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Third belVita range – banana and oats now in Malaysia

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

belVita breakfast biscuit is now available in Malaysia with a new banana and oats flavour, joining the existing range of Honey & Chocolate and Milk & Cereal, which have been in the market since 2016.

The recent launching event on 2 August 2017 also marked the 1st anniversary of belVita in Malaysia.

Number one in biscuit

Mondelez, the maker of belVita, Oreo, Chipsmore, Tiger and Jacob’s, is number one in the biscuit category in Malaysia. Sharon Tan, head of biscuit and salty snacks at MondelÄ“z International said “as a leader in the biscuits category, we are always focused on innovating and diversifying our product portfolio to meet the changing demands and expectations of consumers. By doing so, we are able continue growing our impact within the market, while extending our commitment in creating moments of joy and empowering consumers to make informed choices for their overall health and wellbeing.”

The new belVita banana and oats are available at all major hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience retail stores from August 2017 onwards.

New Cimory Mini Yogurt for the family

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

The Cimory Mini Yogurt was launched in Indonesia in May 2017. The 70ml drink comes with the choice of original, strawberry and blueberry flavours. The drink represents the mini version of Cimory’s existing yoghurt drink in 250ml plastic bottle but with slightly different ingredients. Both the 70ml and the 250ml contain streptococcus thermophilus and lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus probiotics, which means the drinks have to be kept refrigerated.

Cimory Mini Yogurt (70ml) has fresh cow’s milk and skim milk powder listed as part of the ingredients, while Cimory Yogurt Drink (250ml) contains fresh cow’s milk.

For the entire family

The Cimory Mini Yogurt comes in a pack of four with a total weight of 280ml. It is meant to be shared with the entire family.

The much larger Cimory Yogurt Drink (250ml) is designed for own consumption especially by office ladies.

What Mini Me thinks

The exit of Orang Tua’s Vitacharm from the probiotic space in Indonesia has left Yakult as the dominant player in this segment. The new Cimory Mini Yogurt will provide consumers with another option but how far Cimory Mini Yogurt can dent the market share of Yakult remains an open question.

Tipco Beat has huge ambition in high-protein drink

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Tipco has joined the high-protein drink segment in Thailand with the new Tipco Beat. The high-protein drink is claimed by the company as the nation’s first yellow pea extract-based product. The pea comes from Canada.

High-protein drink is a THB 360 million market

Tipco Managing director Ekaphol Pongstabhon was quoted by  Bangkok Post of saying the market for high-protein drinks in Thailand stood at THB 360 million (USD 11 million) in 2016 and is expected to grow to THB 700 million in the coming three years.

Meiji dominates the market with a 90% market share. Tipco aims to achieve a 30% market share with revenue of THB 250 million in the coming three years, according to the article by Brand Buffet.

Competing with Meiji and Dutch Mill

Meiji and Dutch Mill are the two key players in the high-protein drink market in Thailand. The first to jump on the bandwagon is Meiji with its high-protein milk debuted in July 2015. The whey formula is aimed at men to build up body muscle, while the  L-carnitine formula is for women for fitness and weight loss.

Dutch Mill High Protein Whey Plus, meanwhile, comes in matcha and chocolate flavours aiming at the same group of fitness junkies, both men and women, to achieve muscular energy and growth. Dutch Mill High Protein Whey Plus was launched in 2017.

Aimed at 20-45-year-old

Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane. Image from Bangkok Post

The new Tipco Heat is targeted at 20-45-year-old who love health and exercise. The product appears to aim at females as evidenced from the appointment of Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane as endorser.

https://www.facebook.com/tipcobeat/videos/1934666710141133/

Tipco Beat (250ml) is available at 7-Eleven for a price of THB 35.

What Mini Me thinks

As young Thais turn to fitness from yoga to extreme sports, high protein products will be in demand and this is where brands come in with portable option to help them craft the muscles they want.

The other reason for launching Tipco Beat is to prepare the company for the impending imposition of sugar tax on beverages on 16 September 2017. With only 4.5% sugar, Tipco Beat will stand to receive a lower excise tax than those with a higher sugar content.

DeeDo Yoku flavoured yoghurt drinks in the pipeline for the Philippines

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Thailand’s Foodstar Co., Ltd., the producer of fruit juice, yogurt drink, fruit juice and nata de coco under the DeeDo brand, said during WOFEX 2017 (August 2-5) that it plans to launch DeeDo Yoku flavoured yoghurt drinks in the Philippines.

The yoghurt product comes in a curvy plastic bottle that would make it standout in the store shelves in the Philippines where competing products currently come mainly in carton packaging. The other yoghurt drink in plastic bottle is Cimory from Indonesia.

Foodstar has already made available DeeDo Fruit Juice with Yoghurt in the Philippines.

