The mashup concept is a growing trend in Indonesia as consumers want brands to deliver more excitement to the eating experience. To position Chitato potato chips as a crunchy and savoury topping in the popular Indonesian street food martabak, Indofood has recently collaborated with Martabakku Menteng.
The new Chitato Time Spicy Chicken and Chitato Time Beef BBQ creations are martabak or stuffed pancake filled added with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese topped with Chitato chips.
Various sweet ingredients from leading brands such as Oreo, Ovomaltine and Nutella have already become popular martabak toppings in Indonesia. With the new Chitato Time menu, Indofood hopes to showcase and encourage more foodservice players to incorporate Chitato chips as foodservice ingredients.
Indofood is recruiting individuals to become their Espressia Agent in Indonesia. The business model is simple, Espessia Agent just need to sell Espressia Es Potong. The Singaporean styled ice cream sandwich is an ice cream wrapped in a piece of bread. Consumers can enjoy the iconic Singapore ice cream sandwich without having to travel all the way to the island nation.
Espessia Agent sets Indofood apart from the other ice cream players where Indofood’s ice cream vendor is mobile, which means the vendor can reach out to consumers wherever there are. As a comparison, the business model of Aice is stationery. Aice vendors only sells ice cream from the freezer. However, Espessia Agent appears to sell only one type of ice cream but this could possibly change.
Image from Indofood Ice Cream Instagram
Indofood is also reaching out to more consumers by focusing on home party to sell its Tam Tam ice cream in a cup. The freezer is included as part of the package.
Thai RTD tea producer Ichitan has reported a 2.5% year-on-year rise in revenue in 2019, signalling the company has reversed the decline in revenue sustained in the past. This comes following the recovery of RTD tea sales in Thailand.
Net profit surged 830% year-on-year thanks to reduced losses from investment in joint venture, which refers mainly to its Indonesia operation, and lower finance cost, distribution cost and a tight lid on cost of goods sold.
Data from Nielsen Retail Audit shows the Thai RTD tea market rose marginally by 3.1% year-in-year in sales value and 2% in sales volume in 2019, the first positive recovery in sales value since 2014.
By sub-category, the market is driven by mainstream (+6.7% in value) and premium (+21.8% in value). Herbal tea and tea+nata coco both fell by over 10% in value, which suggest consumers are going for more premium and lower sugar variants. Ichitan’s Shizuoka premium tea grew by 78%, giving it the pole position in premium tea. International sales fell 26.6%.
Ichitan also disclosed it has entered into a new category in January 2020 with RTD coffee priced at THB 10 for Makro and traditional trade. For the OEM market, Cocoburi, debuted in February 2020 is aimed at modern trade and convenience store selling at THB 25 per 350ml bottle. Cocoburi for the China market is priced at RMB 10 per 350ml bottle. Bing Zu is another OEM product for China and comes in two variants – Green Tea Honey Lemon and Green Tea Original.
The company is also moving into the sugar confectionery segment with Yen Yen Cool mint.
In Indonesia, Ichitan forecasts sales to grow by 21% in 2020 (2019: +52%). Sales are expected to be driven by the general trade. By SKU, Ichitan Thai Milk Coffee (TMC), first launched in 2019, saw contributed a significant share of revenue in 2019. Thai Milk Tea (TMT) continues to have the biggest share of sales. The Thai tea series have already surpassed sals of existing Ichitan SKUs like honey lemon. Thai Mango Coconut will be fourth product in the series.
In 2020, Ichitan will expand into three new overseas markets Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei and will enlarge its city coverage in Indonesia to 68 from 31 (2019).
Indonesia is likely to be the only country in the world where its top leader President Joko Widodo would dispense remedy during the spread of COVID-19. As reported by the media, he has been consuming a mixture of lemongrass, red ginger (jahe merah), turmeric and curcuma three times a day since the spread of the virus. He made the statement at the opening speech of the 2nd Asian Agriculture and Food Forum (ASAFF) on 12 March 2020.
