This was in line with fried chicken and far ahead of Western food competitors such as pizza and hamburgers.

Jim Fralick, co-founder of Food Tracker, and has been working in the Thai restaurant market for more than 10 years.

“The quick-service and casual-dining market in Thailand is very dynamic,” he said. “Thai consumers have developed a strong appetite for Japanese food and the number of Japanese brands has multiplied over the past few years. The growth in the popularity of Japanese food in Thailand over the years has been impressive.”

In this fast-paced environment of growing consumer demand, changing behaviour and growing competition, Food Tracker and Marketbuzzz have partnered to change how consumer market research supports the Thai retail industry.

Bangkok-based Food Tracker has taken a different approach that enables small and medium-sized Thai restaurant companies the opportunity to track changing consumer habits which was never before possible.

Butterfly Organic Co Ltd hopes to please a new generation of health-conscious Asians with a new line of organฌic milk-yoghurt and almond milk bearing the Bio-agricert label designating accreditation by an international organic group

After being in the market for more than seven years, the company can boast sales increases of 710 per cent annually, and is now ready to become an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) providing organic milk-yoghurt products to offshore investors.

Butterfly Organic this year plans to make a jump in sales to Bt100 million with its new products that intended to satisfy a major demand in the local and international markets, said Asaya Supmanu, CEO of Butterfly Organic Co Ltd, which operates under the brand “Butterfly”. A leader in milk-yoghurt and almond milk products, Butterfly products are certified by Bio-agricert (and accredited by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements or IFOAM).

“It is our goal to grab the attention of the health-centric new generation,” said Asaya. “The company is able to expand its organic cattle farms and factories and increase its manufacturing capacity to meet the demand. Furthermore, Butterfly Organic is also taking the title of an OEM, providing organic milk-yoghurt to investors from all over Asia.”

They recently presented their milk-yoghurt and almond milk products at the ThaiFEX World of Food Asia 2018, where Butterfly drew the attention of a large number of foreign investors.

The company previously engaged in several below-the-line marketing strategies, going on road shows to directly provide information about its products to potential customers, giving them free samples of milk-yoghurt and almond milk so they could taste for themselves the difference between Butterfly products and regular milk. Other strategies include an online public relation campaign through social media outlets, such as a Facebook page. The online campaign positions Generation Z youngsters to represent Butterfly Organic’s slogan, “Add value rhythm vital, add values to every beat of life”.

The campaign’s “Team Talent” brings together talented youth eager to use new technology to learn new skills, while being mindful of their health. The company is confident that the campaign will connect with members of a new generation, while helping Butterfly Organic to expand its customer base exponentially.

Butterfly Organic products include four flavours of organic milk – original, vanilla, chocolate and low fat – in a 180ml bottle for Bt38. The organic lines contain milk from cows fed chemical-free organic grass. The company ensures the cattle are well taken care of and happy by allowing them to roam free in vast grassland. The products are free of additives to preserve the natural taste of seasonal milk.

The result is better tasting and safer milk, the company claims. They say organic milk has higher omega-3 and omega-6 content, which help brain functions while lowering the risk of developing coronary artery disease. They also contain vitamins A and E, which improve eyesight and skin. Organic milk products have a high level of antioxidant agents and low level of cholesterol, which reduces the risk of cancer, fat and cholesterol embolism syndrome, according to the company.

Room to grow

“The health-focused market currently has higher and higher demand for organic milk, with value of the ready-to-drink organic milk market estimated at Bt50 billion. Milk-yoghurt and almond milk are alternatives to these products and have a market share of about five per cent,” said Asaya.

The remaining 95 per cent is made up of dairy and soy milk, he said. Nonetheless, the trend toward healthy eating has positively affected the growth of the alternative milk segment. The company is confident that its organic milk-yoghurt products have room to grow along with the growing demand from a new generation.

Butterfly Organic is also ready to become an OEM, offering its service to produce world-class products certified by Bio-agricert for investors from abroad, particularly in Asia, added Asaya. And Butterfly Organic is proud of its Team Talent, encouraging Thai youth to recognise their self-worth, find their true calling and hone their skills. The company aims to embolden youngsters to strengthen their own values instead of admiring net idols and celebrities.