Foodstar DeeDo yoghurt drink at Robinsons Supermarket. Photographed by the author in Manila in August 2017. Selling at PHP 15.25.

Foodstar’s yoghurt drinks are competing with Nestle Bear Brand Yogu, Zest-O Yo!, Dutch Mill and Alaska, all currently selling in carton.

Yoghurt drinks in the Philippines. Photographed by the author in Manila in August 2017

New Heavenly Blush drinkable Greek yoghurt aims at millennial

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

PT Nutrifood Indonesia has unveiled its latest Heavenly Blush Drinkable Greek Yoghurt (yogurt) in June 2017. The ambient Greek yoghurt drink is best served chilled and has a shelf life of six months. The texture is thicker and is high in protein.

Expansion of Greek yoghurt into drinkable

The new Greek yoghurt drink marks the expansion of the Heavenly Blush Greek Yoghurt range from spoonable to drinkable. The product also ties in well with Indonesian consumers who prefer to consume yoghurt in drinkable format. As an ambient yoghurt, it can be sold without being refrigerated, thus making it more accessible to consumers taking into account the country’s poor chilled infrastructure.

Targeting 25-35-year-old female and male

The key targets for the Heavenly Blush Greek Yoghurt drink are females and males aged between 25 and 35, said Amelia Anggreini, Heavenly Blush product manager. The Greek yoghurt drink is high in protein with 7g of protein per pack. The high protein and amino acid in the 200ml drink can keep you full longer and it is also a healthier choice for consumers, said Amelia. She added the drinkable Greek yoghurt is also suitable for men undergoing a fitness regime as the drink offers a high amount of protein to help achieve their fitness goals.

Heavenly Blush Greek Yoghut drink is the first yoghurt drink to be packed in Tetra Prisma aseptic packaging in Southeast Asia, making it portable to be carried around and consumed anytime and anywhere.

Focusing on distribution

Nutrifood is currently focusing on distribution before launching below-the-line (BTL) and above-the-line (ATL) activation, said Amelia.

The key channels for Heavenly Blush Greek yoghurt are supermarkets, online, delivery and special channels such as gym, cafe and canteen.

Heavenly Blush Greek Yoghurt Drink (200ml) is selling for IDR 11,900 (USD 0.90) at Indomaret, which is slightly more expensive than the Heavenly Blush Yoghurt Drink (200ml) priced at IDR 9,400 to take into account the Greek yoghurt premium positioning.

Suntory recalls batches of Ribena concentrate in Malaysia made by contract manufacturer

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

“Manufacturing error” has forced Suntory Beverage and Food to recall specific batches of Ribena concentrate products from warehouses, distributors and retailers in Malaysia with effective from 12 August 2017.

Ribena pastilles and ready-to-drink products such as those in PET bottle, can, packet and pouch are not affected by the recall.

The company press releases says “a preliminary investigation of the manufacturing process has led us to suspect that the product was exposed to air during the bottling process. This appears to cause the product in random bottles to potentially deteriorate in quality earlier than the expiry date.”

“Consumers are advised not to drink the product if it appears unusual, tastes or smells sourish or if they are in doubt of the quality of the product. Consumers who are unsure of the quality of their product are encouraged to contact our customer hotline at 1800 88 6200 for more information.”

Ribena concentrate may not be available for purchase for the time being as production has halted at the contract manufacturing facility until the probe is completed, likely to be early next week.

The “contract manufacturing facility” refers to IDS Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, a member of Hong Kong-listed Dah Chong Hong Holdings, where the factory is located in Shah Alam.

What Mini Me thinks

The recall, if handled professionally, will have negligible impact on consumer confidence in Ribena. The contract manufacturer will need to improve the manufacturing process to ensure the problem does not recur.

Coca-Cola celebrates Malaysia’s 60th Independence Day with limited-edition cans

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

With Malaysia’s Hari Merdeka just around the corner, Coca-Cola Malaysia has unveiled a series of limited-edition Coke to celebrate the nation’s 60th Independence Day, which falls on 31st August.

The images feature cartoon drawings by the Malaysia-born cartoonist Reggie Lee. There are four designs each featuring unique Malaysian scenes from how we eat to how we expect a public holiday to be declared after the country wins a sporting event, usually badminton.

The set of five cans is available on Coca-Cola official store on 11Street.my for RM 22 (USD 5.12), a discount of 56% from the normal price of RM 49.99. Click here to purchase.

Alternatively, you can go to 99Speedmart or other supermarket or minimarket to collect all four designs. The author has so far collected one design.

New Apple Fox cider as sly as a fox

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Comes in different names

Heineken Malaysia Berhad, known for its Strongbow cider, is introducing a new cider – Apple Fox from New Zealand and domesticated in Europe. Also known as Orchard Thieves, “it’s as sly as the fox and thus can be found in different markets under different names.” The cider is called Orchard Thieves in Ireland, JabolÄŤni Tat in Slovenia, Milo Kleftis in Greece, Lišiak zo sadu in the Czech Republic and Stibitzer in Austria.