He also added that prices of red ginger, turmeric and curcuma have increased by 3-5 times and advised Indonesians to grow the herbs themselves.
Jamu, the Indonesian herbal concoction, is the largest winner during the pandemic season. Indonesians are familiar with jamu as it has been consumed for generations to improve health and boost immunity.
President Joko Widodo’s statement has been turned into an advertorial on CNN Indonesia to promote Bejo Jahe Merah, a herbal supplement with red ginger, mint and other ingredients, made by Bintang Toedjoe, a unit of Kalbe Farma.
Following the outbreak of the virus, pharmaceutical company Kalbe Farma has increased production of herbal supplement made from red ginger by around 50% to meet rising demand, said Kalbe Farma’s president director Vidjongtius. Apart from Bejo, other products from Kalbe Farma such as Komix Herbal has also associated itself a supplement to ward off COVID-19 with red ginger as its active ingredient.
At the time of writing, there is still no cure for COVID-19.
Doi Kham, founded 40 years ago by the Crown Property Bureau of Thailand, has unveiled High Pressure Processing (HPP) juice offering various health benefits. The price is THB 9 per 250ml bottle. There are five variants to choose from.
These HPP juices help to strengthen the immune system, enhance skin complexion, improve the digestive system and slow down cell degeneration thanks to the use of fruits and vegetables containing chlorophyll, fiber, beta carotene, vitamin C , anthocyanin, gingerol and catechin. Among the ingredients are beetroot, mulberry, lychee, celery, pineapple, pomegranate, pumpkin and ginger.
The HPP technology preserves the vitamins and nutrients in the vegetables and fruits. Doi Kham developed the HPP juice in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition Faculty of Public Health Mahidol University.
The HPP juice comes at an opportune time as consumers are increasingly looking at ways to improve their immunity as the spread of COVID-19 remains unabated.
According to TSUS Febix Foodtech Co., Ltd., the number of HPP machines installed in Thailand has risen from just 2 in 2004 to more than 16 today with most of them concentrating in the Bangkok region and in the coconut district. BEEP is a successful HPP player from Thailand that has found fame in overseas market including in Singapore. Apart from having a standard size drink, BEEP also released a range of nutri-shots in 2019.
Microplus is another player that has recently introduced a shot drink made from sprouted broccoli, wheat grass, red amaranth and sunflower.
The Coca-Cola system in Thailand has brought back the ‘Share A Coke’ campaign, inviting Thai consumers to share ‘Coke’ products and enrich relationships among friends, family and loved ones throughout the summer. According to the press release, “summer is always special for Thai people – especially during the Songkran holidays, which is an occasion for everyone to share good times and good feelings with each other.”
There will be a ‘Share A Coke Challenge’ to be launched in partnership with the TikTok application on 14 March 2020. ‘Coca-Cola’ has also released a special theme song called ‘Where is My Name?’, performed by the well-known teen hip-hop artist UrboyTJ. The campaign also includes state-of-the-art out-of-home media in the heart of Bangkok along with a daily ‘Light and Sound Show’ at CentralWorld Connect.
Coca-Cola is also working with a number of leading retailers across the country to arrange ‘Share A Coke’ roaming booth activities in which consumers can design and customize ‘Coke’ cans in their own unique ways. In addition, consumers can also order a set of three Coke’ cans printed with their chosen names and personalized messages that come in a limited edition retro ‘Coke’ refrigerator boxset and will be available only through leading e-commerce operators i.e. Lazada, JD, Tops Online and Shopee from 18 March 2020 onwards.
Nielsen Thailand’s Retail Index shows the total value of sparkling soft drink category in Thailand in 2019 was valued at over THB 56 billion, up 11.7% from the previous year. Within this category, the cola segment was the largest with estimated value of around THB 40 billion and a growth rate of 12.9%. Coca-Cola is the leading brand in the cola segment within the sparkling soft drink category share of 35.7%.
