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USPA Global and Global Polo Entertainment Extend Historic ESPN Relationship

Veteran ESPN Broadcaster Chris Fowler to Host Prestigious 2025 U.S. Open Polo

West Palm Beach, FL, Mar 18, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), the entertainment subsidiary of USPA Global, has extended its historic relationship with ESPN through 2026. USPA Global manages U.S. Polo Assn., the multi-billion-dollar global sports brand and the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA).

Veteran ESPN Broadcaster Chris Fowler

The relationship continues to build upon the landmark deal between GPE and ESPN, which brought the sport of polo to a massive global audience for the first time in 2022. Since that time, the exposure to the sport has extended to many parts of the world and millions of households across multiple platforms.

In 2025, ESPN will show fans the most prestigious tournament in North America, the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, as well as the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® and the Gauntlet of Polo®, all taking place on the U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field One, along with the Women’s and Men’s National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) games, in addition to other select international games. For game broadcasts and times, check your ESPN local listings.

Adding to the excitement of the 2025 polo season, veteran ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler will be on site to host the 2025 U.S. Open Polo Championship on Sunday, April 20, in front of what is expected to be the largest crowd to ever watch the most prestigious tournament in North America. Fowler has been with ESPN for nearly 30 years, appearing on many of the network’s marquee properties, including hosting ESPN’s coverage of the Triple Crown horse races from 1998-2007.

Fowler is best known for his play-by-play for the company’s top college football game each week on ABC Saturday Night Football and SEC on ABC, where he works alongside analyst Kirk Herbstreit and sideline reporter Holly Rowe. Over the years, the Emmy-winning commentator has also been the voice of ESPN’s Grand Slam tennis coverage, and has hosted SportsCenter, College GameDay – including three Emmy wins for Outstanding Studio Show – Weekly while Fowler was at the helm, and men’s college basketball, including on-site NCAA Final Four coverage.

“I’ve been a fan of the sport of polo for years, and now I’m excited to be part of the genuine polo experience by hosting the U.S. Open Polo Championship in front of what is expected to be the largest crowd to ever watch the pinnacle of the sport in North America,” said Fowler about his new role. “I have provided commentary on so many great games and athletes, and now I will be able to speak about an entirely different kind of athlete alongside their equine partners in this thrilling game of speed and precision.”

“I’m also proud to be able to share this unique sport with the greater ESPN audience and give it the exposure it deserves as a competitive and skill-driven sport,” Fowler added.

The multi-faceted relationship will again bring the finals of the top North American polo events to ESPN platforms, with game distribution on ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN.com and on-demand on the ESPN App.

“The USPA continues to work closely with ESPN and credits this amazing relationship with attracting an entirely new generation of sports fans to the exciting world of polo,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, which oversees the worldwide, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “The addition of Chris Fowler to the U.S. Open Polo Championship broadcast team is a credit to the success of this groundbreaking relationship and serves to further drive the global momentum of the sport around the world.”

“We believe Chris aligns with the tradition, sophistication, passion and global reach of our sport!” added Prince.

By broadcasting many of the top polo tournaments in the world annually since 2022, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, the XII Federation of International Polo (FIP) Championship®, and the Paris Games Polo Challenge, the sport of polo has reached an entirely new and thriving audience on ESPN. The extension with ESPN will continue to bring more exposure to polo.

In conjunction with the games, ESPN will once again distribute multiple 25-minute made-for-television shows produced by GPE. The award-winning show “Breakaway: Presented by U.S. Polo Assn.” serves as a behind-the-scenes look into the lives and careers of polo players and horses from around the world and will include “Breakaway” episodes such as “Polo in the Palm Beaches,” “Women in Polo,” “Polo in College” and “Polo in England,” to name a few. Included in extended media distribution, these episodes will also air on StarSports, beIN Sports and Times of India.

“The USPA is delighted with the long-term vision of the ESPN relationship and with the recognition polo is receiving from a new fan base around the world by watching polo on ESPN,” said Stewart Armstrong, Chairman of the USPA. “We are anticipating another highly competitive season driven by the partnership of superior athletes, both the players and their equine partners, competing in the Gauntlet of Polo® series right here at the newly renovated USPA National Polo Center (NPC) – Wellington.”

For the most up-to-date information and breaking news, sign up for the Polo Insider newsletter at globalpolo.com.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in North America, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.

About the United States Polo Association® (USPA)

The United States Polo Association® is organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo; coordinating the activities of its member clubs and registered player members; arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions and games; and providing rules, handicaps and tournament conditions for those events. Its overarching goals are improving the sport and promoting the safety and welfare of its human and equine participants. Founded in 1890, the USPA is the largest voluntary sports organization in North America for the sport of polo. The USPA is currently made up of more than 200 member clubs and over 5,000 registered player members. It annually awards and oversees roughly 50 national tournaments hosted by its member clubs. For more information, please visit uspolo.org.

