July 2021 Welcome
Welcome to the July issue of the USAPEEC ASEAN Regional Newsletter.
This newsletter seeks to provide readers with useful product and major market information for institutional and consumer users of U.S. poultry. Readers will find a variety of general market information, activities as well as useful product information in every issue.
This month's issue:
Contents
Additional Market Information Available
We have updated our website to include more information on market reports and export documentation guidelines. You can visit our ASEAN website at: www.usapeecasean.com
Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat wins F&B Retailer of the Year 2021
Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat was crowned Food and Beverage (F&B) Retailer of the Year at the recently concluded Retail Asia Awards 2021. Launched by the NTUC FairPrice Group last November, Food Folks is a purpose-driven retail and F&B space, focusing on supporting home-grown food brands. The 7,000 sq ft space is housed within the iconic Lau Pa Sat, renowned for its Satay Street and endless stalls of hawker and international food.
Food Folks curated 10 food and beverage (F&B) brands offering a modern Singapore menu selection, with items such as the ultimate plant-based combo rice by four-year consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and heritage brand Shi Hui Yuan, as well as the Prawn Soup Ramen by Michelin-starred Chef Kang, Masala Chicken Pizza from GoPizza, all exclusive to Lau Pa Sat. Sweet tooth foodies can treat themselves to waffle lollies and new artisanal flavours, Java Banana Chips, and Ondeh Ondeh.
Food Folks have also collaborated with several local brands to develop exclusive products like Fossa Chocolate x Food Folks’ Lychee Dragon Fruit Dark Chocolate, 1925 x Food Folks’ Lemongrass Pale Lager, Artisan Bricks x Food Folks’ Chilli Crab, and Iced Gem Biscuits Lego magnets. It is now considered the ideal launchpad for brands that are interested to list and market to Singaporeans. Food Folks' marketing and content creation where videos of founder/brand stories are created and shared, helps build on the brands’ own marketing efforts.
Now in its 16th year, Retail Asia Awards recognizes the region’s retailers, projects, and executives for the most outstanding retail initiatives. Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat is a launchpad for local brands and businesses. (Photo: NTUC Enterprise)
MTA Members Attend Webinar on U.S. Poultry
USAPEEC ASEAN hosted a webinar on the U.S. poultry industry for members of the Meat Traders Association (MTA) led by President, Alvin Kwek on June 30. Attache Sarah Gilleski from the Office of Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Embassy (Hanoi) kicked off the event, lauding 55 years of diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Singapore. Last year, the U.S. was Singapore’s largest supplier of consumer-oriented food and beverage products, despite the pandemic. President USAPEEC Jim Sumner and Director of Trade Policy and Technical Services, Garret Borkhuis presented an overview of the U.S. poultry industry and other key poultry producing countries, as well as challenges such as animal diseases, namely Avian Influenza. They reiterated the strict food safety and inspection protocols U.S. producers adhere to. In terms of export opportunities, the U.S. continues to do well in light of the changing global market. It is the top producer for chicken and the number one turkey producer in the world.
USAPEEC held a webinar on the U.S. poultry industry for members of the MTA. The U.S. is the top producer for chicken and turkey in the world.
Duck Tales of Diverse Cultures and Tastes
Duck meat is consumed all over the world, especially in Asian cuisine, having originated from China. As one of the most iconic dishes of Beijing, the renowned Peking Duck and its history date back to the imperial era. Defined by its crisp skin, tender meat, and authentic flavor, the Peking Duck is eaten with scallion, cucumber, sweet bean sauce, and pancakes. The name Peking Duck denotes its birthplace in Beijing though many claim that the dish is a hybrid of different regional cuisines. The recipe for preparing the duck came from Nanjing, the scallion slices from Shandong, and the sweet bean sauce was from Baoding, Hebei province. Today, Peking Duck is a household name and remains a signature dish of Beijing.