The Coca-Cola system in Thailand consists of Coca-Cola (Thailand) Limited as the brand proprietor responsible for marketing activities, and its two local bottling partners – ThaiNamthip Ltd responsible for 63 provinces around Thailand and HaadThip Public Company Ltd serving 14 southern provinces.
In honour of the local spicy flavours, Nestle Malaysia has rolled out two new MAGGI spicy instant noodles featuring the taste of Malaysia. The new MAGGI fried noodle (mi goreng) consists of Sambal Tumis Bilis (Anchovies Sambal) and Cili ala Kampung (Kampung Style Chili). Both comes with fried onions.
MAGGI Mi Goreng Sambal Tumis Bilis (5x75g) and MAGGI Mi Goreng Cili ala Kampung (5x78g) are respectively priced at RM 6.15. Click here to buy Sambal Tumis Bilis and here to purchase Cili ala Kampung on the official Nestle store on Lazada.
Separately, Nestle has made available MAGGI Sambal Tumis paste. According to Nestle, “sambal is a very important part of Malaysian cuisine, and even a staple food (must have) for many. However, the process of making sambal at home requires a lot of work– peeling, chopping onions, garlic, chili and then blending the ingredients together. The challenging part is also the process of sautéing (tumis) until ‘pecah minyak’
So there is a strong opportunity for new MAGGI Pes Sambal Tumis that is already cooked and made with fresh ingredients and tastes authentic like homemade.”
Yakult Malaysia has jumped into the collaboration bandwagon with a partnership with Frozen Artisans Ice-Cream, which provides freshly made Australian-style inspired desserts and specialised in ice cream themed desserts.
We have seen many foodservice operators incorporating Yakult into their menu but many have done this unofficially with Yakult.
Now the official Yakult Ice Cream is said to be the first ever in Malaysia. The ice cream comes with Yakult flavour completes with Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain for your gut health.
The Flu Buster range contains Yakult, orange and blueberries to provide the body with the needed immunity to ward off the flu virus.
Yakult Ice Cream is available at Frozen Bangsar (opposite Bangsar Village II), Frozen Paradigm Mall PJ, Frozen SS2 PJ and Frozen Berjaya Times Square outlets.
Many may believe that the beer industry is a man’s world, but this couldn’t be further away from the truth – at least not in HEINEKEN Malaysia where women play various important roles across the organisation. At HEINEKEN Malaysia, women make up 49% of middle- to senior-management positions and 43% of the Company’s Board of Directors. Guided by a purpose to “Brew a Sustainable Future for our People, Business and Planet”, HEINEKEN Malaysia celebrates this International Women’s Day by sharing with the world a glimpse into what our women think about growing with the world’s most international brewer.
We asked our colleagues: “What do you think makes a fulfilling career for you?”
Joyce Lim, Senior Brand Manager (Tiger Beer) – Marketing, 13 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
I first started my career at HEINEKEN Malaysia as a Management Trainee 13 years ago and I’d say that the opportunity to work here is the best thing that has happened to me (career wise). I really love what I do and I have had so many opportunities to grow professionally and personally. To me, whatever a man can do, a woman can do too, and the company also sees us this way. I never faced any challenges because of my gender.
If you ask me what my most fulfilling achievement is, I’d say it’s seeing the brands that we are working on grow not only in terms of numbers, but also its visibility among our consumers. All our hard work throughout the years have driven Tiger Beer as Malaysia’s No. 1 Beer, and that is honestly really satisfying.
Violet Chan, HR Services Manager – Human Resources, 9 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
I have been with the company for close to a decade now and I have gone through several major life milestones while working here – from a single woman who started back then, I have since gotten married and given birth to two daughters. The Company has supported me through each of these life stages. I particularly appreciate the maternity benefits because we have the option of taking up to 4 months of maternity leave, which gave me the opportunity to spend more time with my children. The Company also incorporates women-friendly features in its facility such as a breastfeeding room for mothers. In terms of work, I am proud of how my team and I have successfully digitise and automate HR-related services to provide our employees with more convenience.