Contact Information

Shannon Stilson
VP, Sports Marketing & Media
sstilson@uspagl.com
+001.561.227.6994

Stacey Kovalsky
Senior Director, Global Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

SOURCE: USPA Global

Painting a Picture of India’s Retail Renaissance

Delhi, India, June 25, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – India’s retail landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, and the world’s fifth largest global economy is one that is growing to be too irresistible to ignore. A slew of factors are driving this growth, such as socio-economic factors, evolving consumer behaviour, and the advent of digital innovations.

With India’s retail market contributing around 10% of the total national GDP and employing approx. 8% of the total workforce, India’s retail opportunity is too large to ignore. Surging incomes and aspirations have seen Tier 2 and 3 cities demonstrate robust growth across digital and brick and mortar stores, fueling the India growth story. With this transformation set to play out over the years, there is much more in store where this came from, with a recent study suggesting that India’s retail market will reach a value of USD 2 trillion by 2032.

It’s not all clear skies though, with multiple headwinds in the offing. It is only by having a more clear and in-depth understanding of the myriad factors impacting the industry that an action plan can be formed, and the inaugural edition of Team Marksmen’s Retail and E-commerce Conclave 2024, which took place on 20th June 2024 at The Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, brought together industry experts, diverse stakeholders, and seasoned practitioners to map out a vivid depiction of key action points that need to be aced in order to chart a high-growth trajectory.

With an array of international and indigenous brands joining the fray, the Indian consumer has arguably never had it better when it comes to the sheer range of products or channels on offer. Be it in stores or in the digital space, India is experiencing something of a retail renaissance that is hard to ignore, and everyone is following this growth story closely.

This conclave which was brought to life by its Knowledge Partner, PwC India covered a wide range of strategically significant topics, including the diverse factors shaping the trajectory of a $2 trillion retail economy, strategies for fostering customer loyalty and retention amidst fierce retail competition, case studies on AI’s impact on the future of e-commerce, enhancing shopping experiences through personalized approaches, catalyzing a retail revolution among Tier 2 and 3 consumers, and more. Dr. Bejoy John, Director at DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, graced the inaugural edition as the Chief Guest. The keynote address was delivered by Ashish Mullick, Category Head for Health & Wellness and Automotives at Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC), along with Dr. Pankaj Dikshit, CTO and Executive Vice President of Government e Marketplace (GeM). Esteemed leaders who shared their insights included Shamik Banerjee, CMO of Apollo 24/7; Vaibbhav Arora, Vice President of Retail at Bikaji Foods; Anil Menon, CIO of Lulu Group; Madhur Acharya, Vice President of E-commerce at Lenskart.com; and Mansi Khattar, Head of eCommerce at Nestlé.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Sharad Gupta, Co-founder, Team Marksmen Network, said, “The rapid ascension of India’s retail sector is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic renaissance. As we transition from an agrarian and production-centric economy to a robust consumer market, retail stands at the forefront of this transformation. The industry not only contributes significantly to the GDP but also serves as the country’s largest job creator, with projections of 25 million new positions by 2030.

The retail landscape is evolving dramatically, with organized chains expanding into tier 2 and 3 cities, and a harmonious blend of international and homegrown brands enriching consumer choices. This expansion is symbiotic with India’s broader economic goals, driving urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and fostering a culture of aspiration and consumption, and we explored these themes and much more at the inaugural edition of the Retail and E-commerce Conclave 2024 as we charted out the role of retail and e-commerce sector in driving India’s journey to becoming a global economic powerhouse.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporting association partners, ABWCI and RASCI, for their invaluable support. A special thanks also goes out to our media partners – Business Standard, Startup Story, The Retail Jeweller India, and Fashion Value Chain – for their continued collaboration and dedication to amplifying our message.

About Team Marksmen

Through an array of bespoke industry-centric knowledge platforms, using a variety of formats, such as Roundtables, Summits & Conferences, Workshops, and Recognition Ceremonies, Team Marksmen helps senior industry decision makers navigate through issues of critical importance and informs their worldview for better decision-making.

Team Marksmen has successfully executed more than 30 events with 400+ domestic and international B2B and B2C brands, helping businesses across industries create opportunities to engage audiences through on ground and virtual experiences.

The organisation empowers industry leaders by providing them with insights, ideas, and opportunities that fits their unique industry and context. Through content shared via its flagship website, Marksmen Daily, and print magazine ‘in Focus’ focused on business, leadership, and lifestyle, they help advance the practice of management. Meanwhile, through strategic initiatives like Marksmen Media, it helps organisations achieve their objectives through a plethora of bespoke digital and content strategies

To know more about this unique initiative, write to us at contact@teammarksmen.com.

LQR House Secures 1 Million GBP Purchase Order for SWOL Tequila from Access Fulfillment, Expanding to the UK

LQR House Inc. (the Company or LQR House) (NASDAQ:LQR), a niche ecommerce platform specializing in the spirits and beverage industry, proudly announces the receipt of a £1,080,000 GBP (approximately $1,350,000 USD) purchase order for its SWOL Tequila from Access Fulfillment, based in the UK. This strategic partnership marks LQR House’s entry into the UK market, with Access Fulfillment being the first UK-based partner the Company granted distribution rights for SWOL Tequila.