Thai youth have the ability to make a difference,

The company points to its Team Talent. Each of its four members has trained themselves in a skill – a magician, a Go player, a dancer, and a producer. The producer can shoot and edit video. Yet, each member is between 12 and 16 years old.

They’re an inspiration for others their age, said Asaya. Thai youth have the ability to make a difference.

Therdsak Thaveeteeratham

Executive Vice President / Research

Asia Plus Securities

Capital may move out of stock markets amid the likelihood of the US Fed hiking its key rate two more times this year, the reduction of the European Central Bank’s quantitative easing and concerns over trade wars.

The SET Index dipped to below its 200-day moving average. Technically, this is a negative sign. Short-term speculation involves high risks. But another view is that the pressure from upward rate trend will not affect listed companies’ profitability significantly as average net gearing ratio is below 1 and most debts are long-term fixed income with fixed rates. Therefore, the SET Index dropped to about 1,700 points, which has prompted its price to earnings ratio at the year-end to 15.5 times. This is proper to select stocks with sound fundamentals for long-term investment. The SET Index is expected to stay in a range of 1,6801,725 points.

This week, there are two external factors: trade wars between China, the EU, Canada, Mexico and the US and their likely retaliation; and the Opec and Non-Opec meeting.

Two local factors are expected to insignificantly impact the SET Index. These are the State Railway of Thailand has drafted the terms of reference for the high-speed train which will connect three airports, and finalisation of TFRS9, the financial reporting standard.

We prefer commercial banks, which will gain from the upward interest rate trend and, thus, see higher net interest margin to help offset lower fee-based income and lower income from online transactions. Stock picks: BBL (fair value @Bt220) and KBANK (FV@Bt227).

Prakit Siriwattanaket

Vice President

Kasikorn Securities

The June-12-13 Federal Open Market Committee meeting ended with the Fed’s relatively hawkish signals of US economic expansion at a brisk rate, declining unemployment and household spending picking up. The Fed also raised its forecast for this year’s GDP growth and for this year’s expected interest rate hike.

The Fed’s hawkish tone will prompt US 10-year bond yield and US dollar to continue to rise in the long term. It’s possible to see a steeper yield curve. The spread of 10Y-2Y bond yields could widen. As markets already have priced in the Fed’s likely rate rises by four times this year, short-term market reactions were not severe.

The day after the FOMC meeting, the ECB meeting took a different tack from the Fed. The ECB maintained its policy rate and bank deposit rates, but expressed concerns over economic risks and sent dovish signs with APP extension and planned reinvestment after APP expiration.

The Bank of Japan’s meeting also insisted on continuing its monetary easing which will have the global liquidity at high level and extend the investment period in emerging markets. Pressure from capital outflow is expected to ease. Corrections in emerging markets, including the SET, are expected to improve.

The PTT e-Wallet service is due to be available in the fourth quarter of this year, to support the government’s policy to promote a cashless society and to enhance consumer convenience and safety in payments at PTT service stations and shops.

Chansin Treenuchagron, technology chief at PTT PLC, yesterday (Thursday) presided over the signing ceremony for cooperation between PTT, represented by Auttapol Rerkpiboon, chief operating officer, and Kasikornbank (KBank), represented by Predee Daochai, the bank’s president.

Jiraphon Kawswat, PTT vice president, said: “Financial innovations in the digital era reflect that consumers are less reliant on cash. To capitalise on this trend, PTT has readjusted its retail business through the development of the PTT e-Wallet to accommodate consumers’ new lifestyles and respond to their changing expectations as they are seeking greater convenience, speed and security.”

The co-purchasing off-take agreement calls for the delivered ex-ship supply of 2.6 million tonnes per annum.

“The off-take agreement of the significant sales volume with both firms marks the important progress of the Mozambique Rovuma Offshore Area 1 project. The conversion of this non-binding commitment into fully termed sale and purchase agreements in the future will support the final investment decision of the project,” said Phongsthorn Thavisin, PTTEP’s president of exploration and production.

The deal with Tokyo Gas and Centrica takes advantage of Mozambique’s favourable location in southeast Africa, which enables it to supply customers in both European and Asia-Pacific customers. The partners in Mozambique have entered into a long-term agreement with French utility EDF.

