Malaysian Consumers Recognise Spritzer as the Preferred Non-Alcoholic Beverage Brand
Spritzer Berhad, Malaysia’s leading mineral water company, proudly accepted their first Platinum award for the preferred brand in the ‘Beverage – Non-Alcoholic’ category at the prestigious Putra Brand Awards 2024 in its ninth year at the awards. This milestone moment for the Spritzer, comes after eight years of consistently garnering the gold, silver and bronze awards.
Figure 1: Spritzer Berhad accepting the award at the Putra Brand Awards
Accepting the award at the ceremony on 17th January 2025 in The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur was Dr. Chuah Chaw Teo, the General Manager of Spritzer. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Spritzer’s loyal consumers, trusted partners, and dedicated team members, “Spritzer is truly humbled to receive this recognition from our fellow Malaysians. As a brand, we have been serving our home market for more than three decades, starting at the heartlands of nature in Taiping, Perak. It began with the vision of our founder to provide Malaysians with the purest form of natural mineral water sourced from our 430-acre forest and at the same time, protect this precious resource.”
“Today, this recognition is a culmination of the deep commitment to serving the needs of our customers, the team’s hard work and strong partnerships established over the years. These factors have played a key role in building in the support and trust from our consumers. We dedicate this award to all those who have supported and trusted us throughout our journey,” he added.
The Putra Brand Awards, Malaysia’s premier brand recognition platform, celebrates brand building as a vital business investment, measured through consumer preferences. With winners chosen by over 6,000 consumers, Spritzer’s latest recognition further cements its position as a leader in the beverage sector and a brand that deeply resonates with Malaysians.
Over the past 35 years, the Spritzer brand has become synonymous with quality, sustainability, and innovation in the bottled water industry. This continued success speaks to the brand’s resilience, adaptability, and its ability to maintain consumer trust in an ever-evolving market. Looking ahead, Spritzer continues to be committed to deepening its position as a trusted brand in the hearts of Malaysians.
Dr. Chuah concluded, “From driving innovation to strengthening our sustainability efforts, every step we take is focused on delivering the best for our consumers. We will continue to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the industry.”
The Putra Brand Awards was launched in 2010 by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) in association with Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands (MMVB). It is the only brand awards in the country that is endorsed by MARTRADE and remains the most prestigious recognition of consumer brand preference in Malaysia. The awards serve as a testament to the strength and influence of brands that have earned the trust and loyalty of Malaysian consumers.
For more high-resolution photos, please download them here.
Figure 2: The Platinum Award won by Spritzer Berhad for the Beverage -Non-Alcoholic category
Figure 3: Spritzer products
About Spritzer Spritzer, Malaysia’s No.1 bottled water brand since 1989, sources its water from a 430-acre tropical rainforest in Taiping. The water undergoes a natural filtration process through underground rocks for over 15 years, enriching it with essential minerals like Silica, which benefits skin, bones, hair, and nails.
As a leader in smart manufacturing, we use advanced technology to ensure quality and safety. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Tested annually by SIRIM, our products are free from microplastics.
Spritzer offers a full range of products, from Natural Mineral Water and Sparkling Water to Distilled Water and Fruit-flavoured Beverages, catering to every lifestyle and occasion. With a vision to become a circular brand by 2030, we are committed to sustainability and delivering quality you can trust.
Spritzer—nature, innovation, and sustainability in every bottle. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
JJ Julius Son, acclaimed frontman for the internationally renowned blues-rock band KALEO, and entrepreneur Robert Wessman have joined forces, creating a limited-edition wine collection. This collaboration highlights their shared Icelandic heritage and promises to deliver an exquisite experience for wine enthusiasts and music lovers.
The wines were created in the summer of 2024, by JJ and Robert, at the Maison Wessman winery in France, blending countless samples from barrels in the maison’s cellar, under the supervision of oenologist Julien Viaud, of Michel Rolland and Associates.
JJ and Robert will formally launch the collection on Feb. 10, 2025, at the global trade fair “WineParis.”
“We are excited to embark on this journey together,” said Robert Wessman. “The goal is to create wines that not only delight the palate but also tell a story of friendship and collaboration.”
JJ Julius Son added, “This project is a dream come true. Combining my love for music with the art of winemaking is a unique opportunity, and I can’t wait to share these wines with the world.”