Access Fulfillment, established in November 2007, has evolved over 15 years to become a leader in storage, distribution, and fulfillment services. Boasting progressive technologies and unwavering customer service, the company has a solid track record in the wine industry and maintains strong relationships with local retailers. The Company believes that situated in Kent, Southeast England, Access Fulfillment’s transport connections to the UK road network and Europe make it an ideal partner for the expansion of SWOL Tequila.

LQR House CEO, Sean Dollinger, expressed enthusiasm about SWOL Tequila’s global trajectory, stating, “With purchase orders now coming in from Canada and the UK, we believe that SWOL starts growing into a global brand. We believe that the humbling reviews from SWOL customers validate our commitment to crafting a unique Anejo blend. In our view, SWOL’s success in a saturated tequila market is evident through the positive customer reviews and increasing orders.”

The Company believe that this significant partnership with Access Fulfillment aligns with LQR House’s mission to redefine the spirits industry through innovative products and strategic expansions.

About LQR House Inc.

LQR House intends to become a prominent force in the wine and spirits e-commerce sector, epitomized by its flagship alcohol marketplace, cwspirits.com. This platform seamlessly delivers a diverse range of emerging, premium, and luxury spirits, wines, and champagnes from esteemed retail partners like Country Wine & Spirits. Functioning as a technology-driven hub, LQR House utilizes software, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to elevate the consumer experience. CWSpirits.com stands out as the go-to destination for modern, convenience-oriented shoppers, providing a curated selection of alcohol products delivered to homes across the United States. Beyond its role as an e-commerce leader, LQR House is a marketing agency with a specialized focus on the alcohol industry. The Company measures campaign success by directly correlating it with sales on CWSpirits.com, demonstrating a return on investment. Backed by an influential network of over 550 figures in the alcohol space, LQR House strategically drives traffic to CWSpirits.com, enhancing brand visibility. LQR House intends to disrupt the traditional landscape of the alcohol industry, driven by its dedication to providing an unparalleled online purchasing experience and delivering tailored marketing solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Shareholders can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions, and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statements on Form S-1 filed with the SEC and other filings with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statements on Form S-1 and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

Investor and Media Contact:info@lqrhouse.com

SOURCE: LQR House Inc.

Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) / Thoughtful Media Group Inc Ventures into Concert Sponsoring in Indonesia

Thoughtful Media Group Inc (“Thoughtful Media” or “TMG”), the Thailand-based social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network of Society Pass Incorporated (“SoPa”) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces that it will commence sponsoring local live music events in SEA, resulting in creating unique marketing opportunities for advertisers.

Expected to launch its first concert in 4Q 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, TMG-sponsored concerts will focus on the local musicians with a tag line of “Lemburan”, which translates as “over-time”, aiming to create a distinctive space and time for music fans to gather and to enjoy the nostalgia of their favourite musicians. Streaming these concerts via TMG-affiliated social media channels, advertisers have the opportunity to collaborate with TMG-connected influencers in promoting these popular music events and reaching to their desired audiences.

Ilhamka Nizam, TMG Indonesia Country Head, explains, “Indonesians love music, and it comes as no surprise that TMG found an innovative way to tap into that expanding market segment. Across these live events, TMG aims to reach over 2.5 million over the course of the next year which will create significant sponsorship opportunities for advertisers and our 10,000-member influencer community here in Indonesia. We are planning to host 1 concert each month and is projected to earn $680K annually, and each year we are planning to host 1 big festival that is outside the monthly concerts we will be hosting. I am confident that over 2024, the Group will expand these initiatives across the rest of the TMG markets in Southeast Asia, significantly increasing the revenues for the Group”.

About Thoughtful Media Group Inc.

Founded in 2010, Thoughtful Media Group is the leading digital advertising platform in SEA. Through our network of more than 10,000 talented creators across multiple industries in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Philippines, we help brands maximise marketing budgets and achieve business objectives through some of the most innovative marketing campaigns in the region.

In July 2022, Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA), the next generation acquisition-focused fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in SEA, acquired TMG. Since then, TMG has fully evolved into a digital-first and fully integrated advertising powerhouse, servicing creators and advertisers in SEA.

For more information on TMG, please visit:
Website at www.thoughtfulmedia.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/thoughtful-media-group-inc or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thoughtfulmedia/ or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfulmediaasia or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/ThoughtfulMedia.

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.6 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operatesThoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network;NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

For more information on Society Pass, please visit:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contacts:
Rokas Sidlauskas
Chief Marketing Officer
rokas@thesocietypass.com

For the Fifth Year, U.S. Polo Assn. Partners with the 2023 Outsourcing Inc. Royal Charity Cup, Hosted by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales

Tournament Benefited the Official Royal Charities of the Prince and Princess of Wales

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), in collaboration with its licensing partner in the United Kingdom, Brand Machine Group (BMG), announced that for the fifth year, it served as the Official Apparel and Team Sponsor for the 2023 Outsourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup. Held at the extraordinary Windsor Great Park, Flemish Farms’ Guards Polo Club hosted the event on July 6 for the third consecutive year.

The U.S. Polo Assn. Polo Team was captained by His Royal Highness, Prince William of Wales, who competed in several games throughout the day against the BP Polo Team and Standing Rock Polo Team. Through athleticism and teamwork on the field, The Prince of Wales and his team played extremely well in the annual high-profile philanthropic event at Guards Polo Club.