The off-take agreement calls for the supply of 1.2 million tonnes per annum for a term of 15 years.

The Mozambique project is one of PTTEP’s key natural gas projects as the company continues to consider investing in new potential areas with competitive cost structures.

The project will be Mozambique’s first onshore LNG development, initially consisting of two LNG trains with a total capacity of 12.9 million tonnes per annum to support the development of the Golfinho/Atum fields within Offshore Area 1.

In the seminar, the company shared its vision, exchanged 2018’s sustainable trends as well as illustrated concrete examples of how headquarter policies are being implemented in Thai society in accordance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shell also emphasised the importance of energy transition that would support the increasing needs of motorists while reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its innovations, partnership and people development following the “Believe-Become-Belong” concept

During the seminar, the set of 17 goals from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs were raised in a discussion on laying out a 15-year vision for sustainable development. To succeed in these goals, all related parties need to create a balance in all three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, the social and the environmental.

Ath Hemvijitphan, deputy country chairman, The Shell Company of Thailand Limited, said: “In its business operations, Shell believes that partnering with related parties to form a strong, creative and reasonable collaboration is vital. In addition to the sustainable development goals, Shell also pledged during the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) its commitment to reduce its environmental impacts on climate change by at least 50 per cent in 2050.

Currently, Shell is continuously inventing and designing energy innovations that are more and cleaner for future needs and which will help maximise the economic volume of the country. In parallel, Shell must demonstrate social responsibility and create operational processes starting from production to product and service offerings that do not affect the environment.”

To accomplish these goals, in 2018 Shell Thailand will work towards the “Believe-Become-Belong” concept. “Believe” is about creating trust and understanding among all stakeholders on dealing with challenges and promoting consideration of cleaner energy that still meets the needs of all related parties and is also sustainable. “Become” represents coordination focusing on six sustainable goals following the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) throughout the business chain, especially in government, the private sector and Thai civil society, to shape the energy direction in Thailand. Lastly, “Belong” signifies engagement of business cooperation with the aim of building Shell employees into key players to help drive the country’s success, bringing sustainable happiness for all motorists and suppliers.

Shell invests in research and development of renewable energy, biomass energy and natural gas to help find sufficient energy supplies and reduce environmental impacts. In addition, Shell has also launched the Make the Future initiative that encourages related parties to plan for future energy through a variety of activities which include Shell Eco-Marathon, a competition for students to invent the most energy-efficient and eco-friendly cars.

“Following the “Grow in Thailand for Thailand” vision, Shell Thailand believes that if the community can survive, the company will survive. Firstly, Shell needs to create success internally. We must be aware of the finest details, be reasonable and help the company’s mission advance successfully. Our success needs to encompass all parties in our value chain. Finally, we are confident that this endeavor will expand widely, creating a sharing community that will help shape sustainable energy in the future, not only for the benefits of the company but for Thailand where we base and operate,” said Ath.

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has taken decisive steps in supporting the long-term development of the country’s transport infrastructure. Its 20-year National Transport Infrastructure Investment Plan(2017-2036) sets out a clear vision geared towards sustainable transport with targeted goals, strategies, action plan, outcomes and key performance indicators covering transport efficiency, green and safe transport, inclusive transport, and innovative transport. To achieve these goals, digital technology and innovations will be used to drive success.

Teerapong Rodprasert, vice minister for transport, Ministry of Transport, said, “The ministry is committed to sustainable transport, and we have already taken concrete steps to lay the groundwork to achieve our goals. This means delivering efficient, connected digital transportation network for the country. This effort falls within the transformative shift of our Thailand 4.0 policy which focuses on driving the transformation and modernisation of the economy. Our strategic plan will harness the power and potential of digital technologies as well as build and renew transportation networks and systems. This will lead to efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation systems for all stakeholders. Thus, we are moving forward to making Thailand a hub for connectivity.”

