PT Amerta Indah Otsuka, the maker of Pocari Sweat sports drink in Indonesia, has revealed it plans to introduce three new products in Indonesia in 2020, reported Tribun News. Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Director Amerta Indah Otsuka Sudarmadi Widodo said of the three new products, two of them would be beverages and the remaining would be health food.
At the moment, the company sells Pocari Sweat, Soy Joy and Oronamin C drink in Indonesia.
Amerta Indah Otsuka is building its fourth production line at its factory in Sukabumi. Currently, the company has two production facilities respectively in Sukabumi in West Java and Pasuruan in East Java. Amerta Indah Otsuka is a joint venture between Japan’s Otsuka Pharmaceutical and local PT Kapal Api.
Senior Vice President of Quill City Mall KL, Justin Liew (L-1)
Group CEO of Quill Group of Companies, Koong Wai Seng (L-3)
Group MD & CEO of PUC Berhad, Cheong Chia Chou (L-5)
Senior Manager of International Business Division Supply Chain & Logistics Dept. of JD Logistics, Gary Sun (L-6)
Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Hishammuddin Zaizi bin Y.A.M. Tengku Azman Shah Alhaj (L-7)
Acting Chairman of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), YBhg. Dato’ Mathialakan Chelliah (R-6)
Founder of Smuzcity Berhad, Kent Lee (R-5)
Group Executive Director of Quill Group of Companies, Dato’ Ar. Michael Ong (R-3)
Kuala Lumpur, 12 December 2019 – JDX Presto Concept Store, the largest cashless concept store in ASEAN, celebrates its official grand opening at Quill City Mall KL today. The partnership between PUC Berhad (“PUC”) and Smuzcity Berhad (“Smuzcity”) in launching their first Online-to-Offline (“O2O”) store signifies the joint effort of the two parties to create a cashless retail scenario in Malaysia.
Spanning a total 50,000 square feet in the strategically located Quill City Mall KL on Level 3 (Lot 63, 63B and 72), JDX Presto Concept Store hosts products from a host of brands covering categories such as Electrical Appliances, Gadgets, Health & Beauty, Home & Living, Fashion and Food & Beverage, with a total of up to 3,000 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) from J.Zao, as well as other top selling products from China and the ASEAN region.
It is easy to begin shopping around the store. Shoppers just need to scan the QR code of their selected product with the Presto app and enjoy a hassle-free payment experience by checking out with the eWallet named PrestoPay in the app. Shoppers can opt for on-the-spot self-pickup or for convenient delivery to doorstep, supported by JD Logistics, the logistics affiliate of JD.com, China’s largest retailer.
Shoppers can take a break from their shopping sprees and enjoy some refreshments from the AI- and RFID-powered JDX Presto Unmanned Fridges, developed by JD Logistics’ logistics innovation lab, JDX, that are available at the in-store cafe. By scanning the displayed QR code with Presto app, shoppers are able to unlock the fridge and pick their favourite products off the shelves. Payment will be deducted from PrestoPay accordingly after the door is closed.
In line with the government’s roadmap to transform Malaysia into a cashless society, PUC has fully embraced digital finance, from the inclusion of PrestoPay to the introduction of micro-financing facility, PrestoPay Credit Financing to its ecosystem. At JDX Presto Concept Store, every transaction is cashless and seamless.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PUC Berhad, CHEONG Chia Chou said, “We proudly launched Presto two years ago, and along the way, our teams have worked relentlessly to gradually enrich Presto with various digital offerings. Today truly marks a great milestone on our journey, with the grand opening of our first ever O2O store. We are excited to extend to Malaysians the opportunity to first explore JDX innovations via PrestoMall and then complete the shopping journey by visiting JDX Presto Concept Store or vice versa, as we believe that the integrated experience is important for consumers to touch and feel the actual products, providing a sense of certainty to consumers with lesser or no experience in online purchase.”
