Tesco Lotus private label fizzy drink embraces sugar reduction

By

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17th April 2018

Tesco PL — Photo Credit: marketingoops.com

As reported by MarketingOops!, the sugar reduction wave has hit private label in Thailand. This time, Tesco Lotus, the hypermarket chain has introduced a sugar reduced carbonated soft drink range offering less than 5g of sugar per 100ml serving. The beverage even has the Healthier Choice Logo from the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.

The Healthier Choice carbonated soft drinks come in four flavours – lemon lime, strawberry, orange and mixed fruits.

The price is THB 12 for 400ml and THB 19 for 1.25 litres

Now you can bring home your favourite Samyeang sauce from Domino’s Pizza

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

16th April 2018

Samyang Sauce Domino — Photo Credit: Domino's Pizza Malaysia

Introducing Samyeang Sauce, a savoury mix of sweetness and spice, the perfect pair to every meal from Domino’s Pizza Malaysia. This limited-edition sauce compliments the pizza chain’s newest Samyeang Pizza first introduced in Malaysia in February 2018.

The pizzas come in Samyeang Tuna Pizza (favourite), Samyeang Chicken Pizza (classic) and Samyeang Beef Pizza (first class) featuring the sweet and spicy Samyeang sauce to entertain consumer’s taste bud.

The pizza and the sauce tap consumer’s fascination with K-food and spicy Korean instant noodles made popular by Samyang Challenge.

The 500ml Samyeang Sauce is available at RM 24.90 a la carte or RM 19.90 as an add on.

What Mini Me thinks

It is interesting to see pizza chain rolling out their own sauce but then again, fast food/casual operator is no stranger to category cross over. A good example is Nando’s which sell its iconic sauces in supermarket shelves. Elsewhere, KFC has launched fried chicken scented bath bomb, fragrance and candle offering a sweet smell of fried chicken.

100PLUS Awarded with Healthier Choice Logo by the Ministry of Health Malaysia

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

16th April 2018

New 100PLUS Blackcurrant Launch Photo (1) — FROM L-R, Leong Wai Yin, 100PLUS Senior Marketing Manager, Lai Ming Kong, Senior Vice President, Domestic Commercial Operations F&N, Graham Lim, Vice President, Brand Marketing F&N, Datin Wira Dr. Hajah Siti Hawa Mohd, Director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad.

100PLUS also launches an all-new, crowd favourite flavour -100PLUS BLACKCURRANT

PETALING JAYA, 12 APRIL 2018: Since the launch in 1983 as the first isotonic beverage in Malaysia, 100PLUS has always been ahead of its time with its Sports & Active Lifestyle positioning. Understanding the shift in consumer preference towards healthier beverage, 100PLUS takes the leap to meet the demand. Today, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd is proud to announce the whole range of 100PLUS will now carry the Healthier Choice Logo.

The reformulated 100PLUS ORIGINAL and 100PLUS ACTIVE was released with the Healthier Choice Logo last year after the launch by the Ministry of Health in April 2017. 100PLUS followed suit with the initiative to reformulate the whole range including 100PLUS BERRY, 100PLUS ORANGE, and 100PLUS LEMON LIME, which had rolled out into the market with the Healthier Choice Logo printed on its new packaging starting March 2018.

Graham Lim, Vice President, Brand Marketing of F&N said, “From here forward, each beverage in our portfolio will trail along as we are committed to offer our consumers the best. 100PLUS will also make headway as a healthier beverage among consumers who are not only active in sports, but live an active lifestyle too. Now everyone can enjoy 100PLUS as a healthier choice of beverage with a lower amount of sugar content.

“Reformulation is a complex process, and we want to ensure that we were still able to retain the right balance of taste and flavours that are already favoured by our consumers as well as providing the optimal benefits of rehydration. We have successfully revamp the formula for the entire range of 100 PLUS variants, which will now contains 6 grams or lesser amount of sugar for every 100ml, and essentially meeting the criteria for Healthier Choice Logo regulation. This is in line with the brand’s aspiration to encourage individuals to unleash their potential and live an active lifestyle,” added Graham Lim.