The government is looking to a new paradigm in technology partnerships to better connect its assets and people, and believes that a positive disruption in transportation can help solve the following major challenges:

Urbanisation – Smart Cities backed by efficient transportation systems and digital technology, and the use of powerful City Data Platforms and Command and Control Systems

Sustainability – Balancing the benefits of increased regional and global trade with an obligation to protecting the environment for future generations through more efficient and safer transportation.

Security – Using the power of technology and important innovations to ensure that transport infrastructure meets the expectations of citizens in regards to safety and security.

Global competitiveness and economic development – Using IoT to improve the competitiveness of cities and regions making journeys quicker and more productive.

In addition, the government unveiled its Transport Infrastructure Investment Plan last year to drive public infrastructure investment and further strengthen investor confidence in the Thai economy. The action plan is linked to the 20-year National Strategy and the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan which emphasises piblic transport, increased connectivity, and enhanced mobility. The plan and its framework for implementation underscores the government’s commitment and its collaboration with various stakeholders including manufacturers and connectivity providers opening a new level of cooperation.

Following the vice minister’s remarks and morning activities, the workshop’s three afternoon breakout sessions provided participants with a series of detailed technical presentations by experts in transportations from many countries. The participants will also learn about innovative products and solutions from Honeywell, Huawei and KPMG covering the areas of connected airports, smart logistics, and connected transportation. The sessions each explored the relevance, impacts and solutions of digital technologies in the three respective categories.

Briand Greer, president of Honeywell Asean, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide this platform for the Ministry of Transport and the honorable Minister to share insights and views on the importance of connected technologies. With the combination of changing expectations of travel and transportation, increasing urbanisation, and the rise of connected devices, people expect their travel and transport experiences to be fast, easy and secure. This drives the demand for innovative products, services and solutions that boost efficiency, productivity and safety for everyone.”

“I commend the Thai government for its continuous efforts in developing the country’s transport infrastructure, as well as for its leadership in recognising the importance of connected technologies. At Honeywell, we are committed to being a long-term trusted technology partner to Thailand providing solutions that contribute to the country’s growth and Industry 4.0 efforts,” Greer said.

The Pandora Production Co Ltd, a division of Denmark-based Pandora, has opened the facility as part of its long-term growth strategy to become “the branded manufacturer that delivers the most personal jewellery experience” by 2020.

The new crafting facility can boast the most advanced technology ever for jewellery production and sets new standards in the global jewellery industry in terms of scale, speed and lead time, said CEO Anders Colding Friis.

The Triple A facility, will enable Pandora to introduce new ways of crafting jewellery and blends the company’s hand-finished craftsmanship with the most advanced technology available.

“We’re very proud to celebrate the official opening of this state-of-the-art crafting facility,” said Colding Friis. “Combined with our new crafting facilities in Lamphun, this facility will play an important role in Pandora’s future plans by strengthening our capabilities and making us more agile. The investment underlines our long-term strong partnership with Thailand and the Thai people.”

Pandora aims to meet the consumer demand for beautiful jewellery at affordable prices, while being agile and able to reduce the lead time in an environmentally-friendly way, he said.

Triple A is an important milestone for Pandora to this end with its “lean manufacturing” and “flow line” cellular manufacturing concepts providing a totally a new approach in jewellery crafting. Operators with different skills are seated together to perform a smooth process flow while improving productivity and quality by real-time monitoring and scheduling.

“With more than 117 million pieces of jewellery shipped out of Thailand last year, Pandora is the largest jewellery company by the numbers of jewellery produced,” said Nils Helander, senior vice president for manufacturing, Thailand.

The facility’s innovative design will allow Triple A to use a complex production set-up. That would enable Pandora to pursue its strategy to expand its product range, and at the same time improve speed and the time from design to finished product that a new piece of jewellery is in the shop, said Helander.

Pandora is among the top European jewellery manufacturers to have invested in Thailand, said Duangjai Asawachintachit, secretary general of the Office of the Board of Investment.

“The company’s investment has tremendously benefited the Thai jewellery industry. The company has helped the industry achieve international standards and created employment for over 13,000 Thai craftspeople, who will subsequently gain new skills, knowledge and technology.”

The industry’s advancement is in line with the government’s official policy to drive the country forward with innovation, investment in value creation and human resources development, said Duangjai.

