BB Pharma Co., Ltd., the company known for its Pharyanak herbal energy drink, has unveiled L-Nergy at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022. L-NERGY (175ml) is an alcoholic energy drink with a 7% ABV. The drink contains fruit wine, pineapple concentrate, guarana, water, sugar and food acids. The expected price per bottle is around THB 25.
Thailand’s V Farm has showcased a new range of minimally processed plant-based offerings at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022. Known as Wholefood, the new V Farm Wholefood stands in stark contrast to the highly processed plant-based products in the market. V Farm Wholefood uses whole vegetables/plants to create 100% plant-based foods that are high in fibre and free from preservatives and sugar.
The V Farm Wholefood range comprises Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Spinach Vegan Cheese Bites, Mixed Roots Vegetable Fries and Champignon Mushroom Nuggets.
V Farm Wholefood highlights another pathway for plant-based players to take and that is minimally processed by turning vegetable/plant into the hero ingredient.
Thai plant-based player Mantra has launched its latest plant-based fish products at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022. The brand currently has a range of plant-based shrimp balls, plant-based minced shrimp and plant-based spicy minced shrimp cake.
Mantra plant-based fish consists of three products namely plant-based fish fillet, plant-based fish balls and plant-based minced fish. All the products are ready to cook and are 100% natural without any cholesterol.
At THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022, Mantra has showcased how consumers can use the latest plant-based fish product to create various dishes including spicy tom yum soup with plant-based fish balls and paella with plant-based fish fillet.
The vegan-friendly Mantra plant-based fish products are free from MSG and fat. The key ingredients are soy protein (59%), pea protein (20.5%), water (12%), rice bran oil (3.4%) and sugar (1%).
Mantra has also showcased its latest Mantra Seafood Plant-Based Prawn Cracker as a plant-based snack that can be eaten with the Mantra plant-based products or on its own as a snack.
Thailand’s Crossmax Retail, which is known for its Hooray! protein shake, has showcased its latest Yogen chilled cultured milk with vitamin D at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022. The new lychee-flavoured Yogen with vitamin D (100% RDI) is set to debut in the coming months in Thailand.
The latest product is an addition to the existing Yogen range fortified with fibre (3,000mg). Yogen culture milk differentiates from its competitors by having over 50,000 million live and active good bacteria. The fat-free cultured milk sells in a 210ml plastic bottle.
Yogen with vitamin D rides the current consumer interest in vitamin D to improve the body’s immunity.
Apart from the upcoming Yogen with vitamin D, Crossmax Retail has also recently introduced its own plant-based oat milk under the Oatte’ label to tap into the oat milk trend. This soy-free, dairy-free Oatte’ oat milk comes in original and chocolate flavour. Oatte’ is available at Tops Supermarket and Familymart for a retail price of THB 38 per bottle.
In addition to oat milk, Crossmax has made available Hooray! Protein Spread Almond Crunchy, which is a vegan-friendy, 100% plant-based spread with pea protein. Also available in the range is Hooray! Hazelnut Milk Chocolate, which contains grass-fed milk protein. Both protein spread products are available online.
SHAH ALAM, 24 May 2022 – Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad (the Group) has reported a net profit of RM91.6 million for the first quarter ended 31 March 2022 (Q1FY22), a 37.8% increase on the back of a revenue growth of 22.9% to RM653.9 million year-on-year. The higher earnings were mainly driven by stronger Chinese New Year (CNY) sales in both its Malaysia and Singapore operations as the COVID-19 lockdown and dining-in restrictions were gradually lifted.
Revenues of both the Malaysia and Singapore operations grew 27.4% and 13.8% respectively year-on-year. The strong revenue growth was driven by better pricing and channel mix as well as successful CNY sales and on-ground activations. The revenue growth, which offsets higher marketing costs incurred to drive consumption, had bolstered net profit by 37.8%.
The Group’s earnings per share (EPS) for Q1FY22 registered a growth of 37.9% to 29.96 sen, compared to 21.73 sen in Q1FY21.
On the back of this performance, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce a first interim dividend of 22 sen per share.
Going forward, the Board continues its commitment to declare dividends taking into consideration the performance of the Group, the business environment and other circumstances.
Managing Director Stefano Clini commented: “Q1FY22 performance was a commendable one. The Group has had a solid start to the year despite a temporary surge of Omicron cases in February.