The wine collection includes two white wines, from 100% Chardonnay grapes, and two red wines, blends of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine bottles features a QR code, which gives access to an original song by JJ, titled “One More Glass of Wine.” The song remains unreleased and can only be accessed by scanning the QR code on the bottle.
Robert Wessman is an Icelandic entrepreneur. Maison Wessman, known for high-quality wines from the vineyards of Chateau de Saint-Cernin and Vignoble des Verdots, is a passion project founded by Robert and his wife Ksenia.
JJ is the leader of KALEO and has led the band to international fame, with such hits as “Way Down We Go” and “All the Pretty Girls.” He is known for his one-of-a-kind voice and songwriting prowess.
Robert and JJ both grew up in the small village of Mosfellsbaer, outside Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Their drive and individual talent have vaulted them to international success within their respective fields.
Wines from the collection will be ready to order in February 2025.
– Supporting local SMEs to develop in the mainland e-commerce market
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has kickstarted the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival with seminars on the mainland e-commerce market, addressing the pain points of local SMEs to help them build a stronger business foundation
The seminars cover practical topics such as strategies for selling through online shopping platforms, commonly used payment tools, building an effective fan base, collaboration plans with influencers, marketing skills and live-streaming production
One-on-one consultancy services will also be offered to local SMEs, with mainland e-commerce or online marketing experts advising on how to build suitable marketing strategies
With e-commerce continuing to take a stronger hold globally, Mainland China has emerged as the clear market leader, providing enormous opportunities for Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To help these companies seize new opportunities and develop their e-commerce capabilities in the mainland, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has launched the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival by rolling out expert-ledseminars focusing specifically on the mainland e-commerce market. The seminars cover practical topics such as online shopping platform operation strategies and features, commonly used payment tools, the effective building of a fan base, collaboration plans with influencers, marketing skills and live-streaming production. One-on-one consultancy services are also being provided to help SMEs get the latest information and enhance their competitiveness, helping them tap into the rapidly changing mainland e-commerce market.
Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said that e-commerce continues to develop rapidly and is now a key driving force for global trade and economic growth. The HKTDC has been supporting government policies by promoting business digital transformation, encouraging local SMEs to embrace e-commerce and offering various activities to support them through the business transition that is required.
“In order to deepen Hong Kong businesses’ understanding of mainland e-commerce platforms and gain practical experience, the HKTDC is holding the second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, which this year includes newly launched seminars with marketing experts providing practical knowledge relating to e-commerce in the mainland,” Mr Liang said. “This will give local SMEs a better understanding of e-commerce operations and help them formulate strategies appropriate to their products and brands, laying a solid foundation for entering the e-commerce sector. Additionally, one-on-one consultancy services will be offered, with mainland e-commerce or online marketing experts advising local SMEs on market development strategies that can help to promote their particular products or brands.”
Mr Liang added that trade relations between Hong Kong and the mainland are especially close, giving local SMEs a great advantage in terms of expanding into the mainland e-commerce market. “According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, national online retails sales for 2024 were RMB15.5 trillion, up 7.2% compared to 2023. The mainland leads the way in the world’s online retail market, which underscores the huge business potential for Hong Kong’s SMEs.”
Many local companies struggle to create promotion plans for their quality brands and products that address the preferences of their target customers, largely because they have not fully understood how the mainland e-commerce market operates. Some SMEs also face operational challenges such as pricing strategies, inventory management and the terms of collaboration with influencers, preventing them from fully capturing the opportunities presented by e-commerce. The newly launched HKTDC seminars directly address the major difficulties faced by local SMEs in the e-commerce realm. Two seminars have already been held, one in December and one last week, in which experts shared insights on the mainland’s e-commerce market profile and provided practical guidance in areas such as legal compliance, specific platform requirements and common pitfalls, receiving an enthusiastic response from participating companies.
Second edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival returns in August The HKTDC will organise the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August 2025, aiming to help SMEs seize e-commerce opportunities in the mainland. The festival is divided into four parts, including the newly added seminars and one-on-one consultancy services mentioned above and the return of the popular Discount Month and live-streaming e-commerce sessions from last year. Given the diversity of online marketing methods in the mainland, there are different ways for SMEs to increase brand exposure other than live-streaming sales. The second Hong Kong Shopping Festival will introduce customised marketing and channel services, such as incorporating more channels through “planting seeds” strategies. This will allow participating local SMEs to choose the most suitable services based on their product features, helping them gain a deeper understanding of marketing methods in the mainland e-commerce market.