ABV 4.5%

The 330ml apple cider is made from carbonated water, cider, sugar, natural aroma, malic acid and 45% apple juice concentrate, giving it an ABV of 4.5%. The current Strongbow range features an ABV of 4.5% for Apple Ciders Elderflower and Apple Ciders Dark Fruit and an ABV of 5% for Apple Ciders Gold Apple and Apple Ciders Honey.

Somersby, the cider from competitor Carlsberg Malaysia, comes with an ABV of 4.5% for the entire range, which comprises Apple Cider, Apple Cider with a taste of Blueberry and Apple Cider with a taste of Blackberry.

Double-digit growth for Strongbow

Both Heineken and Carlsberg are focusing on driving growth in the premium segment including cider. Heineken reported double-digit growth in the cider category in the first half of 2017 amidst a 12.1% fall in revenue attributed to higher sales in June 2016 due to expected price increase from 1 July 2016 and earlier sell-in timing for Chinese New Year in 2017.

Somersby number one in cider

Somersby is the number one brand in the cider category in Malaysia and is actively marketing the product with innovative activation campaigns. Carlsberg derived around 20% of sales revenue in 2016 from the premium range of products including Asahi, Connor’s Stout, Kronenbourg 1664 blanc and Somersby cider.

Sampling to acquire new users

“Come redeem your share of Strongbow Apple Ciders, part of our 200,000 bottle giveaway!” (image above)

Both Somersby and Strongbow concentrate on acquiring new consumers through sampling and free drinks.

The new Apple Fox is available in 320ml cans and 325ml bottles in bars, pubs and restaurants as well as convenience stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets.

Apple Fox is brewed and canned in Malaysia under supervision of Heineken Brouwerijen BV.

What Mini Me thinks

The introduction of Apple Fox by Heineken is interesting because it means there is a new choice for consumers in the fast-growing cider segment. Would Apple Fox cannabalise on Strongbow? It is still early days to tell.

*All the images come from company websites.

Author’s verdict: Apple Fox cider is simply delicious!

Stackable soy sauce-vinegar by Datu Puti

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Datu Puti has a unique stackable packaging featuring vinegar and soy sauce in one product that can be detached into two. The stackable pares pack by NutriAsia, the maker of Datu Puti, pares the two iconic products that is commonly used in Filipino dishes. Consumers just need to buy the stackable pack to get 500ml of soy sauce and 500ml of vinegar.

The stackable pares pack is the first in the Philippines. Price wise, a 1L Datu Puti soy sauce is retailed at PHP 39, while a 1L Datu Puti vinegar is selling for PHP 33.25. As a contrast, the stackable pack (500ml + 500ml) is available for PHP 38, which means consumers are paying a slightly higher price to secure the vinegar and soy sauce combo.

For consumers, especially in smaller households, who want both in smaller pack, the stackable option is the ideal choice.

*Photographed by the author in Robinsons Supermarket in Manila in August 2017

Splenda-sweetened Right ‘n Lite drink targets calorie-conscious soda drinkers

By
Tan Heng Hong
-

Splenda, the sucralose-based artificial sweetener owned by the American company Heartland Food Products Group, is making strong headway in the Philippines beverage industry.

Rite ‘n Lite sweetened with Splenda

The sweetener is found in zero calorie drink Rite ‘n Lite by Macay Holdings, the bottler and distributor of RC Cola. Rite ‘n Lite was launched in December 2016 featuring four flavours – Zesty Lemon, Tangy Lemon-Lime, Citrusy Orange and Creamy Rootbeer in 250ml can format.

According to Macay Holdings, Rite ‘n Lite is aimed at “health-conscious individuals who yearn for a refreshing drink that’s aspartame-free, with no added sugar, carbs and calories.” Macay Holdings also has RC Cola Free, introduced in 2009, as a zero-calorie carbonated soft drink, also sweetened with Splenda since 2014.

Rite ‘n Lite competes with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in the no-calorie space.

Better value versus other soda

The new soda drink is positioned as a value beverage at PHP 12.50 each (250ml), 30% better value versus other soda.

Rite ‘n Lite carbonated soft drinks. Photographed by the author in Manila in August 2017

Splenda usage in juice

Splenda is also found in Old Orchard juice distributed by Fly Ace Corporation. The product is described as having 75% less sugar, low calorie and low carbs and is sweetened with Splenda.

Old Orchard juice. Photographed by the author in Manila in August 2017

What Mini Me thinks

Splenda is sold in the Philippines on its own as a calorie-free alternative sweetener. By embracing Splenda and explicitly mentioning the sweetener on the marketing material and packaging, brand owners hope this would improve the appeal with soda drinkers who are looking for zero calorie.

 

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