In Europe, duck is a permanent feature of European culture and festive meals. There are different types of ducks. The meat breeds in Europe are the result of modern animal breeding. Some of the most popular breeds are Pekin, Musk, Rouen and Moulard. Over time, duck also became a favorite among Americans. American breeds include the White Pekin Duck, Muscovy, Mallard, and Moulard
While everyone is familiar with duck, not many have taken to this succulent meat. To some, although duck is poultry, it is not comparable to chicken or turkey. For one, duck has less meat on it. Nutrition-wise, it is a rich source of protein and provides several vitamins and minerals; however, the debate continues as to whether it is considered red or white meat. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), duck meat is classified as white. Poultry, which includes two-legged animals like chicken, turkey, and duck is considered white meat. Livestock refers to four-legged animals like cows, pigs, and lambs, and is scientifically classified as red meat. While duck meat is grouped in the same category as chicken and turkey, it tends to have more myoglobin and a darker color. This is because ducks can fly and in the process, engage their breast muscles. Hence, duck meat is darker in color than chicken or turkey breast and more comparable to their thighs or legs.
And because duck meat is rich and full of flavor, it goes a long way. If you’re cooking duck breast, its comparatively high fat content can be reduced by removing the skin, and the layer of fat that sits beneath it, before cooking. Farmed duck is available all year round. From fine-dining restaurants to street food, you can find a variety of duck dishes, inspired by different cultures and a rich diversity in food preparations. Whole Roast Duck is an American favorite. (Photo: Gastrosenses) Americans love their Roast Duck, which has tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. It is glazed with a honey-balsamic glaze to give the duck a beautiful roasted look. Duck Confit, a French dish made with whole duck is prepared in a centuries-old process of preservation that consists of salt curing a piece of meat and then cooking it in its own fat. The meat is slowly poached at least until cooked, or until meltingly tender, generally from four to ten hours. Duck Confit is prepared using a centuries-old process of preservation. (Photo: Duckchar) Chao Vit, a traditional rice porridge favored by the Vietnamese. (Photo: Delightful Plate) Chao Vit is a traditional Vietnamese rice porridge made with cooked or steamed pieces of duck meat as the main ingredient. Other ingredients include shallots, fish sauce, carrots, ginger, green onions, coriander, black pepper, and broken rice. Bebek Goreng (fried duck) is an Indonesian delicacy that is valued for its crispiness, and its tender, succulent meat. The duck is usually cut into pieces, boiled or steamed, and then deep-fried until crispy. Before it is fried, the pieces are generously coated in spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, galangal, or coriander. It is served with rice, cucumber or cabbage, and spicy sambal served on the side. The Indonesian Bebek Goreng is valued for its crispiness. (Photo: Taste Atlas) The braised version of the Duck Rice is typically slow-cooked in a generously seasoned broth. (Photo: therantingpanda.com) A classic Singapore dish, Duck Rice combines white rice and roasted or braised duck. For the roasted form, seasonings such as cinnamon, ginger, or anise are placed inside the duck, and then hung and roasted until crispy. The braised version is typically slow-cooked in a generously seasoned broth. Dum Biryani, a traditional Indian dish used to be served on special occasions but now it’s readily available at restaurants and food courts for lunch or dinner. When you think of biryani, the word “dum” springs to mind. Dum Biryani is typically a one-pot dish of aromatic spices and delightful flavors, slow cooked with the ingredients in a sealed, heavy bottomed vessel for hours or overnight. Biryani is traditionally cooked with chicken, mutton, and fish. These days, you can add duck to the mix, yes, even in Singapore! Duck Biryani is a twist to the traditional Indian Dum Biryani. (Photo: Rajesh TP)
Modern Eateries Take On Rice & Noodle Bowls
Rice and noodle bowls, when you think about it, have always been the foundation of Asian cuisine. The Japanese Donburi and Korean Bibimbap are just a few examples. There is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of rice or noodles, topped with protein, vegetables, and flavorsome sauces. These healthy and wholesome food bowls are perfect for big family gatherings and on date nights. You can also use leftover ingredients for a solo meal. Here are some interesting offerings to tickle your tastebuds: Flavorsome rice and noodle bowls from The Plattering Co. (Photo: The Plattering Co) Brimming With Choices
Plentiful toppings are key to these traditional rice bowls. In Singapore, The Plattering Co.’s rice and noodle bowls are guaranteed to keep you full. Topped with beautifully baked chicken or smoked duck breast drizzled with hoisin sauce, lots of vegetables, and a layer of steamed seasoned pearl rice or noodles, the eatery’s Sea Salt Chicken Thigh with Japanese Mushroom Rice Bowl or the Smoked Duck with Stir-Fried Udon bowl are top picks. And what’s more? You can choose from a multitude of toppings and vegetables to make the dish truly unique to suit your palate.