The Healthier Choice Logo is intended to provide point-of-sale information to the consumer in making informed food choices. The objective is to create an environment which supports healthy eating and to promote active living for all.

Leong Wai Yin, 100PLUS Senior Marketing Manager added, “In conjunction with this healthier movement, we also wanted to elevate the excitement further by launching an all new flavour that ranks amongst the most popular flavours Malaysians love; 100PLUS Blackcurrant – a refreshing carbonated dark purple drink that will not only provides an optimum hydration, but satisfy your taste buds.”

100PLUS Ambassador Mira Filzah, who was present in the launch said, “Being in the entertainment industry, work schedule can get hectic very quickly. Hence, I choose 100PLUS as my go-to beverage to hydrate my body throughout the day. Not only does it provides a refreshing taste, it also helps to replenish body fluid lost.”

Joining Mira to celebrate and host the launch was celebrity host CK Faizal. The event was also graced by Lai Ming Kong, Senior Vice President, Domestic Commercial Operations F&N and Datin Wira Dr. Hajah Siti Hawa Mohd, Director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad.

Stay hydrated with Malaysia’s No. 1 Isotonic Drink, a smarter choice for your active lifestyle!

Cold Storage Expands its Reach in Penang Via HappyFresh

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

16th April 2018

First Online Grocery Market Place in Penang; Part of National Expansion Plan

16^th April 2018 – Things are Fresher than ever in Penang as Cold Storage and HappyFresh launch the northern region’s first home delivery service of fresh food and groceries today. Marking HappyFresh’s Third Anniversary, the expansion of services into Penang is part of the brand’s expansion plans in Malaysia, and an extension of its existing relationship with GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd the operator of Cold Storage in Malaysia.

“Today marks a significant milestone for us as we are now able to better delight our customers in Penang with fresh products and quality produce delivered right to their doorstep. Earlier this year we launched our services with HappyFresh to serve our customers in the Klang Valley, where we have over 10 stores in our family of brands. Based on the response there, we are now expanding the reach of our home delivery services to Penang. This will is an opportunity for us to increase the visibility and coverage of the Cold Storage brand to fulfil the demands of the rising number of consumers in Penang who use digital platforms as their primary means of purchasing goods and services” said Alice Lau, Upscale Director of GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Cold Storage has been a trusted name in fresh produce and top quality local and imported products in Malaysia since 1963. It is always a popular choice among discerning customers when it comes to fresh food and variety with its wide array of fresh produce; ready to eat selections; broad selection of meats, fish and wines; and exclusive brands from around the globe.

With today’s announcement, getting the freshest selection is now a simple matter of downloading the HappyFresh app to conveniently pick and order fresh food and ingredients from Cold Storage Gurney Plaza or Island Plaza. The items can be delivered within an hour from when the order is placed or at the customer’s preferred timing.

“It’s an exciting time to be in this industry as consumers are showing more interest and trust in online grocery delivery. We have been considering expansion plans for awhile now and after some research, we felt that the bustling city of Penang Island would fare well with our service. This would be a new chapter for HappyFresh Malaysia and we hope that Penangites would come ot value HappyFresh’s grocery delivery service. We couldn’t have come this far without the supportive partners who saw the value in our day to day operations and to mark our 3^rd year anniversary, we decided that this would be the year to venture further.” said Cassandra Chong, Head of Business Development, HappyFresh Malaysia.

To kick-start the service and in conjunction with HappyFresh’s third anniversary, in-store customers who visit Cold Storage Gurney Plaza or Island Plaza will receive:

RM20 HappyFresh cash voucher to start shopping with Cold Storage on HappyFresh
The first 1,000 HappyFresh customers will also receive a large grocery shopping bag courtesy of HappyFresh and Cold Storage
Additional mystery gift from Cold Storage to the first 200 HappyFresh customers purchased from Cold Storage stores
Early bird discounts from HappyFresh:
1. 35% off for the first 200 customers
2. 25% off for the following 200 customers
3. 15% off for subsequent customers

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.

