Indonesian dairy companies are adding gamification to their packaging to improve consumer interaction. Frisian Flag Indonesia has created a board game for its limited edition Frisian Flag Incredibles 2 pack. The Incredibles 2 characters needed for the board game are found at the back of the packaging.
Another dairy company Indomilk has embraced augmented reality (AR) for its Indomilk Asian Games series. To play, users need to download the Indomilk Fun AR app and scan the packaging to play. The app has so far attracted 500,000+ downloads on Google Play with a rating of 3.8 out of 5 as of mid-September 2018. However, the key issue with the app as highlighted by users is the poor connectivity.
In Malaysia, children can see their favourite characters come alive by scanning the packaging of the Dutch Lady Milky using the Disney Color and Play” from Play Store/App Store.The Tetra Pak 2017 Index has higlighted the importance of augmented reality and other digital technology in packaging. Alexandre Carvalho, Director Marketing Services at Tetra Pak said: “The digital package gives brand owners a direct link to the consumer through an important communication channel – the product itself.” The Indomilk AR is a reflection of the future direction of food packaging not just in Indonesia but in other parts of the world.
Riding the growing interest in culinary, Frisian Flag Indonesia has unveiled Omela sweet condensed creamer in a larger size of 490ml, which adds to the existing 375ml. As part of the launch, the company is collaborating with Lotte Grosir to introduce a culinary activity involving around 400 micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) in the Jakarta area to encourage them to create more local desserts with Omela.
Printed can
The new Omela in 490ml is designed to provide more value for money for HoReCa users as well as for home users. Another unique development of this new Omela is it comes in the form of a printed can, which is deemed more environmentally friendly than the existing product with a sleeve. The printed can is the first from Frisian Flag Indonesia and is also the first of its kind in the market, reported Marketeers.com citing Corporate Affairs Director PT Frisian Flag Indonesia, Andrew F. Saputro.
Condensed milk companies are pouring money to re-position condensed milk as a dessert/food sweetener and not as a milk substitute. This follows the ban on the marketing of condensed milk to children aged up to 5 years old.
Below is the latest TVC from Indofood’s Enaak sweetened condensed milk, which exclusively shows its application in dessert with no image of the child on the pack.
(L to R) Mr. Pierre-Olivier Deplanck, Managing Director of GCH Retail, YB. Dato's Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Y.A.M. Tunku Naquiyuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja'far, Chairman of GCH Retail, YB. Dato' Sri Jamil Bin Salleh, Secretary General, Puan Rossana Annizah Binti Ahmad Rashid, Jardines Matheson Country Chairman during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the launch of GCH Retail distribution centre in Kajang
Country’s Largest Supermarket & Hypermarket Distribution Centre Gives Consumers More Value for Their Ringgit
Gets Products to Market Faster, Fresher in Peninsula Malaysia for GIANT, COLD STORAGE, JASON’S FOOD HALL and MERCATO’S
Energy Efficient Operations, More Jobs, Enhances Local Economy, Reduces Wastage at Malaysia’s Largest Hypermarket & Supermarket Chains
KAJANG, 18 SEPTEMBER 2018 – Malaysia’s Largest Supermarket and Hypermarket Operator, GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, is raising the standard of Freshness in consumer food expectations with the official opening of its RM116 million fresh distribution centre here today. GCH Retail operates GIANT, COLD STORAGE, JASON’S FOOD HALL and MERCATO’S stores, the only one with presence in every state in the country today.
“For over 70 years we have been committed to bringing innovative, value driven, fresh retail experiences to Malaysian consumers across the country. Today, we take that to a new level. This state of the art facility represents a part of our continuing financial commitment, and support at an organisational level to the idea of Freshness in everything we do.” said GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Pierre-Olivier Deplanck. “From getting the very best local products from farm to table; ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness at every point; and bringing consumers value in every purchase – the new distribution centre is the Gateway for Freshness for Malaysians.”
