Latest news with #foodandbeverage
SBS Australia
6 hours ago
- Business
- SBS Australia
Franchising 101: How to start a franchise business in the Philippines
According to the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippines is the 7th largest franchise market in the world. There's strong demand in both food and non-food sectors, with thousands of opportunities across retail, healthcare, logistics, education, and more. The Philippine Franchise Association advises not to fall easily for offers that sound too good to be true. Do your research on the brand, its track record, and whether it already has successful franchisees. Your goals will help determine what type of franchise suits you the time to study it carefully and seek advice from experts. SBS Filipino 03/06/2025 08:44 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
Independent Singapore
7 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Retailers, hawkers and restaurants need to survive' — KF Seetoh says Urban Hawker NYC costs less to run than Orchard Road, MBS food halls
SINGAPORE: Operations and rents in Urban Hawker in New York are way cheaper than in prime Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands (MBS) food halls, says Makansutra founder KF Seetoh in a Facebook post on Monday night (June 2), explaining that he knows this because Makansutra was their setup consultant. Mr Seetoh said he needed to 'exhale some facts and realities' after seeing the news of how a group of retail and food and beverage (F&B) players were banding up to raise concerns over the 'sky is the limit' rents, operating costs, and manpower woes in Singapore. Pointing out that manpower is not a major issue in New York City, and people there pay market prices for food even in the Times Square and Rockefeller Centre area, where Urban Hawker is located, he said, 'Sure, taxes may be higher but it works out way better than paying ridiculous 5 figure stall rents plus a profit percentage.' ' In Singapore, selling S$8 platters. It's US$17 for fried hokkien mee in Urban Hawker and there's no entitled customers about prices there… ,' he added. Mr Seetoh said, 'Retailers, hawkers and restaurants need to survive. They pay full price for other living and business costs here, too. Who's gonna take up your shops and stalls if you happy keep cranking up that rent and operation cost machine?' warning that the current setup will only push hawkers and small operators out. 'Rethink this whole business infrastructure. Put on your crystal ball and binos and look ahead, it's bleak. Don't even talk about affordable food for the masses in the future, for a start,' he added. One commenter blamed 'insatiable landlords' who keep raising rent and making it difficult for small hawkers and retailers to survive. Another pointed out that, unlike Singapore, which charges customers for takeaway containers , 'Urban Hawker portions are American-sized, and if you need to dabao your leftovers, the containers are free.' See also Will Singapore's missing recession delay next GE? The concerns raised by Mr Seetoh echo what many in the F&B sector are going through. In February, a hawker with a vegetarian stall at Serangoon Road , who had operated for over 10 years, moved out after learning that his rent would rise to S$3,000 from just S$930 due to a new operator. He said the rent was too much, as he was only earning enough to survive. In October 2024, Singapore's monthly F&B business closures surpassed even pandemic levels , with government data showing that over 3,000 F&B outlets had closed by the end of last year . More recent figures don't offer much relief. The Department of Statistics reported a 2.8% drop in F&B sales in March this year compared to the previous year. This followed a sharper 5.7% year-on-year (YoY) drop in February. In April, government data revealed that an average of 307 F&B businesses had closed each month in 2025 due to high costs and fewer diners, up from 254 in 2024. See also Just how many 'preneurs' does Singapore need? Mr Seetoh said, 'There are more harsh realities I know about doing business in Singapore than what I tell you here. I will tell more soon.' In the comments, he added, 'Looks like we need to go back to Rent Control Act days.' /TISG Read also: Singapore bars serve non-alcoholic drinks and unique experiences to win over Gen Z amid falling alcohol consumption
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Can the green tea wave topple the Middle East's coffee culture?