More details on the services being made available through the Hong Kong Shopping Festival will be announced by the HKTDC in due course.
In addition, the HKTDC Digital Academy and Design Gallery’s (DG) cross-border e-commerce shops on Taobao and JD International have been offering comprehensive support to Hong Kong SMEs to leverage diverse e-commerce and digital marketing channels to explore mainland opportunities. The DG’s network of 70 physical sales outlets in the mainland serve as an ideal platform to promote Hong Kong brands in the region. Meanwhile, the HKTDC’s DG Studio programme helps to connect local businesses with physical retailers and e-commerce platforms in the ASEAN region.
Websites – Pre-registration for the mainland e-commerce seminar on 27 February: https://bit.ly/4hdhELO – Details and registration for the second Hong Kong Shopping Festival: https://bit.ly/4h1FpX2
Media enquiries Please contact the HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department: HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
As we approach the dawn of another lunar new year, a time of reflection and renewal, why not step into the vibrant world of tradition and celebration at Spritzer EcoPark? With Chinese New Year just around the corner, the EcoPark offers an enchanting blend of cultural motifs and contemporary design, all framed by its lush, verdant surroundings. Whether you are seeking festive cheer or a peaceful retreat, Spritzer EcoPark is the perfect destination to mark the start of a new year and a new chapter.
Spritzer EcoPark’s colourful Chinese New Year decorations light up the auspicious season, bringing festive cheer to all visitors
From 18th January to 16th February 2025, Spritzer EcoPark once again transforms into a dazzling hub of celebration offering the perfect setting for capturing beautiful and memorable moments with family and friends. The park’s Chinese New Year decorations this year feature a blend of traditional elements and contemporary flair, creating a perfect photo opportunity for visitors and their loved ones. Spritzer EcoPark welcomes everyone to join in the festivities, with free entry ensuring that the joy of celebration is accessible to all.
As one of Malaysia’s must-visit locations for locals and tourists, Spritzer EcoPark offers an abundance of exciting activities for visitors of all ages, providing something special for everyone to enjoy amidst its lush, natural surroundings. Visitors can challenge each other to a friendly game of 18-hole Mini Golf, glide through the park in style with Paddle Kart, or tap into their creativity with hands-on DIY & Crafting activities designed to bring out the festive spirit. The park offers these experiences at affordable prices, making it the perfect destination for a day of fun and relaxation.
After a day of exploration, visitors can unwind and enjoy the cozy environment at STG Café, savouring a delicious meal or refreshing drinks in a tranquil setting. While enjoying the festivities, visitors can also stop by at the Spritzer Water Shop to stock up on their favourite Spritzer products for festive gatherings or take a break at the Snack Station for some quick and delicious refreshments. For those looking for a memento of their visit, the Spritzer Souvenir Shop offers exclusive keepsakes, perfect for remembering a day well spent at Spritzer EcoPark.
Spritzer EcoPark invites everyone to celebrate the season with us and stay refreshed throughout the festivities. Whether you are exploring the park’s decorations or participating in the activities, we are here to ensure you enjoy the very best of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Every year, Spritzer strives to deliver new and exciting experiences for all our visitors. By bringing fresh themes and ideas every time we hope to keep creating fresh and different memories for families and friends. This year, we are delighted to blend tradition, modernity, and fun for this year’s Chinese New Year celebration,” said Winnie Chin, Head of Public Relations at Spritzer. “Our goal is to provide an environment where families can come together, relax amidst nature, and make cherished memories. We are excited to share this special time with our visitors and wish everyone a joyful and creative year ahead!”
Spritzer EcoPark extends its warmest wishes for a Happy Chinese New Year, filled with prosperity, good health, and happiness. Join us to make this Chinese New Year truly special!
For more updates and details, follow Spritzer EcoPark on Facebook and Instagram.
About Spritzer
Spritzer, Malaysia’s No.1 bottled water brand since 1989, sources its water from a 430-acre tropical rainforest in Taiping. The water undergoes a natural filtration process through underground rocks for over 15 years, enriching it with essential minerals like Silica, which benefits skin, bones, hair, and nails.