At Three Guys Café, the Chili Pasta and Chicken Breast bowls are too good to resist. (Photo: Malay Mail) Locally Tailored Flavors
If you’re in Malaysia, you’ll have to check out Three Guys Café’s mouthwatering and colorful rice bowls. The Chicken Breast Bowl is akin to the locally favorite chicken rice, where sliced poached chicken breast is served with ginger sauce, diced cucumber, seaweed, and an Onsen kampung egg for a thoroughly delectable experience. If you’re not in the mood for rice, mix it up with some 3 Guys Chili Pasta. Similar in concept to the Chili Pan Mee, the dish comes topped with miso braised chicken, homemade chili sauce, and crispy ikan bilis for a nice crunch.
Bowl Journey healthy bowls with traditional Thai flavors. (Photo: Time Out) Hearty Summer Bowls
Switch up your lunch with Bowl Journey. Maintaining its stand on clean eating, the modern Thai restaurant offers hearty bowls spiked with Thai condiments. Featuring Chicken Go-Lae, a triple-grilled, sweet and salty coconut-flavored chicken, the hearty Go Lae Kari Rice Bowl is accompanied with stir-fried bok choy, enoki mushrooms, truffle cauliflower au gratin, fried shallots, and Jaew sauce. For a healthier option, you can substitute the rice for some quinoa. Bowl Journey makes healthy-eating fun and familiar with traditional Thai flavors.
TikTok: The New Food Haven
TikTok – the new generation of Gen Z is here! Through the platform, users can create and share entertaining 15-second videos, that include lip-syncs, skits and dance-offs. Last year, it started to make its way to the culinary scene. With cooking becoming a new hobby for millions quarantined at home, sharing food content on TikTok has exploded. Videos with the hashtag #TikTokFood have collectively amassed 25.2 billion views as the app continues to churn out viral food crazes such as whipped coffee and easy pasta dishes. Today, TikTok stands as a great resource library for creative recipes and a haven for food enthusiasts to share and learn new tips and cooking techniques.
Ready to try your first TikTok recipe? Check out these fun and quick viral food trends: Worth The Hype
TikTok Pasta, the trending 5-ingredient Baked Feta Pasta has the world craving for more. With very little effort, you can add chicken to the mix and it’s just as delicious as the original. The Baked Chicken Feta Pasta combines flavours of rich feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, tender chicken and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. And it takes less than 30 minutes to cook! The dish became such a viral hit that multiple grocery stores in Finland quickly ran out of feta cheese. Baked Feta Pasta is popularly known as the TikTok Pasta. (Photo: The Recipe Well) Transform your Turkish Kebabs to 4-fold Tortilla Wraps. (Photo: Yumna Jawad) The Secret’s In The Fold
Nothing’s worse (and possibly messier) than trying to eat a wrap without spilling the filling! Let’s introduce you to the ingenious 4-Fold Tortilla Wrap Hack. To recreate restaurant-like Turkish Kebab Style Wraps, take a warm, crispy tortilla and cut a small split from the center to the edge. Working clockwise, add egg, turkey or chicken pieces to one quadrant, and vegetables and sauces to the other quadrants. Fold the sections into triangles and serve as is or griddle to seal tightly. No fuss, no spill, no mess! Follow @Lauren Wax on TikTok for a thirty second video tutorial. Skip the Clean-up
Everybody knows the hardest part of cooking is the clean-up afterwards. So how about skipping the hassle with this One Pan Egg Sandwich? Cook the breakfast sandwich in one greased skillet – just add whisked eggs, two slices of bread, crunchy bacon, sausages, lots of cheese (and any other filling of your choice). Straightforward and seamless, this is a great way to enjoy your breakfast.