About HappyFresh

HappyFresh is an online grocery shopping service that offers customers the convenience to order fresh food and groceries from a range of supermarkets and specialty stores and have it delivered to their doorstep in as little as one hour. The company is a food tech start-up founded in October 2014 and the app became available in Malaysia in March 2015. Backed by experienced investors, HappyFresh is now one of the fastest growing food e-commerce companies in South East Asia, with operations in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok. The app is available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store and offers more than 120,000 items to select from.

Sunglo moves into dairy-free yoghurt

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

12th April 2018

Sunglo, known for its range of milk-based lassi and yogurt, has put on display a new dairy-free, coconut-based yoghurt at MIHAS 2018. Known as Malaysian style yoghurt, the Sunglo Dairy-Free, Probiotic Coconut Yoghurt comprises Original, Palm Sugar and Mangoes.

The coconut yoghurt contains live acidophilus, thermophilus and bifidus cultures. No cow’s milk is used. The key ingredients are coconut cream, sugar and live probiotic culture and contains permitted food conditioners (stabilisers, thickeners & emulsifiers) and preservatives (for freshness).

Sunglo chooses to launch the Coconut Yoghurt in family pack (650g) to achieve better product visibility in store.

Sunglo Lassi in stand up pouch packaging was another product showcased at the halal trade show. The 700ml lassi yoghurt smoothie consists of blackcurrant, mango, natural, orange, strawberry and apple.The low fat lassi contains 25% less sugar and is a good source of protein, fibre and calcium.

All these products can be purchase on Sunglo’s online store by clicking this link.

In Thailand, soy-based yoghurt has become a mainstream choice through Rivon SoYgurt Fermented Soy Milk, launched in 2016.

What Mini Me thinks

It is interesting to see a local dairy company moving into the dairy-free segment. But this move is not surprising as consumers are exploring various non-dairy options including dairy-free cheese to diversify their sources of protein. The use of coconut also helps to maximise local resources as coconut is available in the country in abundance unlike dairy where the country is heavily dependent on import.

100Plus Active sachets showcased

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

10th April 2018

100plus powder — Photo Credit: Minimeinsights.com

F&N showcased its latest 100Plus Active sachets at the recently concluded MIHAS 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. The sachets can be purchased from the company’s online store on 11Street and Shopee. The sachets will be made available in retail stores soon.

A simple ceremony was held at the National Sports Council in early April 2018 to introduce 100Plus Active sachets to athletes heading to Gold Coast to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

100PLUS is an official sponsor of the National Sports Council and we realized our national athletes consume 100PLUS regularly to stay hydrated. We wanted to ensure our national athletes are still able to enjoy what they like even when they are overseas be it on a training or a competition stint. This is important as our athletes will have the peace of mind as they know exactly what they are consuming,” said Engku Isyamuddin Tuan Losin, Sponsorship and Activation Manager, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd, reported sports247.my.

Each 15g pack contains 13.7g of sugar to be diluted in 230ml of water. Two sachets are needed for a typical 500ml bottled water.

This product is aimed not only at athletes but also ordinary consumers who travel abroad and afraid they might not be able to acclimatize with the local environment. It is easy to carry around and can be stored without having to put inside the checked baggage.

The potential for 100Plus Active sachet lies in the export market especially in countries where consumers are familiar with isotonic drink in powdered form.

F&N rolls out 100Plus Zero, slashes sugar count

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

8th April 2018

100 Plus Zero SG — Photo Credit: 100Plus Singapore

F&N is tweaking the sugar content of its flagship 100Plus isotonic range in Singapore and Malaysia in response to consumer aversion to sugar. 100Plus is currently the undisputed number one sports drink in both countries.

100Plus zero range

In Singapore, F&N rolled out 100Plus Zero Sugar in February 2018 offering a zero calorie option to Singapore consumers. This comes on the heels of the launch of F&N Orange Zero and Sarsi Zero in time for Chinese New Year. The zero sugar range is sweetened with acesulfame-K and sucralose.

Similarly with 100Plus Zero, F&N chooses the artificial sweetener route to create an isotonic drink that is zero calorie and zero sugar.

Reformulated with lower sugar

In Malaysia, the flavoured 100Plus (lemon lime, berry and orange) now joins 100Plus original to feature the Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) on their packaging. The new recipe debuted in March 2018 and comes with a low calorie of 23kcal/100ml and up to 6g/100ml of sugar.