As a leader in smart manufacturing, we use advanced technology to ensure quality and safety. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Tested annually by SIRIM, our products are free from microplastics.
Spritzer offers a full range of products, from Natural Mineral Water and Sparkling Water to Distilled Water and Fruit-flavoured Beverages, catering to every lifestyle and occasion. With a vision to become a circular brand by 2030, we are committed to sustainability and delivering quality you can trust.
Spritzer—nature, innovation, and sustainability in every bottle. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
This Chinese New Year, Spritzer invites Malaysians to cherish heartfelt moments for a refreshing experience this festive season through its heartwarming campaign that brings families and friends closer together. As we usher in the Year of the Snake, Malaysia’s leading mineral water brand, Spritzer is excited to present its Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 campaign that highlights the importance of open-hearted conversations, combining tradition with a modern touch while bringing loved ones closer together.
At the heart of the campaign is Spritzer’s touching short film, “Speak from the Heart”, a tale reminding us to express ourselves with sincerity, respect and understanding, starring actors and brand ambassadors, Koe Yeet and Jaspers Lai with special appearances by Yagood and Jobroseph. This latest campaign is yet another reflection of Spritzer’s values which are deeply ingrained into its commitment to creating positive impact in society and doing good for humanity.
Spritzer celebrates Chinese New Year in 2025 with “Speak from the Heart”, a short film to remind us to embrace the spirit of the season
A Film to Inspire – “Speak from the Heart”
The film tells a story familiar to many young Malaysians, about a young man named Jasper who is approaching his 30s and feeling the pressure from his family to settle down. With the Chinese New Year festive season approaching and his anxiety rising, Jasper enlists a hairstylist played by Koe Yeet to pretend to be his girlfriend for the day. With her humour, quick wit, and ability to hear the inner thoughts of others, Koe Yeet helps Jasper navigate conversations with his nosy aunt turning a potentially stressful situation into a memorable and light-hearted experience.
“Speak from the Heart” channels the true spirit of the Year of the Snake, by reminding us to tap into wisdom, charm, intuition and elegance to glide through the complexities of life and relationships with our loved ones. Check out Spritzer’s short film, “Speak from the Heart”, which is available on the Spritzer Group’s YouTube channel today!
Festive Gifts & Memorable Moments with Spritzer
Spreading the festive cheer, Spritzer is offering exclusive gifts with purchases of its high-quality beverage products to add to the excitement of the season. Customers who buy RM38 worth of Spritzer products will receive a free Spritzer CNY Ceramic Bowl, while those who spend RM18 will get a free Spritzer CNY Retro Mug. These special edition items are sure to add a touch of tradition to your festive get-togethers.
Spritzer’s Natural Mineral Water is also available with a special edition CNY bottle label to add to the festive excitement. Rich in silica to promote healthy skin, hair and nails, it is perfect for staying hydrated throughout the celebrations. In addition, Spritzer Sparkling, available in original and lemon flavours, makes for a refreshing beverage on its own. Spritzer Sparkling contains no sweeteners or calories, and is perfect for pairing with food, gifting to loved ones, and serving at gatherings.
From inspiring short films to exclusive gifts, Spritzer’s CNY 2025 heartwarming campaign is designed to fill your festive season with cheer and positivity. Don’t miss out on the chance to embrace heartfelt traditions while enjoying the refreshing benefits of Spritzer’s beverages this Chinese New Year.
Spritzer’s “Speak from the Heart” short film is available on the Spritzer Group YouTube channel. For more details about Spritzer’s Chinese New Year campaign, please visit our website at https://www.spritzer.com.my/.
For more high-resolution photos, please download them here.
About Spritzer
Spritzer, Malaysia’s No.1 bottled water brand since 1989, sources its water from a 430-acre tropical rainforest in Taiping. The water undergoes a natural filtration process through underground rocks for over 15 years, enriching it with essential minerals like Silica, which benefits skin, bones, hair, and nails.
As a leader in smart manufacturing, we use advanced technology to ensure quality and safety. Our packaging is 100% recyclable and made from recycled materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Tested annually by SIRIM, our products are free from microplastics.