And the company and industry are building “a worldwide reputation for Thailand and Thai jewellery craftspeople which is consistent with the vision of the Thai government to make Thailand the world’s jewellery hub,” said Duangjai.

UL, a global safety science organisation, will soon announce the opening of its new office and new Appliances & HVAC laboratory in Thailand to meet the demands of a fast growing AHVAC |market.

UL provides testing, inspection, auditing and analytics, certification, marketing claims verifications, advisory services, education and training, and software solutions to elevate brand credibility and open new doors for customers to compete in the global market.

Amway launches Artistry customised solution

Artistry, the premium beauty brand of Amway (Thailand), recently launched “Artistry Signature Select Personalised Serum”, a highly-efficient skin serum that can be customised to suit skin conditions of each individual customer. Addressing different skin needs and responding well to personalisation trend, this new product is the ultimate and personalised solution for all. Backed by a well-crafted marketing communication campaign, Artistry Signature Select Personalized Serum is expected to help push Artistry sales past Bt2.2 billion this year, while maintaining its position as Thailand’s No 1 Premium beauty brand selling.

Ratana Channara, marketing director of Amway (Thailand) Limited, said that “A survey by Euromonitor shows that premium facial skincare product market is worth more than Bt16.01 billion and is continuously growing. The trend is in response to consumers’ growing attention to skincare. Consumers now become more concerned with various skin problems and seriously look for innovative and efficient solutions.

“Personalisation trend is catching on. Consumers are looking for products that resonate with their identity and caters specifically to their needs. They also hope for an all-in-one solution when it comes to skin issues. Artistry has found that more than 97 per cent of women are facing more than one skin problem and those problems often cause further concerns. For example, dehydration makes skin look rough, dims its glow, and even inflicts deep wrinkles. As a result, it’s definitely not enough for a product designed to solve just one skin problem anymore,” added Ratana.

PTT teams up with KBank for payments via e-Wallet

PTT and KBank have developed PTT e-Wallet to enhance consumer convenience and safety in the digital era.

PTT e-Wallet service will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, to support the government’s policy to promote a cashless society and to enhance consumer convenience and safety in payment of goods and services at PTT service stations and retail shops.

At PTT head office in Vibhavadi Rangsit, Chansin Treenuchagron, chief technology and engineering officer of PTT Plc, presided over the signing ceremony for cooperation between PTT, represented by Auttapol Rerkpiboon, chief operating officer for downstream petroleum business group, and Kasikornbank (KBank), represented by Predee Daochai, president. The cooperation is aimed at developing PTT e-Wallet to enhance convenient and rapid payments in response to the government’s National e-Payment scheme under the Thailand 4.0 initiative.

Jiraphon Kawswat, PTT executive vice president for oil business unit, revealed that financial innovations in the digital era reflect that consumers are less reliant on cash. To capitalise on this trend, PTT has readjusted its retail business through the development of PTT e-Wallet to accommodate consumers’ new lifestyles and respond to their changing expectations and needs as they are seeking greater convenience, speed and security.

PTT e-Wallet has been designed to be an option for consumers seeking to make e-payment at PTT service stations and other PTT retail outlets, namely Cafe Amazon, Texas Chicken, Daddy Dough, Hua Seng Hong Restuarant, Fit Auto and Jiffy.

Beside greater convenience, speed and security, the latest innovation – which may be used as an application or a card – allows customers to check transaction history, earn PTT Blue Card points, place advance orders, search nearby shops as well as receive myriads of promotional privileges from numerous merchants.

Second Next-Image Awards

Building on the huge success of last year’s global smartphone photography awards, Huawei, a leading smartphone brand, has launched the second annual Next-Image Awards, with the support of the International Centre of Photography (ICP), the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Visual creatives from around the world are now invited to submit their entries and compete to become Next-Image finalists with their work being judged by a panel of experts.

The annual Next-Image Awards are an important part of Huawei’s overarching Next-Image plan to redefine visual expression and culture through more professional and intuitive smartphone cameras. Having started in 2017, the awards provide Huawei smartphone users from around the world with a gallery where they can showcase their best work to a global audience.

Last year there were over 157,000 submissions to the awards from over 90 different countries, with 500 finalists chosen.