RIYADH: Once reserved for Japan's sacred tea ceremonies, matcha has become a global sensation, infusing everything from lattes and desserts to skincare routines. Now, it is entering the Middle East, where coffee has long held cultural and culinary dominance. Matcha's rise in the MENA region is driven by health-conscious millennials, social media-friendly cafe culture, and a booming fitness scene. With its high antioxidant content, clean caffeine boost, and vibrant green hue, it's quickly become a favorite among wellness enthusiasts. But can it compete with the deeply ingrained coffee rituals of the Arab world, where coffee and espresso are daily staples? The economic landscape: Aligning with Vision 2030 As part of its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively working to diversify its economy and reduce its long-standing reliance on oil revenues. Central to this transformation is the food and beverage sector, which has emerged as a key driver of economic growth. In 2022, the food and agriculture sector contributed approximately SR100 billion ($26.6 billion) to the Kingdom's gross domestic product, the highest on record. The government aims to attract $20 billion in investments into the food industry by 2035, focusing on enhancing food security and broader economic sustainability. Supporting this momentum is the 'Made in Saudi' initiative, launched in 2021 to boost domestic production and services. One of its core goals is to raise the non-oil sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 16 percent to 50 percent by 2030, making room for innovative products and emerging markets, including health-focused offerings like matcha. A growing opportunity: the regional matcha market This strategic shift aligns well with the rising demand for functional foods and beverages across the region. In the Middle East and Africa region, the matcha market is experiencing steady growth, signaling a strong opportunity for Saudi Arabia to enter a promising space. In 2023, the MEA matcha market generated approximately $86.1 million in revenue, and projections estimate it will grow to $110.7 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 percent. Notably, ceremonial grade matcha, the highest quality used in traditional preparation, is currently the top revenue-generating segment and is expected to see the fastest growth, underscoring the premium positioning of matcha and consumer interest in wellness-driven, culturally rich products. Matcha vs. coffee: A nutritional and cultural perspective To better understand matcha's potential in the Middle East, licensed Lebanese dietitian Reem Harb compared it to coffee in terms of health benefits, energy effects, and cultural fit. A shade-grown green tea consumed in powdered form, matcha boasts superior levels of phytochemicals like chlorophyll and quercetin, as well as antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate, compared to other green teas. However, its caffeine content sits between traditional green tea and coffee. Unlike coffee, matcha provides a gentler energy boost without a crash. 'This is due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that interacts with caffeine to improve cognitive function and energy levels,' Harb said in an interview with Arab News. Ceremonial matcha is often used for lattes or smoothies due to its perceived health benefits, but this reduces availability for traditional preparations. Simona Suzuki, president of the Global Japanese Tea Association The Middle East's coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition, from Turkish coffee ceremonies to the social ritual of sharing Arabic coffee. With its earthy and slightly bitter taste, Matcha may initially clash with regional preferences for sweet, aromatic beverages. However, Harb believed matcha could complement traditional diets if introduced thoughtfully. 'Matcha lattes can be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, especially when prepared without added syrups. Alternating between Arabic coffee and matcha could diversify beverage choices while preserving cultural experiences,' she suggested. From Kyoto to the MENA: Matcha's Global Surge While matcha's health benefits make it appealing, its journey from Japanese tea fields to Middle Eastern cafes hasn't been without challenges. Japan's matcha industry has seen production nearly triple since 2010, with exports soaring as global demand skyrockets. This surge in demand, however, has sparked concerns about shortages, prompting renowned Kyoto tea houses like Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen to impose purchase limits last year. Social media buzz and the rising demand for functional foods have turned matcha into a must-have trend that Middle Eastern cafes and startups are racing to meet. Speaking with Arab News, Simona Suzuki, president of the Global Japanese Tea Association, said: 'While matcha production in Japan is increasing, it remains relatively limited in scale ... Global demand has surged dramatically, leading to shortages in Japan.' The rapid growth has strained supply chains, and Suzuki noted it may take time for production to catch up. She also emphasized the importance of using matcha appropriately: 'Ceremonial matcha is often used for lattes or smoothies due to its perceived health benefits, but this reduces availability for traditional preparations.' In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, specialty cafes now offer matcha lattes alongside traditional karak chai, while local brands experiment with regional twists like matcha-infused dates or cardamom-dusted matcha desserts. Importing high-grade matcha, however, which relies on specific Japanese tea plant varieties like samidori and yabukita, is costly and logistically complex. Suzuki encouraged businesses to build direct relationships with producers: 'We strongly encourage visiting Japan to connect with tea growers and gain a deeper understanding of cultivation and processing.' In 2024, THE MATCHA TOKYO, a Japanese organic matcha brand, made its Gulf Cooperation Council debut with a beachside cafe in Dubai. The brand chose Dubai due to the strong presence of Emirati customers at its Tokyo outlets. Beyond Japan and the GCC, THE MATCHA TOKYO has expanded across Asia, with locations in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Bangkok, and Shanghai. Suzuki remained optimistic about the future of Japanese teas in the region, stating that while matcha is popular, the Global Japanese Tea Association is passionate about introducing the full spectrum of authentic Japanese teas, including sencha, gyokuro, hojicha, and wakocha, to the world. As Middle Eastern consumers increasingly prioritize wellness while staying rooted in tradition, matcha isn't replacing coffee, but it's carving out a lasting niche of its own.