Cheong added, “The symbol for Presto is a rabbit. It was chosen as the central character due to its fun-loving personality, its alertness, its ability to navigate challenges effortlessly, and the way it sprints and leaps at lightning speed, reflecting the brand’s propensity for growth. With the launch of our first O2O store, shoppers are welcome to meet and take a photo with Presto, doubling the joy of shopping with fun and interactive elements. Presto-themed merchandise is also available in the store for Presto lovers.”
Founder of Smuzcity, Kent Lee Kian Yan shared, “We are proud to leverage JDX technology to bring increased cashless convenience to shoppers in Malaysia through homegrown super app Presto.”
“Ever picture yourself shopping in shopping mall without your wallet? With a smartphone in hand, your shopping journey is now good to go. Together with PUC, we are committed to add a touch of innovation to the retail scene, redefining and shaping a unique O2O shopping experience for Malaysians,” Lee added.
Official venue partner, Group Executive Director of Quill Group of Companies, Dato’ Ar. Michael Ong said, “Our retail mall offers utmost support to the adoption of digital payment that is a win-win for both shoppers and sellers. Back in May, Presto held their first Cashless Raya Bazaar at Quill City Mall KL to encourage and educate consumers to go cashless while shopping for their Raya needs, which saw a success. We are more than delighted to be part of their adventure in the retail scene.”
Senior Vice President of Quill City Mall KL, Justin Liew added, “As Quill City Mall KL is repositioning itself towards the ‘phygital’ era, JDX Presto Concept Store is very much aligned with the direction we are moving forward. That focuses on consumer-centric technology infrastructure that facilitates the interactions between the consumers and brands. Thus, we are very excited to be able to collaborate with both parties closely in a set of exciting activities; such as, expanding home-grown brands to the international platform.”
In conjunction with the grand opening of JDX Presto Concept Store, the first 300 shoppers will be eligible to purchase selected SKUs at only RM12.12, limited to one item per shopper. Queuing starts at 8am and the doors are open to public at 11am on 12 December 2019. Continuing the celebration, until 15 December 2019, shoppers can spot and scan QR codes placed in the store and the mall to earn free PrestoPay Credits, which can then be spent in store and on any services on Presto.
Adding to the shopping pleasure, 5 shoppers who spend a minimum of RM50 in the store with PrestoPay from 12 December 2019 to 31 December 2019 will have a chance to win a pair of Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park admission tickets.
Head to Quill City Mall KL and indulge in the joy of shopping now!
Malaysia’s Etika Sdn Bhd, a unit of Asahi, has signed a deal to acquire Advend Systems Pte Ltd, which includes its vending businesses in Malaysia and Singapore operating under the name Atlas Vending.
According to the press release on 9 December 2019, “with this acquisition, Etika is now the number one player in vending with more than 10,000 vending machines across Malaysia. Etika will be able to vend hot beverages as well as confectionery products, following the completion of this acquisition.”
The deal would allow Etika to obtain analytics to map up the entire consumer journey as the Atlas Vending’s machines have the ability to retrieve cashless sales data to understand transaction trends, product purchased and time of purchase.
With Atlas Vending on board, Etika will have a strong say on what products that will go into its vending machines. Competitors like F&N and Coca-Cola will have to secure new vending machine partners or invest in their own vending machines. Since Atlas Vending has already secured most of the strategic locations, it will be hard for Etika’s competitors to use vending machines to increase their sales.
F&N and Coca-Cola beverages sold through Atlas Vending’s machine in a government department in Kuala Lumpur. Image by Minimeinsights,com
The acquisition will be completed by the first quarter of 2020. Advend’s revenue in 2018 stood at around SGD37 million.
The transaction is also a way for Dymon Asia Private Equity, which holds a majority stake in Advend, to exit the investment.
In Japan, vending machine accounted for around 27% of soft drink sales in 2018, according to Asahi citing data from Inryo Soken. This makes vending machine the second largest distribution for soft drink sales after supermarket.
Most of the Japanese beverage giants have their own vending machine operations but face slowdown in vending machine sales in Japan. The recent acquisition of Advend by Asahi shows Japanese beverage companies are trying to replicate their success with vending machine in the Southeast Asia region.