Spritzer offers a full range of products, from Natural Mineral Water and Sparkling Water to Distilled Water and Fruit-flavoured Beverages, catering to every lifestyle and occasion. With a vision to become a circular brand by 2030, we are committed to sustainability and delivering quality you can trust.
Spritzer—nature, innovation, and sustainability in every bottle. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
A tropical “Winter Wonderland” featuring affordable, family-friendly fun awaits you this holiday season
This holiday season, Spritzer EcoPark invites visitors of all ages to its highly-anticipated year-end Festive Wonder Carnival 2024 and experience the magic of winter like never before. The signature highlight is the magical snowfall sessions, bringing the wonder of falling snow to the tropics. Held daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM until 5th January 2025, the carnival is a must-visit destination for families and friends seeking festive cheer and unforgettable memories.
Spritzer EcoPark’s Christmas tree and colourful decorations light up the holiday season, bringing festive cheer to all visitors
The Festive Wonder Carnival offers a variety of other exciting activities. Adventurous guests can experience a ride at the LED Paddle Kart station, while those seeking a bit of friendly competition can test their skills at the park’s scenic 18-hole Mini Golf course. Those with a creative hand can engage in hands-on activities and craft unique creations at the DIY and Crafting workshops. Families can also participate in the fun of the Mini Games, which feature a range of entertaining challenges and exciting prizes up for grabs. Entry to the Spritzer EcoPark and snowfall sessions are free-of-charge, and there may be nominal charges for other activities, kept at an affordable rate for all to enjoy.
Snacks and beverages are also available at the carnival site, or visitors can opt to enjoy their meal or teatime in the cozy ambience of STG Café, which serves delicious European-Asian fare and festive season specials such as Roasted Honey Glazed Spring Chicken. Adding to the holiday spirit, visitors can take advantage of special promotions on Spritzer products, a rare chance to stock up on favourite beverages and items at unbeatable prices, available only during carnival.
Head of Public Relations at Spritzer, Winnie Chin said, “The Festive Wonder Carnival 2024 embodies the spirit of the season – joy, togetherness, and celebration. We are thrilled to host an event that offers so much for families, friends, and visitors to experience. From the magical snowfall sessions to fun activities and great food, there is something for everyone. This school holiday, we invite you and your families to join us and create unforgettable memories at Spritzer EcoPark.”
Spritzer EcoPark, nestled in the heart of Taiping, offers more than just the carnival experience. Visitors can also revel in the beauty of nature and history by wandering along tranquil walking trails, Tree Tag Walkabout, and the ancient 214-million-year-old Cactus Rock.
For more updates and details, follow Spritzer EcoPark on Facebook and Instagram.
About Spritzer: Established in 1989, Spritzer Group has been a pioneer in providing Malaysians with natural mineral water sourced from a 440-acre green rainforest. Committed to innovation, Spritzer Group leads the Malaysian bottled water industry through manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of its diverse product line. From renowned natural mineral water to refreshing non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, each product is carefully crafted to meet consumer needs.
Comprising eight business subsidiaries, Spritzer Group specializes in the production and distribution of silica-rich natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.
With over 30 years of experience, Spritzer Group is Malaysia’s largest and only listed bottled water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my
The decade milestone achievement reinforces Spritzer’s deep resonance with its customers, unwavering dedication to excellence in product quality
Spritzer has once again demonstrated its dominance in the bottled water industry by being named “Brand of the Year” in the national beverage division’s Water Category at the prestigious 2024–2025 World Branding Awards. The recognition marks Spritzer’s 10th consecutive win at the global awards, a testament to the brand’s enduring excellence in quality, branding, and consumer trust which further solidifies its position as Malaysia’s leading mineral water brand.
Spritzer’s Head of Public Relations, Winnie Chin, accepting the Brand of the Year award under the national beverage division’s Water Category during the recent World Branding Awards at the Tower of London
The accolade was awarded by the World Branding Forum (WBF), a global non-profit organization devoted to advancing branding standards worldwide, at the annual World Branding Awards event which recognizes exceptional global and national brands across various categories. Winners in each category were evaluated through a rigorous process involving brand valuation, market research, and online public voting, showcasing a holistic assessment of brand strength and consumer trust. Most importantly, as the award evaluation relies heavily on consumer voting (70%), Spritzer’s continued wins over the years demonstrates the brand’s ability to consistently resonate with audiences and exceed customer expectations.
