and texture of traditional meat products but also explore the use of new primary ingredients such as chickpea, mushrooms, and barley instead of soy, corn and wheat.  Exotic seasonings from fruits, spices and herbs are inventively added to make future food products from Thailand stand out.

Smith Taweelerdniti, the producer of Let’s Plant Meat said the key to success is to find a balance in the flavor, health and environmental benefits. “Whoever that could skew the consumer demand toward more sustainable and more healthy, I think, is a boon for the planet,” he said in an interview to CNBC Asia. “It’s about creating the flavor and aroma, this is the key.”

Scaling up innovation is part of the Thai government’s plan to promote the sector as a key economic driver. Thaifex, the largest food and beverage trade show in Asia steadily offers food innovators chances to showcase their ideas. A food tech team from Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University won the ASEAN Food Innovation Challenge 2021 with “The Marble Booster”, plant-based Wagyu-style marbled-meat slices infused with immune-boosters, turmeric and black-pepper extracts. The product will soon be sold at convenience stores.

Thailand’s other alternative proteins, namely edible insects, a well-known local delicacy, and protein sourced from insects have long made inroads into markets including US, UK, Germany, and South Korea. Popular insects like crickets and grasshoppers are used as ingredients in preparations including canned food, pastry and candy.  As growing concerns about food security and sustainability are boosting global demand, Thailand aims to step up sales of edible insects and insect protein powders and its current rank of 17th largest exporter of live insects.

The Official White Rabbit Celebrates New Ice Cream Launch with a Pop-up at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

From August 26 to September 11, the hip East Coast café will offer a limited-time set menu with the new ice cream, along with official White Rabbit merchandise available for purchase

SINGAPORE, 19 August — The official White Rabbit has just launched their new ice cream in a 70 g cup! Made with premium ingredients and only the freshest milk and cream, thanks to a collaboration with Bright Dairy & Food Co. Ltd and Shanghai Guan Sheng Yuan Food Ltd, the new cup version of the White Rabbit ice cream is even softer and more luscious than ever before. Plus, it tastes exactly like the creamy, chewy texture of the beloved candy! 

To celebrate the new ice cream and the 1st anniversary of White Rabbit ice cream’s arrival in Singapore, Hao Food SG, the brand’s official distributor in Singapore, is launching an exclusive pop-up and a social media contest!

White Rabbit Pop-Up at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

From August 26 to September 11, diners can enjoy a limited-time White Rabbit Ice Cream set menu at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery that consists of the café’s famous kaya toast and eggs, a drink of their choice, and a cup of the new White Rabbit ice cream for just $9.50! 

What’s more, official White Rabbit merchandise — such as mugs, pillows, umbrellas and canvas bags — will also be available for purchase at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery during this period.

Famed for its traditional baking techniques and delectable pastries, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is a nostalgic café that offers authentic, simple pleasures for a new generation of diners. A proud family-owned establishment since its founding in the 1920s, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery is beloved by both the young and the old. The café recently underwent a makeover and reopened its doors in September 2021, unveiling a modern, tasteful interior that’s both cosy and aesthetic. It’s a location with rich heritage and familiar surroundings, making it the perfect location to savour the new White Rabbit ice cream.

Dave Fu, the founder of Hao Food SG, says: “We are very excited to launch the new White Rabbit ice cream cups in Singapore. Last year, we launched the White Rabbit ice cream sticks, which received so much love and support that we wanted to bring the ice cream cups to Singapore to share it with more people. The taste and texture of it reminds me exactly of the original White Rabbit Creamy Candy from my youth – it’s a wonderful reminder of how something so nostalgic and comforting can be loved by both young and old.”

‘Chase the White Rabbit’ Social Media Contest

In conjunction with the pop-up at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, Hao Food SG is also launching an exciting new social media contest!

The White Rabbit is hiding somewhere in Singapore, and the first three people to find its burrow will stand the chance to win attractive prizes: The grand prize is a White Rabbit Hunt Staycation at Lloyd’s Inn worth S$500! The gorgeous room at Lloyd’s Inn will come decked out in a White Rabbit theme – there will also be White Rabbit merchandise and, of course, the new ice cream cups! The second and third prize winners will receive an assortment of official White Rabbit merchandise and ice cream.

From August 26, participants can keep an eye on Hao Food SG’s social media platforms for clues about the White Rabbit’s hiding place. After decoding the clues on social media, participants can head out to follow the White Rabbit’s trail in real life. To participate, players are to locate and take a selfie with the hidden White Rabbits in at least two out of five designated spots scattered across Singapore, and tag Hao Food SG on Instagram at @haofoodsg.

Finally, after piecing together all the clues, participants will discover where the White Rabbit has been waiting for them all the while. The first 3 participants to arrive at the tea party with their selfies will stand a chance to win attractive prizes.

Even if you aren’t one of the winners, don’t worry — Hao Food SG has prepared a little gift for everyone else who makes it to the final location by 11 September.

1-for-1 Deals on White Rabbit Cup Ice Cream

Can’t wait to get your hands on the new White Rabbit cup ice cream? Fret not. The
official White Rabbit cup ice cream, with an improved taste and refreshed look, will be
launching exclusively at FairPrice Online on 28 August before being stocked at select
FairPrice and FairPrice Xpress supermarkets, as well as on Take App, on 8
September. Each White Rabbit Cup ice cream is priced at $5.50 per cup. Take
advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free launch promotion till 21 September, while stocks
last.

