ASIAN CENTURY
PASTA • CULINARY • BEVERAGE
meiko-upster.com
easy easy easy easy easy available available easy available easy easy easy available easy available
Caren Poon, General Manager of Putien (M) Sdn Bhd shares the advantages of being in a retail environment and what the future holds for this dynamic sector
In Malaysia, consumers tend to frequent malls which provide a convenient one stop solution with a wide variety of retail, dining and entertainment options as well as services compared to commercial shoplots. Weather probably plays a part in this as people will escape to malls to avoid the heat and rain. In smaller, focused malls such as SS15 Courtyard where the latest PUTIEN outlet is located, being F&B focused enhances top of mind recall when people specifically want to dine out. Having a cluster of restaurants also gives people choices compared to commercial shoplots. One of the main benefits of being in an established mall is the branding. As a strong, credible player in the industry, a popular mall would be able to provide a ready and consistent flow of customers. This is especially true for malls integrated with residences, offices, convention centres and are transport hubs and tourist attractions as well. Such a combination creates a conducive business environment throughout the whole week. In addition, decorations and events or activities during festive seasons will attract more people to the mall which in turn will translate into higher traffic flow to the restaurant.
FUTURE RETAIL SCENE Caren Poon, General Manager of Putien (M) Sdn Bhd, predicts Eco Malls would be the future. “Some malls today have done a beautiful job adding greenery which is not only an attraction but also functions as an air purifier. With growing awareness on the importance of preserving natural resources, Eco Malls would also generate renewable energy such as solar and wind power on their rooftop parking spaces. “Since malls will continue to be part of everyone’s lifestyle, nature elements should ideally be part of the mall and be more integrated into the overall shopping experience. For example, there could be picnic areas for diners to enjoy food from various restaurants or restaurants can include their own herb garden or vegetable plot. This way, customers who wish to do so may “harvest” their own vegetables or herbs.” She continues, “It would be lovely to have a “digital shopping assistant” instead of the regular information counter and tenant directory. The digital shopping assistant could easily list the relevant shops selling the desired items sought by shoppers instantly, thus saving time and providing more convenience to shoppers. “Alternatively, the digital assistant could help to shortlist and suggest suitable dining options through search filters that match customers’ preference, budget and expectations. Menus could also be digitally accessible to save time, speed up decision-making and boost convenience.”
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING AND NEW RESTAURATEURS The restaurant business is a tough and challenging one so Caren readily shares the following tips with wannabe and new restaurateurs: • Be clear about the value proposition of your restaurant You will need to offer good food that your target market will find value in. If you cannot describe what your restaurant offers and the gap it is trying to fill in the market within 30 seconds, then you must think again. DO NOT try to sell everything and target everyone. • Do your research While friends and family are naturally supportive, it would be wise to get additional unbiased opinions to ensure the viability of your restaurant concept in the actual market. • Location, location, location Once you have decided on the concept, find a location with the right mix of customers for your restaurant. Renovating and decorating a restaurant involves investment that cannot be regained when you discover later the location is unsuitable.
“Last but not least, be ready for the joys and challenges that come with running a restaurant,” says Caren.
The Tasmanian Honey Company has been promoting Tasmania’s premier raw and wild honey to food connoisseurs for over 25 years across the globe
One of the rarest honeys ever discovered, this premier honey has an unusual flavour with sweet floral aroma. Naturally rich in vitamin B and minerals, the fine honey makes a fabulous spread for bread, toasts and waffles, and a perfect match for coffee and tea. High in antioxidants, it boosts the immune system, heals wounds, eases digestive problems and constipation, reduces fatigue and bolsters energy levels, improves appetite and is great for the complexion.
MANUKA HONEY
LEATHERWOOD HONEY
Julian, General Manager of Tasmanian Honey Company, says: “Tasmania’s premier raw and wild honey has been internationally recognised by food connoisseurs for over 25 years. Our company’s philosophy of excellence not only inspires our product but also stays faithful to the raw material’s dynamic nature. In a world of over-refinement, there are still opportunities for a true and natural yield.”