The largest fresh produce and packed goods processing, packaging and distribution centre of its kind in Malaysia, the fresh distribution centre is part of GCH Retail’s continuous commitment to ensuring that Malaysian consumers at GIANT, Cold Storage, Jason’s Food Hall, and Mercato’s have only the freshest products with the best value for their Ringgit. It focuses on energy efficient operations, rainwater harvesting, heat recovery technology, integrated and automated processes, temperature-controlled environments, and improved handling and logistics processes to improve how GCH Retail brings Malaysians the freshest food and fresh products in the country.
“We are also excited to be able to create more than 200 jobs directly in the warehousing and food processing sectors at this facility. This includes product experts and buyers, quality control professionals and a distribution team, all with the shared focus of ensuring that we bring the best products that we can, as fresh as we can, to customers. We also support more job opportunities indirectly through partnerships with local suppliers, logistics partners and vendors, allowing to actively enhance the economy of the surrounding areas almost immediately,” added Deplanck.
Located in Kajang, the facility took 12 months to build and occupies 25,000 square metres of land, with a built-up area of 10,950 square metres. Dedicated to products which fall under the fresh category, the facility procures and distributes items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood to store locations nationwide. The new distribution centre is more than three times the size of the current GCH operation in Balakong, making it the largest and most innovative fresh distribution centre dedicated to a single retailer in Malaysia.
John Gerard Marsden, Supply Chain Director of Distribution Centre Kajang explaining to YB. Dato’s Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs on the processes that take place in the distribution Centre
“I would like to commend GCH Retail on their commitment to provide the nation greater selections for quality products whilst still focusing on providing the best value to Malaysians. With their newest facility, they are narrowing the gap between the field and stores, reaching more local producers and ensuring the freshness of produce around the country, all while providing more job opportunities to the local communities, “ said YB. Dato’ Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.
The Heart of Malaysia’s Cold Chain
The distribution centre (DC) is the result of GCH Retail’s insight into the process that brings fresh produce from across the country to Malaysians every day. This labour intensive, and time sensitive process includes picking, packing and handling of a large number of fruits, vegetables, and fresh meats – every step influencing the quality of the produce. Temperature controlled facilities ensure that the freshness of produce from over 200 vendors stored at the distribution centre are constantly maintained, while the digitally enabled infrastructure of the centre, ensures round the clock monitoring for optimum efficiency.
“We operate one of the largest real time, daily supply chain operations of fresh produce in the country. This means we assume the responsibility when it comes to preserving and enhancing the quality of food that we are offering millions of Malaysians. This distribution centre is a key part of that solution as it allows us to monitor, maintain and control the temperature our fresh produce the moment it arrives at our DC and until it reaches our stores. With improved distribution conditions and enhanced processes, we hope to offer the nation even greater quality in freshness, “explained Deplanck.
The Fight Against Food Waste
Being the Gateway for Freshness is more than just about helping consumers eat better – it’s also about ensuring as little food as possible is wasted.
One of the biggest national concerns, food surplus from inefficient supply chains is a challenge for supermarket and hypermarket operators alike, with 45% of all solid waste in the country being edible food waste. With up to 3,000 tonnes of food wasted each day, food surplus is also affecting the country’s economy, amounting into millions of Ringgit going into landfills and waste disposal charges – while denying Malaysians in need of much needed food.
“We have been working on solutions to this problem for several years now as it is something that concerns us deeply. One of the early approaches we used was to work with The Lost Food Project through our stores in selected location. With the launch of our newest facility, we are expanding this partnership – which first began in 2016 exponentially in the hope that it is able to help even more people while further reducing any wastage of food at our facilities,” said Deplanck.
GCH Retail has established processes to control the age, appearance and freshness of its in-store products. When products are kept beyond this period, they are then shared with The Lost Food Project to be re-distributed to those in need. These charities include homes for underprivileged children, soup kitchens for the poor and homeless, as well as those with special needs.
The launch of the fresh distribution centre (DC) is part of GCH Retail’s on-going commitment to providing Malaysian’s retail experiences that work for them. This includes reviewing and renewing the way supermarket and hypermarket shopping experiences are brought into communities, and how these then support the Malaysians around them.
About GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., (GCH) a subsidiary of Dairy Farm International, is the operator of Giant hypermarkets and supermarkets chain; Cold Storage, Mercato and Jasons Food Hall premium grocery stores. Keeping abreast of latest market trends, GCH Retail continues to deliver on modern retail experiences and avails Malaysian customers to a wide array of products and produce, including quality value selections as well as premium and exclusive offerings. GCH Retail’s latest industry accolade includes being Retail Asia-Pacific’s Top 500 Gold Winner as Malaysia’s Number 1 Retailer. Operating stores across Peninsular Malaysia and in Sabah & Sarawak, GCH Retail retains a strong foothold in the local retail industry and continues to maintain a strong leadership position.
(All information is correct as at 8 February 2018)
Harriston, a Malaysian homegrown chocolate brand, has unveiled the country’s first ruby chocolate, which is also said to be the first in Southeast Asia. The new Harriston ruby chocolates were developed in collaboration with Barry Callebaut Group, the creator of ruby chocolate.
The ruby chocolate has a sweet and sour, berry-like note. No colouring and berry flavouring are added.
Photo Credit: Minimeinsights.com
Harriston Ruby is available in all the Harriston Signature and Harriston Boutique outlets in Malaysia from 1 September 2018.
We expect to see more ruby chocolate creations in this region in the coming months.
Ooh La La 麻辣 (Mala), said to be Singapore’s 1st mala potato and cassava chips, is taking the mala flavour to the next stage. The mala chip contains Sichuan peppercorn, which causes numb and tingly lips. The mala taste lingers in your mouth even after you have stopped eating it. Even though there are quite a number of mala products in China, Ooh is truly unique because it is a chip born in Singapore.
Ooh comes in 2 choices – potato or cassava. Potato is still the consumer favourite.
Ooh La La Mala potato chips
The birth of Ooh mala is a reflection of Singaporean fascination with mala. Mala hotpot is likely to be the first to be introduced by the Sichuanese from China. Since then, mala has evolved into many variations in Singapore including the famous mala xiangguo (“Spicy Numbing Stir-fry Pot”). The Straits Times has an article describing how mala is used to spice up chicken rice and pizza.
Ooh La La Mala can be bought here. The price at one of the mobile booths is SGD 6 per pack.
Ooh La La Mala has a local ompetitor Mala Mala, also claimed to be the first mala brand in Singapore. Unlike Ooh Mala, Mala Mala are available in potato wedges and mushroom chips. Click here to purchase online.
The question is will mala flavour from Singapore take off in the region like what we have seen with salted egg yolk?
The Indonesian government is increasingly becoming protectionist following the recent imposition of an import tax of between 7.5% and 10% on imported consumer goods on 13 September 2018. The tax is aimed at improving the country’s current account balance and to shore up the local currency. A total of 1,147 consumer goods are affected with a higher import tax, up from the existing rate of 2.5% and 7.5%.
A complete list of the affected products can be found in this link.
Among the products affected levied at the 10% rate are cosmetics and personal toiletries. Taxed at 7.5% are:
Other prepared or preserved meat (HS 1602)
Prepared or preserved fish (HS 1604)
Sugar confectionery (including white chocolate) (HS 1704)
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa (HS 1806)
Pasta, whether or not cooked or stuffed (with meat or other substances) or otherwise prepared (HS 1902)
Prepared foods from swelling or roasting cereals or products (HS 1904)
Bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits and other bakers’ wares (HS 1905)
Preparations of vegetables, fruits, nuts or other parts of plants (HS 2006)
Extracts, essences and concentrates, of coffee, tea or maté and preparations (HS 2101)
Sauces and preparations thereof, mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, mustard flour and meal and prepared mustard (HS 2103)
Ice Cream And Other Edible Ice (HS 2105)
Tempe (HS 2106.90.97)
Waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured (HS 2202)
Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines (HS 2204)
Vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes flavoured with plants or aromatic substances (HS 2205)
Other fermented beverages (HS 2206)
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% (HS 2208)
Instant noodles and soy milk drinks are imposed with a 7.5% import tax. Excluded from the tax are dairy products which are heavily dependent on import.