“Our mainstream brands Carlsberg Danish Pilsner and Carlsberg Smooth Draught returned to growth with increased marketing investments and consumer promotions for Carlsberg Smooth Draught with “Real Spicy, Real Smooth” in Peninsula Malaysia and “Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak” in the Borneo Island launched after the conclusion of the nationwide CNY campaign. As the Carlsberg brand celebrates its 175th birthday this year, we have exciting programmes in the pipeline to solidify its Probably The Best Beer positioning”, Clini shared.
He further added that “Our premium brands continue gaining growth momentum with new variant launches like Somersby Passion Fruit & Orange Cider and we will continue our efforts to accelerate growth on premium brands 1664 Blanc, Connors’ Stout Porter and Asahi Super Dry. Following the introduction of Carlsberg Danish Alcohol-Free Pilsner and Wheat in Singapore last year, we launched Somersby Apple 0.0, a non-alcoholic sparkling fruit drink in Malaysia. This is in line with our commitment to promote responsible drinking and offer a growing range of alcohol-free brews to our customers and consumers in every country where we operate.
“Looking forward, our outlook remains cautious as we are mindful of the escalating commodity prices, which has been further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, adding further costs pressure and uncertainties to the landscape. Also, we will start seeing the impact of prosperity tax in the remaining quarters. On the other hand, the reopening of the entertainment outlets should create further momentum in our on-trade business”, said Clini.
“Preparing for the headwinds ahead, we will remain focused on our SAIL’22 strategy with premiumisation and innovation continuing to deliver growth in top- and bottom-line. We will also intensify our cost control management whilst continuing to reinvest in our brands to fuel growth,” Clini commented.
SHAH ALAM, 24 May 2022 – Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad (the Group) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Chor Chee Heung as Chairman of the Group succeeding Datuk Toh Ah Wah, who will resign from his roles as Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director to devote more time to pursue his personal interest, effective 1 June 2022. Following the appointment, Tan Sri Chor will also take on the position of member of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and Member of the Audit Committee.
The Board of Directors, management and employees of the Group convey their sincere appreciation and thank you to Datuk Toh for his contributions over the last 5 years. He joined the Group as Independent Non-Executive Director in May 2017 and was subsequently appointed as Chairman in April 2018. Under his Chairmanship, the Group has navigated the unchartered waters of COVID-19, as guided by its corporate strategy of SAIL’22 and elevated the people agenda with greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as internal talent developments.
Commenting on his resignation, Datuk Toh said: “It has been an exciting and rewarding journey for me personally, a challenging one too, as half of my tenure with the Group was spent in navigating the COVID-19 uncertainties. I would like to record my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all our shareholders and business partners for being very supportive of our operations in Malaysia and Singapore during the trying times. A special thank you to all employees for their dedication and commitment in delivering outstanding successes and results for the company during these challenging years. I am pleased that I’m handing over the chairmanship to Tan Sri Chor as his distinguished career with the Government of Malaysia in the past and his vast experience in the corporate world will steer the Group forward, as 2022 is the year of transition to a new five-year strategy – SAIL’27, which will begin in 2023.”
Tan Sri Chor has had a stellar track record in his political career where he held several senior ministerial positions since 2000 i.e. Minister of Housing and Local Government (2010-2013), a Member of Parliament (1990-2013), Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Finance Minister (2000-2009) and Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Transport (1995-2000), as well as Chairman of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Malaysian Parliament (2000-2002) and a Permanent Member of Asean Inter Parliamentary Organisation Conference Representing Malaysian Parliament (1990-2000).
Before entering the political arena, Tan Sri Chor practiced law since 1981 until 1992, and he was called to the Bar at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. He obtained his professional Barrister at Law in 1978 and his Master of Arts in Business Law Degree in 1980.
“I am honoured to be appointed as Chairman of the Carlsberg Malaysia Group. I admire the dynamism and resilience of the Group, its committed people and innovative brand portfolios in both Malaysia and Singapore. I strongly believe in the Group’s purpose of Brewing for a Better Today and Tomorrow and look forward to supporting the Group in driving its growth momentum in line with its SAIL’27 strategy and sustainability priorities,” Tan Sri Chor said.
The Vida range of beverages are now available in 7-Eleven stores in Singapore. Vida Vitamin C Sparkling Drink contains 1,000mg of vitamin C in orange and lemon flavour, while Vida Zero offers maximum enjoyment minus the guilt. Vida Zero is available in Salty Lychee and Original Citrus.