 

137 Degrees turns almond milk into a nutritionally complete drink with A to Zinc

Simple Foods, the maker of 137 Degrees almond milk in Thailand, has turned almond milk into a complete nutrition drink with 21 of the essential vitamins and minerals. This vegan drink contains ingredients to improve immunity, skin complexion, bone and teeth, eye and vision and brain function.

Similar to the concept of the Huel nutritionally complete meal in a bottle, the new 137 Degrees Almond Milk A to Zinc offers similar benefits with a price of THB 29 for a 180ml pack.

New Impossible Burger Patties Made from Plants now in Singapore

Country Foods, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SATS Food Services and one of Singapore’s primary food importers, distributors and manufacturers, has reported the Singapore launch of the new Impossible Burger Patties Made from Plants.

The new two quarter-pound patties come in a recyclable packaging for burger fans to build their own classic or gourmet burgers at home. They just need to simply preheat on the grill or pan, season and cook to taste.

A 113g Impossible Burger Patty has 29g protein and no cholesterol.

Each pack comes with 2 patties at 113g each and is available at NTUC FairPrice, DFI Retail Group and RedMart.

MyeongDong Topokki brings you Nasi Lemak Tokochi

Image by MyeongDong Topokki

MyeongDong Topokki, the Korean restaurant chain in Malaysia, has released a new fusion menu celebrating the famous Malaysian nasi lemak dish in the lead up to the nation’s Independence Day falling on the 31th of August.

The limited edition Nasi Lemak Tokochi is the combination of nasi lemak and the popular Korean street food topokki (tteokbokki).

The new item shows the versatility of Korean ingredients to blend with the local cuisine.

 

Bali Hai Brewing rolls out limited edition Bali Hai with WD Willy artworks

Image by Bali Hai Brewing

Bali Hai Brewing has made available limited edition Bali Hai draft beer featuring drawings by WD Willy, an Indonesian digital artist. His artworks have recently appeared on Kopi Kenangan RTD coffee celebrating modern Indonesian heroes.

The limited Bali Hai Cold Filtered Draft Beer contains chartacters depicting Indonesians in their traditional costumes to mark the nation’s Independence Day, which falls on 17th of August.

Southeast Asian brands are increasingly turning independence day into an important part of their marketing calender with limited edition products/flavours to mark the event.

Coca-Cola and Grab Join Hands to Drive Growth and Digitalisation in Southeast Asia

  • Partnership combines Coca-Cola’s extensive offline presence with Grab’s large online network to unlock new growth opportunities
  • Six-market partnership supports Coca-Cola’s business model transformation for a digital age

SINGAPORE, August 18, 2022 – Leading beverage company Coca-Cola and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, today announced an integrated regional partnership that will build on Coca-Cola’s extensive offline retail presence and Grab’s large online network to unlock growth opportunities in a booming digital consumer market.

Both companies will also collaborate on impact initiatives to accelerate digital skilling for merchants and promote convenience and an array of beverage choices for consumers.

“At Coca-Cola, we are transforming our business model for the digital age. This new multi-market partnership extends our online reach and enables us to stay ahead of changing shopper trends as we drive customer value and growth through digital enablement. We are thrilled to be collaborating with a forward-thinking company like Grab and we look forward to working closely to build new consumer connections and offer a new level of convenience to digital consumers in the region,” said Sam Way, Head of Offline to Online, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific.

“We are very excited to be Coca-Cola’s preferred partner in Southeast Asia. This partnership also reflects our shared commitment to support merchants to further grow their business through digitalisation and financial services. By enabling them to capture new and unmet consumer demand, we enable them to provide better services to our users. This in turn strengthens brand love for Grab and Coca-Cola,” added Saad Ahmed, Regional Head of Merchant, Grab.

The landmark partnership spans six Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand[1], the Philippines and Vietnam. It centers on four strategic pillars:

Growing with merchants through GrabFood and GrabMart
The at-home consumption trend continues to see strong growth in Southeast Asia, driven by deepening usage of food and grocery delivery services among consumers. To enable more merchants to ride on this trend, Coca-Cola plans to assist retailers within its distribution network to set up digital storefronts on GrabFood and GrabMart so that they too can market and sell their products to Grab’s large digital consumer base.Grab also plans to support interested merchants on its platform to become distributors of Coca-Cola, expanding their product offerings and increasing their sales opportunities. Both companies will also offer digital literacy and e-commerce training to enable merchants to upskill and further optimize their business for growth.

Engaging consumers in refreshing ways through GrabAds
Grab’s superapp advertising capabilities offer exciting new ways for Coca-Cola to connect and engage with consumers and drive sales back to merchant-partners.For example, Coca-Cola is now running an exclusive, multi-market “Treat Nights” campaign on Grab across Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Through a mix of offline advertising on the Grab fleet, online advertising in the Grab app, gamification, and product sampling, Coca-Cola is building more purchasing occasions with consumers to grow demand for home consumption of its beverages.

Enhancing support for small, traditional merchants through digitalisation
Coca-Cola plans to leverage Grab’s platform solutions such as GrabExpress to address supply chain inefficiencies, and GrabPay in-store cashless payment to support small business digitalisation and growth. Digitalising in-store payments for small businesses will provide Coca-Cola with robust, near real-time insights to forecast beverage sales trends, restock shelves quickly via GrabExpress, and find growth opportunities for merchants.

Using our combined scale to do good in Southeast Asia
Grab and Coca-Cola are committed to drive digital-skilling for underserved businesses. Coca-Cola will also tap into Grab’s merchant-partner network and scale to drive trials of zero-sugar beverages to make it easier for consumers in the region to choose the beverages that fit their needs.

[1] Partnership covers all areas except GrabFood in Thailand in 2022

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