Amway (Thailand) Ltd is capturing opportunities in the low/no/reduced energy drink category with XS Zero, an energy drink with zero sugar and calories. The drink contains vitamins B1, 3, 5, 6, 12 and L-Carnitine (30mg/can).
Available in two flavours – cranberry grape blast and citrus blast, the “launch of XS Zero should reshape Amway’s brand image in the minds of new-gen consumers with new dynamism,” said Kittawat Ritteerawee, Amway (Thailand)’s managing director. XS Zero taps into the THB 30 billion Thai energy drink market.
The Philippine eCommerce marketplace penetrate more Filipino consumers in terms of social media activity, however it struggles to establish a strong hold in traffic activity as international players take a huge lead.
It comes as a surprise that only a few international players take over the country’s eCommerce marketplace traffic activity. Based from our Philippines’ Map of eCommerce Q2 2018 findings, there are more local active players however, it’s the international players that heavily fuel the market activity as its share in the overall traffic accounts 93 percent of the overall eCommerce marketplace traffic activity. Meanwhile, local players lead in social media activity as its share accounts 75 percent of the overall eCommerce marketplace social media activity (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
International Players Are The Main Driver Of eCommerce Market Activity
There are only eight players that make up the international eCommerce share of traffic and these are the giant eCommerce: Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, eBay, Sephora, Sophie Paris, My Sale and Melissa Philippines. Out of the eight players mentioned, the four eCommerce: Lazada, Shopee, Zalora and eBay tops as the 1st to 4th most visited eCommerce marketplace in the country. Notably, Lazada’s streak performance in the Philippines makes the majority of overall eCommerce marketplace traffic activity with 68 percent share.
In specific, Lazada Philippines’ lead in traffic at the least is triple the size of its closest competitor, Shopee. This trend is unique to the Philippine markets as its SEA counterparts namely: Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand markets are leading with less than half of the overall eCommerce marketplace traffic activity with 45, 20 and 47 percent, respectively. For Indonesia and Singapore markets, local players- Tokopedia and Qoo10 hails as the most visited eCommerce marketplace.
The rationale behind our findings is that Filipino consumer’s online shopping preference is primarily based on brand familiarity. In fact, according to Kantar Worldpanel survey, 84 percent of Filipino consumers responded that they prefer to purchase from well-known and trusted brands despite the abundance of low cost alternatives available in the market. This specific Filipino consumer behaviour mainly affects the local players as majority of it have just started their respective operations in the digital marketplace.
Local Players Begin To Attract More Followers From Social Media Platforms
The local players total traffic share only accounts for 7 percent of the country’s overall marketplace traffic activity while there are more local players in the overall eCommerce share of traffic.
The most visited local eCommerce in the country is BeautyMNL placing 5th overall with less than a million-traffic followed by Kimstore in 9th place. Galleon, O Shopping and Takatack which were previously in Q1 2018’s top eCommerce all dropped one notch placing 7th, 8th and 11th respectively. Only Argomall managed to accelerate two notches placing 6th overall.
Interestingly, our report found that majority of the local players experienced inconsistency in traffic activity as there are occasions of leaps and slips in traffic ranking. In specific the following eCommerce with the major leap in traffic are Seek the Unique, Apartment 8 Clothing, Zeus, Straight Forward Clothing, Great Value Plus, Bayan Mall, TV Shop, Mall Hallo Hallo and CesaPH which increased its traffic ranking for about 7 notches in average.
While the following eCommerce with major slip in traffic are Adobomall, Watch Portal, Goods, Mommy Mundo, Bigmk, Abubot, which in averaged decreased traffic ranking for about 8 notches.
Despite the local players low reception in website traffic, its social media activity for Instagram and Twitter attracted more followers with 70 and 51 percent of the overall eCommerce marketplace social media followers. Meanwhile, the social media activity for Facebook is mainly taken over by international players as it share of social media followers account for 77 percent of the overall eCommerce marketplace.