With 689 million active monthly users, TikTok is definitely a force to be reckoned with. It is the fastest way to become a food star! This hassle-free One Pan Egg Sandwich is a superb breakfast option. (Photo: KetoBasicAF)
Food Subscriptions On Demand
There is no better feeling than receiving parcels in the mail. It’s the ultimate mood booster. And if you’re the lucky recipient of a parcel filled with delicious food, say no more – you are loved. As e-commerce continues to take over the world, delivery services are popping up everywhere to bring convenience and a variety of food options to your door. Interestingly, subscription-based services are becoming a hot trend in Asia. An enhanced version of the delivery model, through subscriptions, consumers can opt to receive the goods or services on a recurring basis for a monthly or annual fee. For subscribers, once they place an order, the likelihood of ordering again from the same place is much higher. For business owners, the model provides a regular cash flow for the business. Instead of an estimate, they can be accurate and expect the amount they will have in hand ahead of time and prevent food wastage. With Avo & Co.’s Fruit & Vege Box, consumers can look forward to healthy, exotic goodies each week. (Photo: Avo & Co.) Boxes of Goodness
Health and immunity are top-of-mind for consumers, and nothing is as appetizing as an array of colorful fruit and veggies. Explore gourmet goodies with Avo & Co.’s Fruit & Vege Box Delivery. The brand is known for their seasonal fruits and vegetable subscription boxes which typically come with 14 vegetables and six fruits. The box sets are refreshed each week with exotic goodies such as San Marzano Tomato, Mangosteen and Yellow Dragonfruit. Have Your Pick
If you’re looking to incorporate more healthy meals into your lifestyle or are just looking for muscle-building meals after a heavy workout, Smart Meal Vietnam is a meal plan service that makes healthy-eating easy and more accessible to its customers. Designed for those with a hectic work schedule, Smart Meal offers two plans: Plan I (a one-week subscription with three prepared meals a day); and Plan II (a one-week subscription with two prepared meals a day). On the menu, you will find scrumptious delights like Chicken Patties with Honey Sauce, Smoked Duck Breast with Red Wine Sauce and Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, as well as vegetarian dishes. Healthy-eating is easily accessible with Vietnam’s Smart Meal Plan. (Photo: Smartmeal Viet Nam) Tonic Bangkok offers 5-day meal subscriptions with a variation of one, two, or three meals per day. (Photo: Tonic Bangkok) Hot or Cold
Tonic Bangkok offers 5-day meal subscriptions with a variation of one, two, or three meals per day. The fuss-free alternative comes in 3 different options – Tonic Box, Tonic Bowl and the Tonic Value Box. Served cold, The Tonic Box comes with three sides and a protein option while the latter two options are served warm. The Tonic Bowl consists of brown rice, one side dish, and a stew while the Tonic Value Box contains brown rice, one side dish, and one protein. The menu changes on a weekly basis and features goodies like Roasted Tomato Pasta, Spinach Lentil Curry, Korean Chicken, and Honey Mustard Chicken.
Cambodia
Paris Baguette opens first branch in Phnom Penh The SPC group has launched the first Paris Baguette store in Phnom Penh. SPC Group, the Korean firm behind bakery brand Paris Baguette has forged a partnership with Cambodia’s HSC Group to operate the bakery franchise in the country. The store is centrally located in the capital city and occupies the entire space of a three-story building. The launch is part of SPC Group’s expansion plans into the Southeast Asian market. Currently, the Group runs more than 400 Paris Baguette stores in six countries – China, the United States, France, Vietnam, Singapore, and Cambodia.