Prithi Sharma, Corporate Responsibility Manager – Corporate Affairs & Legal, 8 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
The strength of a woman is beyond description. As you grow older, you begin to appreciate and understand how strong women are – rising up to new challenges at every phase of their lives as a daughter, sister, wife, or mother. I’m fortunate that at HEINEKEN Malaysia, there are always opportunities to share your ideas. As long as you can add value and shape the future of our business, there’s absolutely no preference to genders and stereotypes. Women play various roles across the business from Supply Chain to Sales! We have great synergy regardless of gender, as respecting each other is a key value at HEINEKEN Malaysia.
I have always been passionate about the environment and I take pride in driving our CSR initiative and sustainability efforts across our operations. Loving this job has allowed me to come up with fresh ideas and identify new opportunities. So when you bring that love, your focus on fulfilling the purpose of your role is stronger, and you’re inspired to create a ripple effect with your team and the people you work with. To me, I feel encouraged because we get to work closely with the Management Team who are supportive and ever willing to help you grow and see your projects succeed.
Brenda Yee, BI Solutions Manager – Transformation & Technology, 3 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
Speaking of equal treatment in the workplace, HEINEKEN Malaysia is definitely a good place for women to grow. Just last year, I was given the opportunity to participate in HEINEKEN’s Short-Term Assignment (STA) Programme. This programme allows us to work in a different HEINEKEN Operating Company to help us grow our career. I was delighted at the opportunity to work at our Head Office in Amsterdam for three months on a Data Driven Sales project. I believe this clearly shows that the Company values individual capabilities above all and I’m proud to tell people that I’m a mother and still able to go places in my career. It’s commendable that HEINEKEN is an organisation that respects women and provides equal opportunities.
Sharveena Kaur, Recruiter – Human Resources, 7 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
To me, women are as capable as men and I can see that HEINEKEN Malaysia sees us the same way too. There has never been any instance where I felt disadvantaged at work because I am a woman. Everyone is treated equally. As a woman and a mother, I have to say that I appreciate the time off flexibility that the Company provides because when the needs arise, I am able to take time off to take care of my family. Our medical benefits also cover our spouse and children, which is great.
My passion is in recruiting and in my seven years of recruiting for HEINEKEN Malaysia, I have come across so many women who are equally capable of taking up technical jobs and roles that require physical strength. It’s my hope that more women should be encouraged to seize these opportunities. We can do anything that men can!
Choong Mun Yee, Quality & Process Assurance Manager – Supply Chain, 7 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
In my line of work, passion for quality is of utmost importance aswe’re tasked with ensuring we produce the best quality beers and cider. It fulfils me to know that I get to play a part in this, as well as be able to work alongside colleagues who are equally passionate. I also consider it a privilege to have had the chance to work with many iron ladies at HEINEKEN Malaysia. My line manager is a woman, so is my Supply Chain Director, and what’s more exciting is that our Head of Brewing is also a woman. This shows that the Company is a great place to grow your career because, regardless of your gender or age, it’s always about your capabilities. So long as you strive for it, the Company will give you the opportunity for career advancement. From starting out as a junior executive, I have climbed up the ranks to a managerial role so anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I am also grateful that the Company cares for women’s wellbeing, for example we’re covered for HPV vaccinations.
Josephine Tang, Channel Marketing Manager – Sales, 2 years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
“Since I joined HEINEKEN Malaysia two years ago, I have had the opportunity tolearn and achieve so much in this short period of time, especially in enhancing my skill sets and growing with my team. It’s great to see how much emphasis the Company is putting into its people by investing in employees’ career – all of which gender does not come into question because there are equal opportunities for everyone. Trainings are always available and support is always given, you just need to be hungry for it. I also really love the fact that the Company places safety as a priority and it’s a large part of our culture.”
Ginix Khor, Head of Supply Finance – Finance, 2+ years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
I really appreciate the culture at HEINEKEN Malaysia. The Company practices diversity and inclusion, as well as promote safety for all. In fact, the working culture here is very open and flexible. I personally experienced this myself when I first joined the Company. I had a family emergency, which required me to dial back on my working hours. I felt bad and wanted to resign in order to deal with this situation. Fortunately, I have a very understanding manager who designed a more flexible working schedule for me so that I’d be able to cater to my family’s needs – I truly appreciate this gesture because it allowed me to balance both work and family.