Accepting the award on behalf of Spritzer during the awards ceremony held at the iconic Tower of London was Winnie Chin, Spritzer’s Head of Public Relations, who acknowledged the profound significance of this milestone: “We are honoured to receive this award for the 10th year running. Our achievements would not be possible without the unwavering support of our consumers, whose steadfast loyalty has made the Spritzer brand a household name. We also extend our gratitude to our partners for their collaboration and support and especially to our dedicated team for their hard work and creativity that have made this journey possible. We are deeply humbled and motivated to continue elevating our brand to greater heights, to build on Spritzer’s brand strength and commitment to excellence in all aspects of our company.”
The award is a milestone that recognises Spritzer as a benchmark for consistency and adaptability to maintain brand trust and address emerging consumer needs in the ever-evolving market landscape. The company’s consistency, adaptability, and innovation have not only propelled it to the forefront of Malaysia’s bottled water industry but have also established it as a benchmark for quality, sustainability and innovation on a global stage. Spritzer’s decade-long winning streak at the awards exemplifies the brand’s commitment to producing high-quality natural bottled water and its reputation as a consumer-preferred brand.
Building on this monumental achievement, Spritzer reaffirms its commitment to quality assurance as it continues to deliver bottled water with natural benefits and premium standards. The brand emphasises its dedication to sustainability goals and innovation as it continues to focus on advancing efforts to become a circular brand by 2030, aligned with global environmental initiatives, while leveraging cutting-edge technologies to introduce consumer-focused solutions to meet emerging needs.
Established in 1989, Spritzer Group has been a pioneer in providing Malaysians with natural mineral water sourced from a 440-acre green rainforest. Committed to innovation, Spritzer Group leads the Malaysian bottled water industry through manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of its diverse product line. From renowned natural mineral water to refreshing non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, each product is carefully crafted to meet consumer needs.
Comprising eight business subsidiaries, Spritzer Group specializes in the production and distribution of silica-rich natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks, and non-carbonated fruit-flavoured drinks.
With over 30 years of experience, Spritzer Group is Malaysia’s largest and only listed bottled water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
Groundbreaking industry news: Catering to the industry’s need for fast growth and flexible production
SIG, a leading packaging solutions provider, announced the expansion of its SIG Neo filling machine portfolio, featuring the world’s fastest and most flexible aseptic carton filling machine for multi-serve formats. With the debut presentation of SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic at Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, held from November 5-7, SIG launched another cutting-edge filling machine for multi-serve aseptic carton packs, capable of filling up to 15,000 SIG SlimlineBloc packs per hour – a 25% increase in output compared to SIG’s standard filling machines for family-sized formats.
(Photo: SIG)
As food and beverage manufacturers face an increasing need for high output and flexibility, TCO-improved, and sustainable options, the SIG Neo technology platform offers groundbreaking solutions. The new SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic machine not only accelerates production speed, but also maintains a compact footprint, making it an ideal solution for producers looking to increase capacity without costly facility expansions. In an industry where floor space is at a premium, flexibility and quality are essential and the total cost of ownership is a priority, SIG’s ability to significantly boost output per square meter is a game-changer.
The SIG Neo technology represents a major leap forward in filling machine innovation. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the F&B sector, it enables manufacturers to seamlessly switch between 1L, 750mL and 500mL packaging volumes, products from multiple categories and packaging materials.
“With the SIG Neo platform, we’re addressing key industry challenges,” said Christoph Wegener, Chief Markets Officer at SIG. “Our customers are seeking higher production capacity, improved efficiency, and the ability to adapt to changing consumer trends. The SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic delivers uniquely on all these fronts. It offers the industry-leading waste rate of less than 0.5%, smart digitalization in operations, and up to 15% reduced Total Filling Costs compared to SIG’s standard filling machines for multi-serve aseptic cartons. With this top-tier performance, we enable our customers to scale up their filling line capacity to up to 70 million packs per year. Of course, our SIG Neo filling machine portfolio is designed to run our SIG Terra suite of even lower carbon aseptic carton packaging materials.”