“It is an honor for us to have the Prince of Wales as the captain once again for the U.S. Polo Assn. Team and for us to support the 11 beneficiaries through the sport of polo,” said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “As the Official Apparel and Team Sponsor for the Outsourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup, we continue to build the connection between the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, the sport of polo, and consumers in the United Kingdom.”

U.S. Polo Assn. designed custom performance jerseys for all participating polo players, umpires, and flaggers. Attendees of the event received handcrafted silk U.S. Polo Assn. scarves, pocket squares, and special event caps. The annual event raised funds of over 1 million pounds and global awareness for 11 important charities that are supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

“Being part of the prestigious Outsourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup is an amazing opportunity to connect the United Kingdom and the sport of polo with U.S. Polo Assn.,” said Boo Jalil, CEO of Brand Machine Group, the U.K. partner for the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “We are incredibly proud to sponsor events with the Royal Family and raise awareness and funds for charitable causes around the globe through the sport of kings.”

Guards Polo Club is considered one of the largest and most important clubs in Europe, in terms of membership and the number of grounds, and is one of only four polo clubs in the United Kingdom that stage elite tournaments, such as the Royal Charity Polo Cup. With a spectacular backdrop of Windsor Castle, the Guards Polo Club at Flemish Farms has 120 stables and two additional polo fields within Great Park. Founded in 1955 as the Household Brigade Polo Club, with His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as President, the name was changed to the Guards Polo Club in 1969 and celebrates over six decades of premier polo.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL)
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named as one of the top five sports licensors in 2022 alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, which provides polo, sport, and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPAGL and ESPN now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit globalpolo.com.

About Brand Machine Group-United Kingdom
The Brand Machine Group (BMG) is an international fashion brand owner and licensing specialist, housing a diverse and industry-leading portfolio of fashion, sports, and outdoor brands across adults and childrenswear clothing and accessories, including U.S. Polo Assn. With more than 40 years of experience, Brand Machine Group specializes in global licensing, and partners with recognized market leaders to manage a seamless and collaborative process of designing, manufacturing and delivering quality products whilst championing the DNA of its brands. Visit Brand Machine Group.

Photo Credit: Helen Cruden

Contact Information:
Stacey Kovalsky
Senior Director, Global Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Shannon Stilson
VP, Sports Marketing & Media
sstilson@uspagl.com
+001.561.227.6994

Gina Digregorio
Head of Marketing, Brand Machine Group
gina.digregorio@brandmachinegroup.com
+44 (0) 7741 635 984

U.S. Polo Assn. Presents Vibrant, Sporty Spring-Summer Collection 2024, at 104th Edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo

Multi-Billion-Dollar Global Sports Brand’s Motto, “Play Your Part,” at the Pitti Games

U. S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), presents its vibrant, sporty Spring-Summer Collection 2024 from June 13-16 at Pitti Immagine Uomo at the historic Fortezza da Basso in Florence.

The U.S. Polo Assn. tagline, “Play Your Part” is all about teamwork and doing what’s right in sports and in life. Perfectly matched with U.S. Polo Assn., “Pitti Games” is the theme that defines the style and atmosphere of this year’s Pitti Immagine. The show’s Creative Directors Leonardo Corallini and Angelo Figus emphasize “play” as the keyword, which is synonymous with energy, commitment, and a desire to succeed. These themes are shown consistently in the authentic style of U.S. Polo Assn.

The EVENTS:

Join U.S. Polo Assn. from June 13-16 at Booth 25 Cavaniglia, where the multi-billion-dollar sports brand will showcase its Spring-Summer Collection 2024, celebrating the brand’s heritage in the sport of polo since 1890. See the collection in an immersive digital setting that is unlike any the brand has presented before. Visitors to the booth will see the presence of U.S. Polo Assn.’s double horsemen logo and signature red, white and blue stripe, as well as video and online activations. Delicious Sammontana Gelati will be served at the booth to all guests, while the media will enjoy a toast of champagne by Taittinger, a tradition in the sport of polo, in a separate VIP Media Lounge.

A very special panel discussion on Wednesday, June 14, at 10:30 a.m. will feature entrepreneur, TV presenter, Instagram influencer, and sports enthusiast Federica Nargi, as well as Stefano Giansanti, Captain of the Italian Polo Team, and Alessandro Giachetti, Member of the Federation of Italian Sports Equestrian (FISE) Polo. Also presenting will be J. Michael Prince, the President & CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the company that manages and oversees the $2.3 billion U.S. Polo Assn. brand across 190 countries, and U.S. Polo Assn.’s Italian Apparel Licensee, Incom’s CEO, Lorenzo Nencini, who was recently appointed and serves on the 2023 Pitti Immagine’s Board of Directors.

U.S. Polo Assn. will also be celebrating “Live Authentically,” an evening inspired by fashion, art, sports and music, on Wednesday, June 14, with a spectacular VIP Party in the magical Giarino Torrigiani.