In Thailand, we have seen local Osotspa, the maker of M-150 energy drink and Calpis, buying a 51% stake in Japanese-owned Asia Vending Machine Operation in August 2019. The aim of the purchase is to expand the distribution of its beverage and non-beverage products.
December 12, 2019, Singapore – In this festive month of December, have yourself a sweet little Christmas with Janice Wong’s Christmas Specials at 2am:dessertbar.
The menu is available throughout the month of December and invites guests to choose from two Christmas desserts. The Christmas Paradox, made with Hazelnut Whisky Warm Chocolate, Mulled Wine gel, Juniper Berry and Pistachio Black Pepper Custard and the X’mas Wonderlust, a colourful treat with Maple Vanilla, Chai Orange, Snickerdoodle, Smoked chocolate and Citrus Meringue. Both priced at S$25, these playful, festive desserts are a medley of traditional Christmas flavours presented in a contemporary style.
Christmas Paradox
To pair the desserts with a festive tipple, choose from an exciting selection of Christmas Cocktails. Ranging between $19 to $25, options include the tangy Zesty Solerno made with Blood Orange Sorbet, Reyka Vokda, Lemon Juice, Solerno and Ginger ale, and A Royal Christmas, a magnificent flavour combination highlighting the Macallan Edition No. 5 with Butterscotch liqueur, Chocolate liqueuer, Spice syrup and Coffee ice cubes.
Chef Janice Wong’s never-ending passion for culinary art has propelled her forward to test the limits of dessert making. The native Singaporean has learned from some of the world’s best chefs, including US luminaries Thomas Keller and Grant Achatz, virtuoso Spanish chocolatier Oriol Balaguer, and prodigious French pastry chef Pierre Hermé. An undisputed favourite among sweet-toothed Singaporeans, her dessert restaurant 2am:dessertbar has recently celebrated their twelfth year anniversary, redefining the dessert experience and pushing the boundaries between sweet and savoury with carefully researched progressive dishes.
In November 2014 she launched her eponymous sweet concept, JANICE WONG, and recently launched her new concession stand at the world-renowned Harrods department store in London in 2018. Chef Janice has received worldwide recognition for her cutting-edge creations and is a regular on the global pop-up circuit, having also appeared as a guest judge and guest chef on MasterChef Australia in 2015 and 2017 respectively. Notable global collaborations include Janice Wong in Paradise City Seoul and Busan, Wonderbox in Seoul, and Janice Wong’s first solo exhibition in Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki featuring her signature edible art works. She has been named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef; for the second year running by the prestigious San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best for 2013 & 2014. Janice Wong also won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year from the World Gourmet Summit Awards in 2011, 2013 and 2015, including the title of Young Woman of the Year from Her World in 2012.
(L-R) Harvey, Eng and Halim demonstrating the Razer Parcel+ service
SHAH ALAM, 12 December 2019 –7-Eleven Malaysia, Razer Merchant Services and Ninja Van ink a partnership that opens up prolific opportunities known as Razer Parcel+ for e-commerce players to step up their game by enjoying the convenience of processing their parcel with Ninja Van at selected 7-Eleven outlets in Malaysia. This tripartite partnership offers shippers the access to a myriad of reliable services offered by Ninja Van that could potentially boost the overall performance of their businesses and provide them with a peace of mind to further expand their businesses, hassle-free.
The initiative is expected to be rolled out as soon as early November 2019 starting from the 7-Eleven outlets in major cities such as Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and Penang areas and eventually to more than 2,400 outlets across Malaysia to ensure smooth coordination between the three parties that guarantee reliable services for the shippers. This partnership will encourage e-commerce entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and be part of the booming digital economy.