As more local players are slowly increasing its market reach through social media platforms, it should also prioritize in building eCommerce branding. Currently, the Philippine government is aiding the industry by helping local players in venturing to digital marketplace however it lacks a definitive support to competitively perform against the international big players.
Methodology:
The Map of E-Commerce ranks Philippines’ top 50 e-commerce players based on their average quarterly traffic, mobile application ranking and social media following.
Quarterly Traffic Data was taken from Similar Web;
Mobile App Ranking Data was taken from App Annie;
Social Media Following Data was taken from their respective Facebook, Twitter and Instagram handles.
About iPrice Group
iPrice Group is operating as a one-stop shop e-commerce aggregator across 7 markets in Southeast and East Asia with key feature in price comparison. It’s meta-search feature collates e-commerce products: home and living, cosmetics, grooming, fashion and electronics while its key feature in price comparison specifically caters to electronics.
Guinness is embedding the iconic Irish dry stout into the food culture of Singapore. The limited edition Guinness Snowskin Mooncakes comes in a pack of four and is given away with every minimum SGD 90 spend on Guinness products at major supermarkets. The promotion runs until 30 September 2018 or while stocks last.
The mooncake has a stout-infused chocolate ganache cocooned in a white chocolate shell that is nestled in coffee-flavoured lotus paste. More description of the taste can be found on this site.
For consumers who are curious about the alcohol content, according to Guinness, “the alcohol used for each piece of mooncake is minimal, as a large amount of alcohol has been evaporated during the manufacturing process.”
Consumers are advised to check the availability on the Guinness Redemption site. As of 14 September 2018, there are still 1,543 boxes left. Redemption can be made at Letrain Redemption Centre or add SGD 28 for home delivery.
Guinness localising the Malaysian way
In August 2018, Guinness held a press conference in Malaysia to announce the new look for its Guinness Foreign Extra Stout and showcase the use of Guinness as an accompaniment and ingredient in food.
“Partnering with top local chef Johnny Fua from Hello @ Kitchen Mafia, Guinness has created a collectable recipe book which uses Guinness Foreign Extra Stout in a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes. From traditional favourites including Guinness-infused pork ribs, unique takes on Malaysian classics including pan mee and buttermilk prawns, to completely new creations such as Guinness pork jerky, the Guinness Foreign Extra Stout recipe collection shows the versatility of the brew outside of a glass.”
“Also included in the recipe book is a selection of dishes typically found in Malaysian eateries which pair perfectly with Guinness Foreign Extra Stout as an accompaniment, from dried bak kut teh, fried carrot cake and assam pedas fish with salted egg.”
Beer infused food is not something new. The fact that Guinness is moving into that direction shows it is part of the movement by food and drink brands, which are increasingly extending their brands into newer categories to capture new consumers.
The mid-autumn festival is the festival that has a lot of marketing potential to innovate around mooncakes. Fuel retailer Petron is the latest to enter the fray with its limited edition Marvel mooncakes available in Musang King, Pure Lotus, Pandan and Chocolate.
Each mooncake is priced at RM 29.90 or redeem with 2,500 Petron Miles points. A set of four is priced at RM 118. Each mooncake is imprinted with the signature pattern of the Marvel characters such as the Thor hammer and shield of Captain America.
Thai functional beverage maker Sappe has launched "Beauti Shot Stix” as Thailand's first concentrated shot in Korean style of drinking stick pack, according to...
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), a global leader in sustainable food innovation, has officially launched its newest plant-based creation: the MEAT ZERO Vegetarian Fish Burger....
The Tetra Pak 2017 Index has higlighted the importance of augmented reality and other digital technology in packaging. Alexandre Carvalho, Director Marketing Services at Tetra Pak said: “The digital package gives brand owners a direct link to the consumer through an important communication channel – the product itself.” The Indomilk AR is a reflection of the future direction of food packaging not just in Indonesia but in other parts of the world.