Nestled in the heart of Florence, where inspiration will surround this private, invitation-only event, the Torrigiani Garden is the largest private urban garden in Europe. This unforgettable night will feature a candlelit dinner served around a horseshoe table, and include a world-renowned artist, a remarkable horse whisperer, and conclude with one of the most popular rock bands in the region originating from Florence. The featured wine will be provided by world-renowned Il Borro, alongside Champagne Partner Taittinger and sweet treats by Sammontana Gelati. Last but not least, specialty branded Porsches, representing “horsepower,” will be exhibited and sponsored by Centro Porsche Firenze.

The COLLECTION:

The season’s U.S. Polo Assn. Men’s and Women’s Collection of apparel, presented by Incom, is inspired by the colors and moods of the Mediterranean Sea and focuses on beautiful sun-washed colors and shades of blue, relaxed fits, and artisan materials. Consumers will also see amazing textures in menswear from lightweight woven shirts, like linen and seersucker, to light, cheerful colors and florals that exude a retro flare. U.S. Polo Assn. never strays far from its origins or its authentic connection to the sport of polo with the classic polo shirt. This season, consumers will find fun and fashionable variations, whether it’s retro, stripes, color blocking or the most classic simple style. Polos look great on everyone, whether it’s men, women or kids. For women, the polo dress is coming back in a big way, and you’ll see feminine details like ruffles, embroidery, and eyelet fabrics. The brand’s USPA Life product continues to grow with a focus on sustainable denim, the use of supima cotton, and more. The product is identifiable by labels and a logo promoting the colors of USPA Life – white, navy, and field green – the consumer’s cue to our sustainably sourced product.

For handbags this season, presented by Eastlab, consumers can expect the softest of leather and simple shapes, from warm caramel colors to pops of citrus like lime, yellow, pink and lavender. Beach and destination bags are made of natural fabrics like canvas and raffia or straw for a hand-crafted artisanal look. U.S. Polo Assn. logos and monograms alongside equestrian prints are a mainstay and look great on any fabric. Going from day into night, we see shimmering metallics that remind us that sporty is also elegant.

Spring-Summer 2024 shoes presented by Bonis provide many new styles, offering new materials, colors, and innovative structures that respect the brand’s philosophy while always paying close attention to the themes of quality, sport and authenticity. The collection is characterized by an expansion of both the casual and the sportier styles with an introduction of various new models that range from the more classic model to more urban and sportier. U.S. Polo Assn.’s women’s and men’s new collection presents styles that underline the commitment to build on USPA LIFE, the sustainable initiative of the brand.

The season’s U.S. Polo Assn. Watch & Jewelry Collection by EuroTrade is known for its sport-inspired, classic American style, and each season the designs reach a new level with unique details, shapes and colors. The Spring-Summer 2024 Collection combines new elements and stunning colors, from pastels to brights, with the key elements of our brand’s heritage. Within the collection, customers will find a combination of natural gemstones, enamel elements, and colored crystals to create perfect summer essential accessories.

Finally, the signature red, white and blue stripe is omnipresent for U.S. Polo Assn., from apparel, shoes, and accessories to store decor and game gear, because it’s a pillar of the brand. Look for this accent embedded in much of the Spring-Summer Collection 2024.

The EXECUTIVES:

Alongside Nencini in Florence for Pitti week is J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USA-based USPA Global Licensing, which manages the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand globally. Prince said, “I am proud to be here in Florence representing U.S. Polo Assn. at the greatest industry trade show in the world, alongside such outstanding partners as Incom, Bonis, EastLab and EuroTrade, who represent the very best of what our global brand has to offer,” said Prince “We plan to bring some excitement to the Pitti Uomo show with this Collection, while also showcasing our brand’s authentic connection to the sport of polo. And our very special VIP party at the magical Giarino Torrigiani gardens will be a night to remember; an event of fashion, art, sport and music that’s not to be missed!”

Florentine by birth, Lorenzo Nencini joined the family company, Incom, based in Montecatini Terme, in his early twenties. When Incom and U.S. Polo Assn. entered their licensing arrangement at the end of 2007, Nencini became responsible for the partnership that has helped both Incom and U.S. Polo Assn. become a great success story in Western Europe. About his appointment to the Pitti Immagine Board of Directors explains Nencini, “It’s both a privilege and an honor to be a member of a board consisting of talented entrepreneurs, where together we can share ideas and innovations to enhance the breadth and depth of Pitti Immagine. My goal for participation on the Pitti Board is to stimulate and inspire a modern vision for the future of fashion at the world’s most influential men’s fashion tradeshow.”

Alongside Prince and Nencini, U.S. Polo Assn. licensees in Italy are Augusto Bonetto representing Bonis, Andrea Zini representing EastLab, and Franco Zuccon representing EuroTrade, who will all be present to proudly show their respective products and speak with partners, vendors, and other brand representatives.

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the non-profit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers, and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named one of the top five sports licensors in 2022, alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA, according to License Global. Visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

About Incom S.p.A.