100Plus with 4g/100ml sugar

The recent development saw F&N rolling out a 100Plus with even lower sugar content. With just 4g per 100ml, 100Plus Reduced Sugar will be the carbonated isotonic drink with the lowest sugar.

F&N Fruit Tree Fresh No Added Sugar

In addition of 100Plus, F&N Fruit Tree Fresh No Added Sugar (100% juice) has been given a new packaging design in Malaysia to highlight the “no added sugar” or “tiada gula tambahan” credential.

The previous design does not communicate the 100% juice and “no added sugar” attributes well.

F&N’s focus on sugar reduction or highlighting the low/no-sugar claim comes as the management mentioned at its 2018 AGM that the consumer trend of reducing sugar intake has affected its business with fruit juice the worst hit category, down by double-digit, reported Fifthperson.com.

We expect to see more moves by F&N to actively address the sugar issue in the coming months. Any new development in Singapore will serve as the barometer for Malaysia when it comes to F&N’s product innovation.

New Super Grain Quaker logo for Quaker oatmeals, other new products

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

8th April 2018

Good Day quaker PH — Photo Credit: Quaker Philippines

Quaker Instant Oatmeal and Quick Cook Oatmeal have a new Super Grain Quaker logo in Malaysia and the Philippines to identify a healthier option that comes with fibre, protein and beta-glucan. The overall packaging design has been refreshed with a new background image of wheat fields and a more prominent Quaker logo.

In the previous packaging, the description of beta-glucan’s cholesterol-busting benefit in the Quaker Quick Cook Oatmeal is highlighted in the shape of the heart. This is separated from the other three claims – high fibre, source of protein and source of iron.

Quaker Quick Cook Oatmeal old packaging in Malaysia

Now, the Super Grain logo makes its very clear and includes beta-glutan as one of the three most important benefits.

Quaker 3-in-1 cereal drink in matcha green tea and mocha

In addition to the new Super Grain logo and packaging change, PepsiCo (M) launched Quaker 3-in-1 Oat Cereal Drink in Matcha Green Tea and Mocha flavours in February 2018 to improve the indulgence but healthy appeal of 3-in-1 oat cereal drink.

Feeling satiated with Quaker Oatmeal Squares

New in Singapore in April 2018 is the Quaker Oatmeal Squares. The product is made from wholegrain Quaker Oats with soluble fiber that makes this the perfect breakfast partner. It is available in 3 flavours – Original, Honey Nut and Cinnamon and exclusively available at Fairprice Supermarkets.

Earlier in March 2018, Quaker Crunch, available in Malaysia since December 2015, was made available exclusively at Fairprice Supermarkets. Quaker Oats Singapore raises the question – “did you know that children can have high blood pressure too? The company wants parents to ensure children have a healthy and nutritious diet starting young with Quaker Crunch as it is a source of calcium, iron and vitamins.

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cups

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cups was launched in the Philippines in late 2017 and similar products were made available in Malaysia through FamilyMart in early 2018. The Quaker Instant Oatmeal Cups are available in banana and honey, chocolate, beef and carrot or chicken and mushroom.

Kalleh processed cheese available in Malaysia

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

8th April 2018

Caldbeck MacGregor Sdn Bhd, an established distributor of premium wines and fine foods in Malaysia, is now distributing Kalleh cheese from Iran’s Solico and is available at Hero Supermarket. The Kalleh sliced cheese comprises.

Cheese Toasty Processed Cheddar Cheese
Cheese Toasty Processed Parmesan Cheese
Cheese Toasty Processed Prato Cheese

It is rare to see Iranian processed cheese in Malaysia’s mainstream supermarket and distributed by one of the leading fine food distributors.

Iran sees growth in dairy export

Dairy is one of Iran’s export food exports. In the nine months to 22 December 2017, the country exported 750,000 tons of dairy products, representing a 30% growth from a similar period a year ago. Iran exports 20 types of processed dairy products to 30 countries, reported Tehran-based Finance Tribune. The key export destinations are Europe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf region.

Total dairy exports are expected to reach USD 1 billion by the end of the current Iranian year (20 March 2018).