BBGI Public Company Limited (BBGI) has launched a new rheumatic care product under the brand B Nature Plus (B Nature+). The new Calcium-LT Plus UC-II contains Calcium L-Threonate, an innovative calcium extracted from corn and has better absorption compared to commercially available calcium carbonate.
The dietary supplement contains UC-II or type two collagen imported from the US as well as turmeric that acts to reduce inflammation and swelling from joints.
With Thailand being one of the fastest-ageing countries in the world, Calcium-LT Plus UC-II will be in a good position to meet the needs of the aging society.
BBGI has food supplement products ASTA-IMMU and “ASTA-ViS” under the B Nature Plus.
Srinanaporn Marketing PCL (SNNP) has unveiled an innovative jelly drink that also contains tiny, colourful beads for a different mouthfeel. Known as Jele Light Fresshy, the latest product is a jelly carrageenan with konyakku powder and 15% white grape juice with the choice of strawberry and blueberry flavour. Jelly Light Fresshy (125g) comes in a standup pouch and is available at 7-Eleven.
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 May 2022 – Nando’s Malaysia is releasing an all-new limited-edition flavour, which is the fiercest flavour yet. Friends, say hello to the Vusa XXHot flavour, which is on the highest level of Nando’s PERi-ometer that you all know and love. Yes, it’s above Extra Hot and, yes, it’s a new world of flavour and heat! From now until 4 September 2022, daredevils who’re looking to challenge themselves can enjoy the new Vusa XXHot Flavour in all your favourite ways of enjoying Nando’s.
Since 1998, Malaysians have grown to love Nando’s for its delicious and fiery PERi-PERi chicken, and also for the fun, warm, colourful and multicultural vibe inspired by our South African roots. Likewise, Nando’s too shares the love with our fans in Malaysia by continuously improving the dining experiences at Nando’s restaurants and innovating the much-loved recipes. That’s why limited-edition flavours or meals are regularly introduced (and sometimes kept permanently!) on the menu. In May 2022, Nando’s Malaysia unleashed its fiercest flavour yet – the Vusa XXHot. It’s flavourful, it’s spicy, and it’ll challenge even the bravest of diners!
In the Zulu language, Vusa means “excitement and fire”; so Nando’s fans will be in for an eternity of both when they try this new flavour. Vusa XXHot is made using an age-old recipe featuring a combination of African Bird’s Eye Chilli, lemon and garlic. (That’s it, we promise. No actual magma was added in!) You’ll experience intense heat, intense flavour, and the South African spirit, all in one bite.
“We’re very proud and delighted that all Malaysians love the flavourful chicken of Nando’s. Whether it’s Lemon & Herb or Extra Hot, or something in between, there’s always a delicious meal for everybody at their favourite Nando’s restaurant. This time around, we thought we’d fire it up with the Vusa XXHot, our fiercest flavour yet. We know that Malaysians love delicious spicy meals, and we believe that this limited-edition flavour will deliver plenty of spice, flavour and heat. All I’ll say to our fans – Be prepared to have your socks blown off!” said Chai Hui Fung, Chief Commercial Officer, Nando’s Malaysia.
Feeling the heat already? Put your tongue to the test with the Vusa XXHot Meal, featuring a ¼ chicken, two sides and one bottomless drink for only RM27.90. For those who order the Vusa XXHot Meal, you’ll get to enjoy the Bottomless Frozen Yogurt at only RM2.90! (At selected Nando’s restaurants only.) It’s the most delicious way to extinguish any fire.
Do you want to win 50 meals from Nando’s? Then take on the #VusaXXHotDay challenge! On 11 June 2022, Nando’s Malaysia is hosting a social media extravaganza for all fire-breathers. All you have to do is make your way (early!) to any Nando’s restaurants to eat four Vusa XXHot-flavoured wingettes and drummettes within three minutes or less. Film yourself taking on this fiery gauntlet of deliciousness and tag @NandosMY and #VusaXXHotDay on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. The top three most creative video submissions will each win 50 meal vouchers! Stay tuned to Nando’s social media channels after #VusaXXHotDay, because there’ll be a compilation video to celebrate all participants and toast the winners.
The Nando’s Vusa XX Hot meal is now available in outlets nationwide until 4 September 2022. And if you couldn’t make it for #VusaXXHotDay but would still like to film yourself trying out the meal, just tag @NandosMY on Instagram or Tiktok so that everyone can watch too! For more information, please visit www.nandos.com.my, or follow Nando’s Malaysia at www.facebook.com/NandosMY, https://www.instagram.com/nandosmy/, or https://www.tiktok.com/@nandosmy.