Incom S.p.A., founded in Montecatini Terme (PT) in 1951, manages, as a licensee, the apparel for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand in Western Europe, which produces and distributes iconic clothing brands all over the world. In addition, Incom is one of the main suppliers of military and paramilitary clothing in the Italian State both for uniforms and for technical clothing. Since January 2008, it has been producing and distributing men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing in Western Europe under the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, with record sales results and growth. For further information, visit www.incomitaly.com.

EuroTrade s.r.l.

EuroTrade is U.S. Polo Assn.’s licensee in Western Europe for watches and accessories. Headquartered in Italy, EuroTrade was founded in 1987 and specializes in the creation and distribution of high-quality watches and accessories characterized by original design and innovative technology. EuroTrade offers the market an original and trendy accessory to wear on any occasion. Visit www.incomitaly.com/en/euro-trade-s-r-l/.

About Bonis S.P.A

Bonis is the exclusive footwear licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. in Europe. Founded in 1970, Bonis is a leading company in the footwear business and is a partner selected by some of the most influential international brands. Located in the heart of the Asolo and Montebelluna footwear district, the home of the most important sport system brands. Bonis works with private labels, contracting and licensing. Visit www.bonis-spa.com.

About Eastlab

Eastlab is the exclusive licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. handbags in Europe. Founded in 2015, Eastlab today represents some of Italy’s major players in the production and marketing of bags, footwear, accessories, and suitcases. Eastlab’s targeted response to market demand and passion for the craft has allowed the company to quickly acquire great credibility in the market and gain the trust of important partners. Visit www.eastlab.it/.

Contact Information:
Stacey Kovalsky
Senior Director, Global Communications
skovalsky@uspagl.com
+001.561.790.8036

Paola Varani
paolavarani@hubcomm.net

Laura Varani
lauravarani@hubcomm.net

Sara Montanelli
saramontanelli@hubcomm.net

Laura Manfrin
laura@twins-pr.com

Maura Busatto
maura@twins-pr.com

Eccentric Engine launches Virtual Retail Cloud at NADA 2023

Eccentric Engine presents 1st ever Virtual Retail Cloud platform for dealerships in North America
Witness the North American debut at NADA 2023, Booth #6711, Dallas, 26-29 January
Early partners include Bay Area marquee dealerships Steven Creek VW and Dublin Cadillac

Eccentric Engine (Eccentric Inc.), a 3D visualization platform company and home to top automotive brands in India in their digital transformation journey, is gearing up to deliver ‘Virtual Retail Cloud’, its flagship offering, to U.S. auto dealerships from January, 2023.

Escalade-Sport in the Dublin Cadillac Virtual Showroom

Varun Shah, CEO & CO-Founder of Eccentric Inc.

Jessie Dosanjh, President of Dublin Cadillac (California Automotive Retailing Group)

Joe Castelino, Stevens Creek VW (American Motors Group)

Eccentric Engine is now registered as Eccentric Inc. in the U.S. (Eccentric Engine in India) and plans deep investment in industry agnostic virtual tools, which are being deployed for the U.S. automotive retail market this month. The first showcase of their new metaverse tech will be at North American Dealer Association (NADA) 2023, Booth #6711, from January 26-29.

Varun Shah, Co-Founder and CEO Eccentric Engine said, “We are excited about the growth path of Eccentric Engine and transforming the company into a global player. We look forward to extending the best of virtual retailing to our OEM & Dealer partners across the world. By virtue of Virtual Retail Cloud, we welcome new car dealers across North America to adopt a scalable and cutting-edge retail experience.”

The U.S. market is experiencing a wave of concepts in automotive retail metaverse, of which, several concepts were featured at the 2023 CES in Las Vegas, NV, earlier in the month. At the 2023 NADA Show, Eccentric Engine will demonstrate ready-to-use Virtual Retailing solutions encompassing 3D and AR-VR that can be deployed at scale for North American dealerships.

Shah added, “Over the past year, I met a diverse group of global dealers, spent time onsite to understand global dealership models, customer expectations and the gaps that existed. The dealers had broken experiences, and wished to provide a one-stop solution to their prospects to enable a faster and intelligent purchase decision. Unlike other technology companies, we have honed the expertise to deploy and measure at scale.”

Eccentric Inc. has signed two new customers in the Bay Area, Stevens Creek VW (American Motors Group) and Dublin Cadillac (California Automotive Retailing Group). The 3D platform will allow dealerships to design unique virtual retail interfaces to help buyers explore cars in an immersive experience and make an informed decision.

Joe Castelino, Fixed Operations Director, Stevens Creek VW (American Motors Group), remarked “Being in the heart of Silicon Valley, technology is a way of life for our customers. We are excited to partner with Eccentric Engine to offer an engaging and decisive retail journey for our customers. Their rich expertise in automotive digitalization spans a decade and we are looking forward to build together a transformative customer journey. The shift from multi-click, multi-page experience to a single seamless virtual interface, from 2D to 3D, is what excites us.”

Eccentric Engine plans to leverage the millions of interactions it registers on its platform to obtain unique customer insights and build several use cases. Included on the roadmap for Virtual Retail cloud services:

– Develop and build an exclusive 3D warehouse for quick deployment, reducing OEM dependency.
– Offering capabilities to create virtual experiences such as a no-code platform to develop virtual journeys.
– Robust back-end analytics that will offer deep insights on buyer preferences.
– Actively syndicate intelligence from deployments to dealerships & OEMs around the world.