Malaysia
AirAsia to buy Gojek’s Thai business for $50 million in shares Malaysian budget carrier, AirAsia Group plans to buy Gojek’s ride-hailing business in Thailand in return for $50 million of shares in part of the airline’s digital business. The deal will give Gojek a 4.76% stake in AirAsia SuperApp, valuing the division at around $1 billion. The agreement with the Indonesian startup unicorn comes a week after AirAsia applied for a digital banking licence in Malaysia, highlighting a shift in focus towards digital business as most of the carrier’s fleet remains grounded amid COVID-19 restrictions. AirAsia SuperApp is one of three companies under the AirAsia Digital group, and is a lifestyle platform for travel, e-commerce, and financial services. Gojek will focus on increasing investment in Singapore and Vietnam once the deal is completed.
Sthrive ready meals for health conscious Malaysians Malaysian company, Sthrive has launched freeze dried meat-based ready meals as health food. The four flavors of freeze-dried meals on the market are: Classic Chicken, Thai Style Chicken, Hearty Beef and Mongolian Ginger Beef. Consumers need to only add hot water, heat and eat. Sthrive says freeze-drying the meals preserve 97% of nutrients, while remaining lightweight and easy to transport. The method, used by the U.S. military and Nasa also ensures almost all microbiological activities in the meals are destroyed to extend shelf life.
Philippines
Halal Tourism Offers Glimpse Into Mindanao Food And Heritage The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the Halal Culinary Tourism video series coinciding with the celebration of the Islamic festival Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji) on July 20. The videos, available on DOT’s social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram showcases Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly establishments across the regions of Mindanao, including the Black Seed Burger in Davao City that uses “black seed” on their burgers, a traditional herb widely used in western Asian cuisine; the SpiChef in Davao City, which offers the mango pineapple hot sauce, an innovation of fresh and natural herbs and spices; Hashy’s Cuisine in Cotabato City in BARMM, known for its Sinina Kambing, a traditional Maguindanaon dish, and more. The development of Mindanao Halal culinary tourism is DOT’s project with the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Singapore
McDonalds’ Chicken McCrispy – a permanent feature McDonald’s famed Chicken McCrispy is making a permanent return to Singapore outlets after its sudden disappearance in 2002, and a brief comeback in November 2020. The Chicken McCrispy will be available as an Extra Value Meal serving of two pieces of fried chicken, medium fries and a small coke. The new item is available in a six-piece bucket set with three thighs and three drumsticks, and as a Chicken McCrispy Value Bundle with six pieces of fried chicken, two medium fries and two small cokes. The Chicken McCrispy will be available via McDelivery, GrabFood and Foodpanda delivery.
Grab pilots robot runner for order collection Grab recently piloted its indoor robot runner service at the Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) mall. During the one-month pilot, the robot runner consolidated orders across several restaurants in the mall before dropping them off at a central collection point for dispatch to customers. Designed in partnership with Techmetic Robotics, the robot runner has the potential to serve up to 35 GrabFood and GrabMart merchants and deliver approximately more than 250 orders per day.
Thailand
Online meat sales spike for Freshket Thailand’s Freshket, a food supply chain platform is reporting an increase in online meat sales during the latest COVID-19 wave. Revenue rose 30-45% from online meat orders, of which were mostly chilled pork and chicken products. Freshket operates an online marketplace for restaurants, consumers and fresh food suppliers including CP and Betagro. The company currently has 3,000 to 4,000 monthly active users on its platform.
Vietnam
Online grocery shopping booms in Ho Chi Minh City Following social distancing orders across the city, many Ho Chi Minh City residents have turned to online shopping for essential goods. E-commerce platforms Tiki, Lazada, and Shopee are reporting a significant increase in sales, namely for fast-moving consumer goods, fresh food and frozen products, healthcare products, and household appliances. Tiki is working with suppliers to increase the supply of essential goods such as fresh food and tech products. Shopee has been selling essential goods at reasonable prices and providing free shipping to customers, while Lazada will continue to expand goods supply, implement discount programs, no-contact delivery, and boost cashless payments.
Disclaimer: All opinions and views expressed in the articles published in the newsletter are those of the individual journalists and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the newsletter's sponsors or USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. You are receiving this email because you registered to get newsletters from USAPEEC ASEAN. ® USA POULTRY & EGG EXPORT COUNCIL |