In Malaysia, the country imported RM 99,240 worth of cheese (HS code 040630) from Iran in 2017, data from the Malaysia External Trade Statistics Online (METS Online) shows.

Kalleh cheese (180g) is priced at RM 7.79 (USD 2) per pack at Hero Supermarket.

What Mini Me thinks

We see Iranian food products spreading their wings in the country and slowing moving beyond the confines of grocers catering to Middle Eastern clienteles. There are around 60,000 Iranians working and studying in Malaysia in 2011, according to Wikipedia. The large population of Iranians in the country ensures a ready market for Iranian food products, which are invariably halal.

The challenge is to find products that appeal to the wider Malaysian population. Dairy, in addition to beverages (malt-based drink and juice), will have a bigger potential in the market with the right packaging and marketing.

Farm Fresh now in full gear, launching Greek yogurt, UHT milk

By

Tan Heng Hong

-

7th April 2018

The Johor-based milk company Farm Fresh showcased its new range of Authentic Greek Yogurt (120g) at Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2018. The range is made with 100% fresh cow’s milk and contains 50 billion CFU live cultures. There are five products under the range comprising:

Original
Apricot and 5 Super Seeds
Blueberries with Almonds and Grains
Aloe Vera and Peach
Mulberries and Strawberries

Apricot and 5 Super Seeds comes with chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa and sunflower seeds. All the Farm Fresh Authentic Greek Yogurt is naturally flavoured, contains no preservatives and no colouring.

Farm Fresh Authentic Greek Yogurt will be available from April 2018 and will it will be a permium version of the existing Farm Fresh spoonable yogurt (120g).

New UHT range

Farm Fresh has its own farms in the states of Pahang (Muadzam Shah) and Johor (Mawai and Desaru). After scoring success in the chilled fresh milk segment, the company will be launching a new range of UHT yogurt drinks and flavoured milk once its new factory is operational in May 2018.

The products will consist of kurma, cafe latte, chocolate flavoured milk and yogurt drinks (original, mango, strawberry and mixed berries). The UHT strategy will ensure its dairy products are able to reach more consumers. At the moment, the need for chilled refrigeration for its fresh dairy range has hampered product penetration.

According to the brochure, the Farm Fresh flavoured milk and yogurt drinks in Tetra Pak will be available in 200ml & 250ml (cap or straw).

Barista milk

Farm Fresh has introduced Yarra Farm Master Barista’s Milk (1 litre) in January 2018 targeting food service clients. The milk is made from 100% Australian cow’s milk. Also available is Yarra Farm Full Cream Lactose Free Milk (1 litre).

Evaporated milk and whipping cream

Also, in the product pipeline are evaporated milk (200ml) and whipping cream (1 litre and 200ml).

Other products mentioned in the brochure include Farm Fresh lactose free milk in 200ml, 250ml and 1 litre and Farm Fresh fresh soy milk with reduced sugar and unsweetened available in 200ml and 250ml (cap or straw).

What Mini Me thinks

Farm Fresh has come a long way. The product range is now more extensive and mature. The company is moving into many directions including ambient segment, spoonable Greek yogurt, soy milk, lactose free, evaporated, whipping cream, cheese, barista milk. The Desaru cheese is available in heat stable cheese, pizza cheese, cheddar cheese and cream cheese.

Farm Fresh has recently announced in March 2018 it has started exporting to Singapore’s NTUC Finest Stores & Hypermarkets. The new product pipeline will ensure Farm Fresh, backed by its extensive dairy farm and milk supply, is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the local dairy industry.

Mini Me Insights

Tesco Lotus private label fizzy drink embraces sugar reduction

Now you can bring home your favourite Samyeang sauce from Domino’s Pizza

100PLUS Awarded with Healthier Choice Logo by the Ministry of Health Malaysia

Cold Storage Expands its Reach in Penang Via HappyFresh

Sunglo moves into dairy-free yoghurt

100Plus Active sachets showcased

F&N rolls out 100Plus Zero, slashes sugar count

New Super Grain Quaker logo for Quaker oatmeals, other new products

Kalleh processed cheese available in Malaysia

Farm Fresh now in full gear, launching Greek yogurt, UHT milk

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