7-Eleven Malaysia CEO, Colin Harvey said, “We’re delighted to welcome on-board the 3rd major logistics partner, Ninja Van to Razer’s Parcel+ service which further reinforces our vision of being the best retailer of convenience. Our unrivalled store presence and operating hours, of which most are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will provide consumers the flexibility to drop by at their convenience to collect their parcels and at the same time pay their bills or enjoy a Slurpee® or two and this further complements our continuous roll-out of the best, most in-demand, trending and exclusive merchandizes, enhanced store look and feel and rewarding loyalty campaigns.”
Head of Razer Merchant Services, Eng Sheng Guan said “Razer Parcel+ is a universal platform that works 24-hours for all e-commerce, marketplace, logistic providers, and the public at large where everyone can enjoy a seamless shipping experience. Rest assured, your parcels will be secured safely behind our counters and under constant surveillance.”
Country Head of Ninja Van Malaysia, Adzim Halim said “We strongly believe that convenience is the core unique selling point for Ninja Van Malaysia and through this partnership with 7-Eleven and Razer Merchant Services, we could effectively lay a robust foundation to achieve that. By allowing shippers to process their parcels at any 7-Eleven outlets nationwide, we are unlocking more opportunities for shippers to enjoy the reliable services offered by Ninja Van but also helping businesses connect regardless of its size to expand their reach throughout Southeast Asia, one delightful delivery at a time.”
For shippers who are keen to use Razer Parcel+ feature, it is important to note that all deliveries must first be created through Ninja Van’s dashboard available online and at this juncture, the service is limited to small parcels only (80cm cumulative). Shippers will then complete the transaction by transferring funds through Razer Merchant Services which can be conveniently linked to any preferred credit or debit card creating a seamless delivery experience for all.
There will be no additional charge to enjoy this feature and recipients could request their parcels to be directed to a pick-up or drop off (PUDO) points instead of the typical home deliveries. Upon arrival, Ninja Van will send messages daily to alert recipients of their parcel whereabout, giving them the option to collect it at no additional cost at all.
Singapore, 12 December 2019 – Multi-level Barbary Coast opens its doors with its first concept, Deadfall, spanning across three historic shophouses on the first floor of the venue. Located on the corner of North Canal and Lor Telok with an original land lease dating back to the early 1800s, Deadfall celebrates the rich history of the Boat Quay neighbourhood in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Owned and operated by industry veterans Celia Schoonraad and Michael Callahan, Barbary Coast is inspired by the district in San Francisco of the same name during the mid-1800s. Home to a lively array of bars, dance halls, concert saloons and variety shows, the area saw a rapid influx of miners during the gold rush of 1849, alongside sailors from around the world who made their way to this veritable wonderland in hopes of finding their fortune.
Meanwhile, in what would one day become Singapore, shipping and trade across the Pacific found sailors and ships unloading a dizzying array of goods on the banks of what is now the Singapore River. The promise of opportunity built the fortunes of many families, laying the foundation for generations to come. Imagining a few adventurous souls who would have found their way to our shores from San Francisco, Barbary Coast pays homage to what they would have left behind while remaining unique to the time and place that would become Boat Quay.
An approachable welcome to the multi-level venue, Deadfall is inspired by a style of bar that could be found littered throughout the original Barbary Coast. These local watering holes were cheap and cheerful, typically offering no more than a makeshift bar top of wooden planks serving coloured, sweetened spirits to all of their varied clientele.
Taking a journey through Boat Quay’s history, the reimagined space is subtly furnished with a collection of tools and décor which were once a part of daily life in the area – from the bar made of upcycled shipping pallets to original Kopitiam bar chairs. “As with venues in the original Barbary Coast, the space came together from an amalgamation of different materials and fixtures – you worked with what you could find, whenever it came in,” said Schoonraad. The space has been stripped back to showcase original wooden beams, brick walls and concrete floors, adding to the raw, rustic ambiance and honouring the building which sits on one of the area’s oldest original land leases.