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mat Sabu: Malaysia's agri-food sector secures RM17m in international deals at Thaifex-Anuga Asia 2025
BANGKOK, May 31 — Malaysian exhibitors have successfully inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth RM17 million at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025, Asia's leading food and beverage trade show. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the agreements, signed with partners from Thailand and the United States, reflect the growing international confidence in the quality and competitiveness of Malaysian products. 'These agreements with partners from Thailand and the United States are not just business transactions — they are a testament to the world's growing confidence in Malaysian products. 'Our entrepreneurs have proven that, with the right support, they can compete and excel on the global stage,' he said after officiating the Malaysian Pavilion here on Friday. Mohamad on a four-day working visit to Thailand said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has been actively supporting local entrepreneurs through strategic initiatives, ensuring they meet global standards while maintaining the unique quality and authenticity of Malaysian products. 'Our vision is clear: we want Malaysian products to become household names worldwide. With the dedication of our farmers, food producers, and government agencies, I am confident that we will see even greater achievements in the years to come,' he added. Mohamad also invited international buyers to explore Malaysia's diverse range of high-quality food products showcased at the pavilion. He said the strong performance at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2025 underscores Malaysia's growing influence in the global food and beverage arena. Mohamad added that with continued government backing, aggressive promotional campaigns, and industry collaboration, Malaysia is poised to expand its footprint as a leading agri-food exporter in Southeast Asia and beyond. Meanwhile, the Counsellor at the Agriculture Counsellor Office, Shaiful Naszri Wahid, said Malaysian agri-food products are gaining recognition due to their compliance with stringent international standards, including halal certification, organic farming practices, and sustainable sourcing. 'By using strategic trade platforms like Thailand, we can further elevate Malaysia's global visibility and build lasting trade partnerships across and beyond the region,' he said. With 137 Malaysian exhibitors showcasing high-quality products, the Malaysia Pavilion became a focal point for international buyers during the trade show, which was held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani from May 27 to 31. — Bernama
Argaam
5 days ago
- Business
- Argaam
POS transactions hit SAR 11.7B last week: SAMA
The point-of-sale (POS) transactions in Saudi Arabia reached nearly SAR 11.7 billion in the week ended May 24, compared to about SAR 12.4 billion a week earlier. The number of POS transactions reached about 206 million last week, compared to nearly 217.6 million in the previous week, according to data issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). POS transactions represent consumer expenditure through debit and credit cards at major shopping centers, retail outlets, pharmacies, and others. The data indicated that the value of sales via POS increases in the weeks that coincide with the disbursement of salaries to government employees (the 27th of each month), in addition to the weeks that coincide with school vacations and the weeks preceding Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. On the other hand, the value of sales decreases in the weeks preceding salary disbursement and those coinciding with the start of the back-to-school season. The moving average value of POS transactions stood at about SAR 13.17 billion in 2025. Adopting the four-week moving average, the value of POS transactions soared during 2024 compared to 2023 and 2022. The average value of sales ranged between SAR 11 billion and SAR 14 billion in 2024, compared to SAR 10 billion to SAR 13 billion in 2023 and SAR 9 billion to SAR 12 billion in 2022. For the week ended on May 24, consumer spending was focused on the food and beverage (F&B) and the restaurants and cafes sectors, at 14.1% or SAR 1.65 billion each. Riyadh led in terms of POS transaction value by region, with approximately SAR 4.32 billion, representing 36.9% of the total. Jeddah followed with SAR 1.70 billion (14.5%). According to the latest data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), e-payments in the retail (individuals) sector reached 79% of total payments carried out by individuals in the Kingdom during 2024. This achieved the target ratio in the Financial Sector Development Program, one of Vision 2030's programs, which aims to reach an e-payment ratio of 70% by 2025. Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed remarkable progress and rapid growth in e-payment adoption, thanks to the myriad strategic efforts and initiatives launched by SAMA, in cooperation with the financial sector, to support the growth of the payments sector and stimulate the use of various e-payment methods in the Kingdom.