The company currently produces Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey, Manuka Honey, Ginger Honey and some seasonal varieties, all from their own beehives. Since the company is committed to sustainability and ethical environmental practices, Wolfhagen also ensures his beehives are managed sustainably. As such, the Tasmanian Honey Company honeys are unfiltered and unheated, to produce delectable honeys with their natural flavour intact. Below are the distinct varieties of The Tasmanian Honey Company Signature Honeys and some health benefits of honey:
Produced from the nectar of a type of tea tree blossom native to both Tasmania and New Zealand, Manuka honey contains anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and antioxidant healing properties. The dark syrupy elixir is rich with almond flavour. Use it to relive sore throat, heal wounds and cuts, boost the immune system and ease digestive problems or constipation.
GINGER HONEY
B
uilt on a profound passion for Tasmania’s wild forest filled with bees producing rare leatherwood honey, The Tasmanian Honey Company was founded in 1978 by Julian Wolfhagen.
Part of the Tasmanian Honey Company's Nouveau range of flavoured honey collection, it comprises a Tasmanian Meadow combination of clover, blackberry, buttercup, and wildflower with the addition of chopped ginger. Its meadow honey sweetness has a warm bite of ginger. Besides restful sleep, there are many health benefits to consuming honey. It is a great remedy for colds and coughs, a boost for the immune system, and eases digestive problems and constipation.
Propensity for frequent substitution of traditional meals with purchased ready-to-eat meals (top 10 by % share) Thailand
43%
China
35%
Taiwan
34%
Malaysia
34%
Greece Singapore
25% 23%
Philippines
20%
UK
20%
South Africa
20%
HongKong Source: AC Nielsen 2013
19%
CUTTING POINT MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA
28-1 Jalan Radin Anum, Seri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T : +603
8, Lorong Teknologi C (OMNI) Taman Sains Selangor 1, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
9057 3733 9057 3723
F : +603
E : malaysia@mla.com.au W : www.mla.com.au
HI-TECH CLEANING SOLUTION MEIKO CLEAN SOLUTIONS (SEA) SDN BHD
10-13
page
page
MANITOWOC FOODSERVICE ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD 627A Aljunied Road, #05-03 Biztech Centre, Singapore 389842
T : +65
E : support.asia@meiko-asia.com W : www.meiko-asia.com
Lot 5710, Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T : +603
7980 6958 F : +603 7981 1731 W : www.ajinomoto.com.my
page
34-37
PERFECT PASTA LUCKY FROZEN HEAD OFFICE
No 1, Jalan 1/57B, Off Jalan Segambut Atas, Kawasan Perusahaan Segambut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T : +603
6252 8866 F : +603 6251 9336 E : marketing@luckyfoods.com.my W : www.luckyfrozen.com.my
UPGRADE SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE BEYOND CULINARY SDN BHD
4-1 Jalan Radin Anum, Seri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
INSIDE BACK COVER
T : +603
9054 7008 F : +603 9054 7008 E : info@beyondculinary.com W : www.beyondculinary.com
26-29
EVOLUTION AJINOMOTO (MALAYSIA) BERHAD
CREATIVE BITES 55-6 The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
18-20
T : +603
5634 0888 +603 5634 0222
BGS TRADING SDN BHD ( KL)
4 & 6 Jalan SS 13/6, F : Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, E : info@bgstrading.com.my Selangor, Malaysia.
CHEF'S INSPIRATION NESTLE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD
L22, 22-1, Surian Tower, No 1, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
42-43
T : +603
2284 6606 F : +603 2284 6603 W : www.mccain.com
page
30-33
T : +603
7965 6767 F : +603 7965 7218 W : www.nestle.com.my
page
page MCCAIN INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
page
W : www.bgstrading.com
page
22-25
6151 5461 F : +603 6151 5463
6420 0800
E : inquiry_mfa@manitowoc.com W : www.manitowocfoodservice.com
page
T : +603
14-17
PRO SOLUTION
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
CHOICE PICK UNIFROZEN SDN BHD 9, Jalan 2, Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
T : +603
48-49
9222 3853
E : sales@unifrozen.com W : www.unifrozen.com
SUBSCRIPTION