“We wanted to recreate the ethos of the original Deadfalls, with a friendly atmosphere that’s open to all kinds of clientele – where everyone is welcome, and anyone can afford a drink.” said Callahan. Coming a long way what would have been served historically yet inspired by the drink styling from the original establishments of the same name, Deadfall features affordable, creative cocktails based on colour (S$14++ each) alongside a curated selection of ice cold draft beer (from S$6 NETT) and wine (S$12++ per glass). Efficiently executed with shelf-stable ingredients and high-quality spirits, Deadfall’s drinks were designed to be accessible and inclusive – from flavours to prices.
The drinks menu is accompanied by a selection of delicious and filling dishes which reimagine local flavours (S$12 – S$15 NETT). In the spirit of the original Deadfalls, the food menu showcases a blend of cultures and ingredients, making use of what’s available within the market.
On the other end of the spectrum, Barbary Coast Ballroom will open on the upper level of the venue in January 2020. Barbary Coast Ballroom’s offerings will be highbrow and elegant, without being overly fussy, in contrast with the more casual offerings downstairs at Deadfall.
The first standalone venue owned and operated by industry veterans Michael Callahan and Celia Schoonraad, Barbary Coast is inspired by the district in San Francisco of the same name during the mid-1800s. Located on the corner of North Canal and Lor Telok, Barbary Coast spans two floors of three historic shophouses in a landmark building with an original land lease dating back to the early 1800s. The lower level of the space, Deadfall, is inspired by a relaxed, approachable neighbourhood watering hole, a style of bar that could be found littered throughout the original Barbary Coast. On the other end of the spectrum, the upper level is known as Barbary Coast Ballroom – highbrow and elegant, equally exclusive as it is unpredictable. With two unique concepts under one roof, Barbary Coast is a welcomed addition to Singapore’s Boat Quay neighbourhood offering something for everyone.
Singapore, 11 December 2019 – Bid adieu to 2019 and usher in the new year with grandeur at ATLAS on Tuesday, 31 December, from 8 pm until late. As 2020 marks the one hundred years since the dawning of the Art Deco period, guests will be transported back in time to the roaring 20s, where opulence and splendour take centre stage.
Indulge in an evening overflowing with champagne, signature cocktails and canapes. The magical night will be set to the beat of renowned local DJ Titus who will be helming the decks all night long, getting guests grooving in the grand space of ATLAS.
Guests can opt for either the standing ticket at $220++, while seated tickets are priced at $280++ with a minimum reservation of six. All tickets include free-flow champagne, cocktails and canapes.
Reservations and pre-payment are required, and can be made via info@atlasbar.sg
Singapore, 10 December 2019 – Ring in the festive season at Junior’s latest concept, Petite Chalet this December as the bar transforms into a Christmas wonderland decked in coloured lights, stockings, and all the merry trimmings. Five new cocktails have been added to the menu to celebrate the holidays, which are available from now until 1 January 2020.
Once you step inside, you’ll soon forget about the tropical temperatures outside and be mistaken for thinking you’ve been transported to colder climates. The new menu celebrates all things festive and sees the addition of Red Ryder ($25++), a refreshing and tart concoction featuring cranberry juice with Widges Gin, gentian alpine liqueur and a lovely aroma from lemon and rosemary. Uncle Joe’s Eggnog($25++)gives guests a taste of the classic cocktail with a twist, crafted with Michter’s Rye whiskey, cognac, becherovka, px sherry, eggs, cream and a dusting of winter spice.
Red Ryder
Get into festive cheer with Gift of The Magi($25++),a Pol Roger champagne based cocktail with pear, white cacao, frankincense, myrrh, topped with gold dust for that extra holiday spirit. Inspired by the Spanish drink, A Carajillo For Christmas($25++)is a hot cocktail made with Diplomatico Mantuano rum, cold brew coffee, PX Sherry, Amaro Montenegro, and gingerbread cream. Last but not least, the Glüwein($25++),a classic German mulled wine with cognac, lemon, apple brandy, and orange peel is a warm punch to keep up the festive cheer.
Guests can also indulge and enjoy tasty holiday treats such as the Christmas Ham Sandwich ($18++), a dark rye bread with honey glazed ham, chartreuse spiked lingonberry, and Swiss gouda, and for those with a sweet tooth, opt for Santa’s Cookie Platter($8++) an assortment of freshly homemade cookie baked daily.