Thong Phooi San, National Modern Off-Trade Manager – Sales, 2+ years at HEINEKEN Malaysia:
Contrary to popular belief that a career in sales is more suited for men in this industry, the Sales function is actually broad enough with a range of roles, so I don’t see gender as a barrier to growing a successful sales career at HEINEKEN Malaysia. In fact, women are able to progress their careers here because there are meaningful roles that fit different individual needs at every life stage. What is fulfilling for me is the empowerment given to us to initiate, lead change, and shape the organisation, especially in grooming young talents. There is a high level of trust and respect because our leaders are open to listening and taking our recommendations in decision making.
Celebrate small victories with Guinness this St. Patrick’s month and stand a chance to get one of 10,000 free glasses of Guinness; check out pop-up St. Patrick’s parties or host your own at home for a very special price; get your hands on limited-edition Guinness enamel mugs
KUALA LUMPUR, 11th March 2020: If the Irish are known for one thing, it’s that they know how to throw a celebration. From big events to the smallest of reasons, the Irish will always find an excuse to celebrate. It’s March, and that means it’s time for the biggest Irish celebration of them all, St. Patricks! That’s why Guinness, Ireland and Malaysia’s No. 1 stout, is giving Malaysian drinkers 10,000 reasons to celebrate this month.
For the month of March, Guinness is asking Malaysians to celebrate the small victories – everyday wins which make life just a little bit better. These don’t have to be life-changing events like getting a big promotion at work or your favourite team winning the championship; think more like making it to the gym on a Monday morning or finding RM20 in the pocket of an old pair of jeans. Whatever your reason to celebrate, Guinness will reward you with one of 10,000 glasses of Guinness to be given out for free this March.
All you need to do to earn a celebratory Guinness is keep an eye out for adverts running throughout the month, and simply click on the link to get your reward. Now that’s a reason to celebrate! In addition, Guinness will be trawling social media to find small victories worth celebrating, spreading the St. Patrick’s cheer to drinkers around the country.
And if that isn’t enough of a reason to celebrate, you can join one of the pop-up St. Patrick’s parties happening in bars in Klang Valley and Penang during weekends in March. Featuring games, prizes, entertainment and of course, the legendary St. Patrick’s Parades, these roving parties are sure to put a St. Patrick’s smile on your face. They’ll even feature the Guinness Stoutie machine – allowing you to print your selfie onto the foam of your Guinness. To find out when and where the parties will be happening, check out www.facebook.com/guinnessmalaysia.
If you can’t make it to one of these parties, don’t worry as you can ‘bring the celebration home’ with the help of Drinkies, Heineken Malaysia Berhad’s beer delivery platform. From now until the first week of April, you can get everything you need to host your own St. Patrick’s party at home – including two 25 litre kegs of Guinness – for a very special price. Even better, you’ll even get your very own barman to keep the drinks flowing for your guests, so you can focus on celebrating along with them.
For only RM1,350 (a saving of over RM330), you’ll get enough Guinness to pour 150 glasses, making it the perfect package for parties from 20 to 50 people. What’s more, you’ll get additional Guinness St. Patrick’s freebies thrown in – including the ever-popular Guinness St. Patrick’s hats for you and your guests to get into the party mood. These St. Patrick’s party packages are limited, so start planning your party today by visiting www.drinkies.my/guinness.
Rounding off the month-long festivities, drinkers purchasing a set of Guinness at participating outlets this March will receive a limited-edition Guinness enamel mug. With three exclusive designs to collect, they’re the perfect way to add a touch of celebration to your everyday routine.
So remember: no matter what your reason, there’s never a better time to celebrate the small victories in life. And when it comes to celebrating, there’s no better way than with a glass of cold, creamy Guinness. Sláinte!