Jessie Dosanjh, President, Dublin Cadillac (California Automotive Retailing Group), stated, “We pride ourselves in being a progressive and trusted group. Cadillac is a luxury brand and we are excited to bring to our customers premium digital shopping experiences through our new partner Eccentric Engine. Thanks to their capabilities, our buyers will be more confident about their purchase. We look forward to having virtual retailing capabilities on our website and within our store premises.”

“The Virtual Retailing Cloud ecosystem will be a game changer empowering buyers across the world. We are proud of our partnerships in USA, Japan, South Africa and Indonesia already enabling this,” concluded Shah.

A McKinsey Automotive report estimates that more than 25% of the current US$ 3 trillion new cars market is set to go virtual by 2025 globally. By 2025, more than 100 million interactions will be powered by Eccentric Engine.

About Eccentric Engine
Founded in 2012, Eccentric Engine is a pioneer in Automotive Visualization. Its Virtual Retail suite of proprietary solutions, including One 3D Visualisation, Experience Manager and Conceirge, delivers seamless omnichannel experiences, enabling customers to ‘show better and sell faster’ on the web and empowering consumers with informed and smarter buying decisions. Eccentric Engine has built virtual 3D models for clients including Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, MG, Renault-Nissan, Toyota and Citroen. Please visit https://eccentricengine.com.

For Enquiries:
Varun Shah, CEO Eccentric Engine,
San Ramon, CA, varun@eccentricengine.com

Deeptie Sethi, deeptie@vividenterprises.com

Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA) to Present at Sidoti Virtual Investor Conference 18-19 January 2023

Society Pass Incorporated (“SoPa”) (Nasdaq: SOPA), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem, today announces Dennis Nguyen, Founder/Chairman/CEO will present and host one-on-one meetings with investors at the Sidoti January Virtual Investor Conference, taking place on 18-19 January 2023.

The presentation will begin at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, 18 January 2023 at in Estate 4 and can be accessed live here. https://sidoti.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZPDz2TnkR9eknfGKZN2UGQ

SOPA will also host virtual one-on-ones with investors on Wednesday and Thursday, 18-19 January 2023. To register for the presentation or one-on-ones, visit www.sidoti.com/events.

About Sidoti & Company

For over two decades, Sidoti & Company has been a premier provider of independent securities research focused specifically on small and microcap companies and the institutions that invest in their securities, with most of its coverage in the $100 million-$5 billion market cap range. The firm’s approach affords companies and institutional clients a combination of high-quality research, a small- and microcap-focused nationwide sales effort, broad access to corporate management teams, and extensive trading support. Sidoti serves 500+ institutional clients in North America. http://www.sidoti.com/

About Society Pass Inc.

Founded in 2018 as a next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; Handycart.vn, a premier online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.

For more information on Society Pass, please review the following online information which is not part of this press release:
Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or
Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or
Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Media Contacts:
PRecious Communications
sopa@preciouscomms.com

Society Pass (Nasdaq: SOPA)’s NusaTrip Opens Regional Office in Singapore to Service Booming Rebound in Southeast Asia Travel Market

NusaTrip, Indonesia’s first IATA-certified online travel agency (OTA) and the travel vertical of Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA), today announces the opening of its first regional office in Singapore and first office outside of Indonesia. The office opening positions NusaTrip as the travel platform of choice for travelers desiring access to the booming recovery of Southeast Asia’s (SEA) tourism industry and reflects NusaTrip’s commitment to developing a wider range of marketing and commercial partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tourism boards. Customers in Singapore can now directly book flights and hotel rooms and pay in local currency on NusaTrip.com’s dedicated website for Singapore travelers.

“Singapore’s strategic location at the center of Southeast Asia (SEA) make it a preferred destination for travelers from around the globe. Ranked the third busiest airport in the world by Skytrax, Singapore’s Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) plays an important and strategic role in SEA’s travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. The presence of NusaTrip in Singapore is only the beginning of many significant advancements to come. It is an important step toward increasing our accessibility and credibility among our key stakeholders in SEA”, said NusaTrip’s CEO, Johanes (Joe) Chang.

Leveraging SEA’s soaring momentum of the travel and tourism industry recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic, NusaTrip is expanding its offering beyond air travel. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2022” report, the Travel & Tourism GDP in Asia-Pacific is forecasted to grow at an average annual rate of 8.5% or twice the 4% growth rate for the regional economy. Against this backdrop, NusaTrip expects to significantly add to its supply of hotels beyond the current 200,000 registered hotels on its platform. NusaTrip connects worldwide flight content through streamlined integration with low-cost and full-service airlines from multiple points of sale and enables global distribution at ease via its proprietary technology, the NusaXchange platform.

About NusaTrip

Founded in 2013, NusaTrip is an IATA-licensed, Indonesia-based online travel agency serving both local and global customers and partners by optimising cutting-edge technology and providing 24/7 customer-centric support team-as-a-service. NusaTrip is a member of Society Pass (Nasdaq: SoPa) ecosystem. For more information, please review: https://www.nusatrip.com.