JUNIOR
As an art gallery would change exhibitions, Junior rotates and presents two original concepts each year. With only ten seats in a private space, Junior focuses on one core topic every six months.
Junior’s concepts take guests through a high-touch, ultra-personalized experience, where they have an opportunity to explore hard-to-find spirits, drink carefully crafted cocktails and enjoy food that matches the concept. Guests have the opportunity to interact closely with the Junior team and fellow guests in a cozy setting.
10 December 2019 – Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) introduced members of the media and consumers to an exclusive beer and food pairing experience – “Sip and Savour”. Through a series collaboration with select restaurant partners, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s signature lagers, stouts and ciders prove to be the perfect partners to pair with these specially curated menus for the upcoming festive season. The three participating outlets are The BAR°N Wine Bar, SOULed OUT Kuala Lumpur, and Lavo Restro Wine Atelier.
“We want to show our consumers how our lagers, stouts, and ciders are much more than refreshing drinks on their own. Thanks to our valued restaurant partners and the insightful guidance of our Culinary and Beer expert, Thomas Ling, consumers can now experience these delectable beer and food pairings throughout this festive season at The BAR°N, SOULed OUT, and Lavo. Beer has a place at the dinner table, and we want to help spread the love for beers and ciders, as well as showcase the diverse options when it comes to pairing,” said Renuka Indrarajah, HEINEKEN Malaysia’s Corporate Affairs & Legal Director.
With an extensive knowledge on beer, Renowned Culinary and Beer Expert Thomas Ling eagerly explained to members of the media and guests on finding the perfect pair for each dish.
Thomas Ling, renowned Culinary and Beer expert, shared, “Beer and Food have brought people together for centuries now. With the year-end festivities approaching, we want diners to have a truly exceptional experience enjoying the right beer paired with the right food. The pairings selected here show how lagers, stouts, and ciders can cut, contrast, complement, and cleanse the palate in their own way.”
“The carbonation, alcohol and hops from beer ‘cut through’ the flavours and textures on your taste buds; for instance, the classic lager and pizza pairing or cider and creamy pasta. Beer can also complement similar flavours and characteristics in food. That is why stout goes perfectly with the smoky char on the grilled meat. At the same time, beer and food can create a contrast pairing, bringing out unique characteristics in both your pint and your plate. An example of a good contrast pairing is oysters and stout. You can also use your beer to cleanse your palate. For example, you can use the cool and refreshing flavour of lager beer to wash down the heat of fried chicken”, he added.
The Lavo Kitchen team had this to say: “We are thrilled to share our tantalising Asian-Western Fusion menu together with some of HEINEKEN Malaysia’s signature beers and ciders. Here at Lavo, we strive to bring guests a carefully curated visual feast that will entice you to relax and unwind in style and comfort along with great company. Cider fans will cheer the night as we kick off the evening with our crispy Truffle Fries paired nicely with the refreshing Strongbow Gold Apple Cider. Guests will also find out how effortlessly their favourite lagers cut through our mouth-watering Char Kuey Teow, Salted Egg Chicken Bites, and Say Cheese Pizza. To end the evening with a bang, guests can enjoy our signature Lavo Meat Platter with the more fullbodied aromas of Kilkenny and Guinness for that extra oomph!”
Mamee’s Daebak Ghost Pepper Dry Black Noodles Chicken Flavour, the iconic and incredibly spicy ghost pepper noodle, has landed in Thailand. This instant noodle is available at 7-Eleven Thailand outlets selling for a price of THB 45 per unit.
After Singapore, China and Taiwan, Thailand is now the next stop as Mamee brings its Daebak Ghost Pepper on a tour of Asia to expose its brand to Asian consumers.
Koh-Kae, the iconic coated peanut snack from Thailand, has further extended its brand into plant-based drink. The new Nut Natur Almond Milk Drink comes...