About Society Pass Inc.

Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021. SOPA shares were added to the Russell 2000 index in December 2021.

SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 205,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital advertising network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; Handycart.vn, a premier online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam; and Mangan.ph, a leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Media Contacts:
Rosa Milyarna – NusaTrip Indonesia
Rosa@nusatrip.com

NusaTrip/Society Pass ID PR Representatives
Elisabeth (elisabeth.winiartati@gmail.com | +62813375150220)
Angga (anggahadi@gmail.com | +6281213858388)

Hafary poised to become a key player in Southeast Asia’s ceramic industry – JV to add manufacturing capabilities to its portfolio

Hafary Holdings Limited (“Hafary” or the “Group”), the leading distributor of premium ceramic tiles in Singapore has expanded its operations by gaining manufacturing capabilities through the incorporation of a new Joint Venture (“JV”) Company, International Ceramics Manufacturing Hub Sdn Bhd (“ICMHSB”). The JV will enable the Group to move upstream and overcome supply chain constraints as well as leverage on majority shareholder Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad’s (“Hap Seng”) MML brand and its distribution networks to grow sales in Malaysia and the regional export market.

Since 2015, the strong union between the two companies, Hafary and Hap Seng, have provided a steadfast supply of ceramic tiles to the building material industry in the region. 2023 will see Hap Seng and Hafary move to the next level of their integration, with the ceramic manufacturing and distribution business divisions within the Hap Seng Group consolidated under the umbrella of Hafary, arguably one of the most competent players in this industry. The strong synergies are bound to solidify their leadership position in the ceramics industry going forward.

Strengthening core capabilities through a synergistic JV

With over 40 years of industry experience and its extensive distribution capabilities in Singapore, Hafary is well-positioned to capitalise on this regional expansion opportunity. Together with its JV partners, Guangdong ITA Element Building Materials Co. Limited (“ITA”) and CNA Pte Ltd (“CNA”), the Group will lease two manufacturing plants in Johor, Malaysia, from Hap Seng Group.

CNA, an established premium tile manufacturer will bring its significant manufacturing capabilities and know-how into the JV. Having operated manufacturing plants in China for over 13 years and in Malaysia for over 3 years, CNA has vast experience in serving international markets like America, EU and Australia. Coupled with ITA’s fine expertise in tile design patterns, Hafary is on track to become a key player in Southeast Asia’s ceramic industry. To further build on their core capabilities, Hafary has plans to invest approximately MYR40 million to ramp up the plants’ production capacity from approximately 16,000 m2 per day to approximately 41,000 m2 per day.

In addition to helming Hap Seng Group’s ceramic business division, Hafary will also undertake the distribution of the MML brand of ceramic tiles through its wholly owned subsidiary Hafary Trading Sdn Bhd (“HTSB”) for retail, project as well as export markets. With greater control over its supply chain, Hafary will be able to fully capture MML’s steadily growing demand and will also be better equipped to take on larger project opportunities.

The road ahead: Forging a path to become key player in the ceramic industry in SEA
These strategic partnerships with Hap Seng’s subsidiaries and the synergies that they will generate will help set Hafary on a robust growth trajectory. The joint venture will enhance not only Hafary’s distribution outreach but also its production capabilities across Singapore, Malaysia and beyond. With this integration, Hafary strives to address potential supply chain issues in order to stay ahead of the competition. As Hafary continues to scale, it will aim for greater level of efficiency in its operations moving forward.

About Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad

Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad (“HSCB”) is a public company listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. HSCB is a diversified group with six core businesses namely plantation, property investment & development, credit financing, automotive, trading and building materials. Progressive and forward-looking, the Group’s emphasis on value creation, operational excellence and sustainability has enabled the Group to consistently deliver value to our shareholders

About Hafary Holdings Limited

Hafary Holdings Limited (“Hafary”) is a public company listed on the Main Board of Singapore Exchange. Hafary is a leading supplier of premium tiles, stone, mosaic,wood-flooring, quartz top and sanitary ware and fittings in Singapore. Leveraging on our strong sourcing and procurement network, we carry a wide variety of surfacing materials from Europe (mainly Italy and Spain) and Asia and supply to our customers at competitive prices.

About CNA Pte Ltd

CNA Pte Ltd (“CNA”) focuses on ceramic tile manufacturing and currently have over 3 years’ of experience in operating tile factories in Malaysia. CNA has extensive experience in the Ceramic manufacturing factory in China which focuses on high-end ceramic tile designs for international markets.

About Guangdong ITA Element

Guangdong ITA Element (“ITA”) is Hafary’s existing long term business partner in China and Hafary owned 50% shareholdings in ITA. ITA owned various design patterns in the tiles industry and has design capabilities. Since the establishment of this joint venture, Hafary has been sourcing tiles from ITA.

Issued for and on behalf of Hafary Holdings Limited. by Financial PR
Kamal SAMUEL/Shivam SARAF/Urvija DIWAN
Email: kamal@financialpr.com.sg / shivam@financialpr.com.sg / urvija@financialpr.com.sg
Tel: (65) 6438 2990 / Fax: (65) 6438 0064