Additional features of the SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic filling machine include the state-of-the-art SIG Neo HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for intuitive operation and to generate smart insights on the filling machine’s performance. Added to this is SIG Neo Shield for enhanced sterile airflow and shielding during bottom sealing and pre-folding making it possible to remove up to 95% particles from the air, leading to top quality and extended production cycles. Furthermore, semi-automatic cleaning capabilities will be included on the SIG Neo platform providing superior cleaning results and shorter downtime.
Gavin Steiner, Chief Technology Officer at SIG: “As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, SIG is setting a standard for fast, flexible, and sustainable filling technology. The SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic is a testament to SIG’s commitment to innovation, helping manufacturers achieve growth, efficiency, and quality like never before. This is particularly interesting for manufacturers who want to grow fast – even with limited space. I am proud of the SIG team, who have succeeded in developing a ground-breaking technology that meets the industry’s need for rapid growth and flexible production.”
Going forward, SIG plans to bring these cutting-edge SIG Neo technology advancements to further aseptic carton filling machines for even more packaging formats in both its multi-serve and single-serve portfolio.
About SIG SIG is a leading solutions provider of packaging for better – better for our customers, for consumers, and for the world. With our unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, we work in partnership with our customers to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way. Our technology and outstanding innovation capabilities enable us to provide our customers with versatile packaging systems and solutions for innovative products and smart operations, all to address the ever-changing needs of consumers. Sustainability is integral to our business and guides us on our journey to create packaging for better – packaging that gives more to people and the planet than it takes out.
Founded in 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The skills and experience of our approximately 9,000 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2023, SIG produced 53 billion packs and generated €3.2 billion in revenue. SIG also has an AA ESG rating by MSCI, a 13.9 (low risk) score by Sustainalytics, Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis, and is included in the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit our website.
For insights into trends that drive the food and beverage industry, visit the SIG blog.
Picture caption: SIG announced the expansion of its SIG Neo filling machine portfolio, featuring the world’s fastest and most flexible aseptic carton filling machine for multi-serve formats. With the debut presentation of SIG Neo Slimline 15 Aseptic at Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, held from November 5-7, SIG launched another cutting-edge filling machine for multi-serve aseptic carton packs, capable of filling up to 15,000 SIG SlimlineBloc packs per hour – a 25% increase in output compared to SIG’s standard filling machines for family-sized formats.
Photo: SIG
Your contact for media inquiries: PRecious Communications for SIG Email: sig@preciouscomms.com
Boosts Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wine and spirits
– The three-day Fair concluded yesterday, attracting over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions – 50 events and conferences held during the Fair helped facilitate trade and business networking – A lower duty rate for liquor, announced in the latest Policy Address, helps promote emerging Chinese baijiu to the international market
The 16th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Yesterday’s public day attracted over 10,000 visitors aged 18 and above, who enjoyed fine alcoholic beverages from around the world and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars in the Wine Fiesta zone. This reflects the Fair’s important role as a trade and promotional platform.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year’s Fair has attracted over 8,200 trade buyers. The number of buyers from some countries and regions increased, including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China and more. Global buyers are keen to come to Hong Kong to participate in the Wine and Spirits Fair, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wines and spirits.”
Ms Chong added: “The latest Policy Address announced a lower duty rate for liquor, which is expected to enhance the trade of high-end spirits. More than one quarter of exhibitors at the Fair brought spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, whisky, vodka, brandy and more. We are glad to see that so many exhibitors and buyers interacted with each other, seizing the business opportunities brought about by the new policy.”
Importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce buyers who attended the Fair included: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies from the United Kingdom; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Le Clos (MMI) from the United Arab Emirates; ASC Fine Wine (Shanghai) Ltd, Beijing WJ E-Commerce Co, Ltd. and Vinehoo (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. from Mainland China; Mercian Corporation from Japan; Thevincsr from Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Wine Creek Pte Ltd. from Singapore; Thai Beverage Distribution Co Ltd from Thailand; Phu & EM Group from Vietnam and more.
Trading and marketing opportunities for spirits exhibitors This year’s Fair showcased a wide selection of Chinese baijiu from various regions, including Moutai and Zhenjiu from Guizhou, Fenjiu from Shanxi and “Zhongmao” from Sichuan. Exhibitors are capitalising on the Government’s reduction in liquor duty to expand their business opportunities.
Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor Industry (Group) Co,. Ltd which specialises in high-end Chinese baijiu, reached a strategic agreement with Hong Kong distributor Wines up Shoppers Group. Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor’s CEO Xu Xinzhou said that the anticipated collaboration amount is expected to reach at least RMB10 million in one year, helping the company expand its overseas market. Matthew Lun, CEO from Wines up Shoppers, said, “Chinese baijiu holds significant potential in the global Chinese market. We plan to capitalise on the Government’s recent reduction in liquor tax to tap into this market and promote Chinese baijiu, a traditional cultural product, throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.” Guizhou Jin Jiao also identified another Hong Kong buyer through the Fair, aiming to distribute its baijiu in Hong Kong. The two parties will negotiate a first-year business agreement valued at around RMB2 million.
Irish whiskey exhibitor Clonakilty Distillery Ltd made its first appearance at the Fair. Company founder Michael Scully said that they have identified about 30 potential buyers from around the world within a day and a half. “The slashing of liquor tax is excellent news, demonstrating to the world that Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a trading hub for premium wines and spirits in Asia,” he said.
“We met a major buyer who distributes alcoholic beverages in both Hong Kong and Mainland China, and we expect him to place an initial order of around EUR100,000 in which some of the high-end whiskies will benefit from the new taxation and enjoy a lower tax rate while being imported to Hong Kong. We believe that the tax reduction has significantly increased the interest of buyers.” Mr Scully also estimated that he could secure orders worth approximately EUR1 million within a few years through the Fair.
50 events were held during the Fair, with 12 of these related to spirits. At a seminar themed “A Review and Outlook of the HK Spirits Market (Taste Changes and Taxation)”, speakers noted that Hong Kong’s reduction of duty on high-end spirits has prompted many businesses in the industry to immediately lower their prices, which helps stimulate demand for spirits.
The Fair also presented fine wines from Mainland China, including wines from Ningxia, Yantai in Shandong, Xinjiang and Yunnan, as well as yellow wine from Shaoxing. Chateau Xianghai, a wine exhibitor from Xinjiang, connected with potential buyers from the United States as well as Malaysia and Vietnam from the ASEAN Region. The company’s General Manager Guo Cong said, “The Fair is an international platform providing us with numerous opportunities to expand into overseas markets.”
Diverse fine wines and spirits to meet buyer demand To meet consumers’ and buyers’ diverse preferences for alcoholic beverages, the Fair presented an extensive selection of global offerings. These included Old World wines from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy, and New World wines from Australia, South Africa and the United States, as well as whiskey from Ireland. There were also dedicated buyers for sake, gin, plum wine and shochu from Japan, along with tequila from Mexico.
Participating for the first time in the Wine and Spirits Fair, Czech exhibitor THAYA vinarstvi, spol. s r.o. engaged with around 50 buyers in just one day and a half, with over 10 showing potential for collaboration. THAYA’s Chief Operating Officer, Ing. Vit Travnicek said, “The Sommeliers’ Picks is a great initiative. One of our white wines is featured on the list, and several buyers came specifically to source based on the list.”
He also mentioned that the company has just started to explore the Asian market. They have successfully connected with potential buyers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam during their very first time at the Fair, “We participate in eight wine exhibitions each year, and this one stands out as the most international.”
Sambath Sothea, CEO of Auskhmer Import Export Co., Ltd, a buyer from Cambodia, stated that he has a fruitful experience at the Fair and has identified four potential suppliers. He plans to purchase products worth approximately US$50,000, including Japanese sake and wines from Italy and Georgia.
Seminars explored consumer demands and sustainable development A seminar hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg explored consumption trends and preferences among Gen Z and millennials, an emerging consumer group. Industry representatives speaking at the event noted that young adults have a strong preference for cocktails. The vibrant colours of cocktails are perfect for sharing on social media, allowing the industry to achieve significant promotional results.
Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Concepts crafted a special cocktail, HK & Suit, for yesterday’s public day. Many visitors tried it, fostering a lively atmosphere.
Sustainability has become a significant industry trend. At a seminar on promoting sustainable wine, a renowned sommelier and alcoholic beverage manufacturer emphasised that providing information on sustainable wine and spirits-making would enhance consumer confidence in the market.
Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, buyers could use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ unique QR codes during the physical exhibition. They could also bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show. Exhibitors and buyers can also engage in online business negotiations and matching through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 16 November.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
Boosts Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wine and spirits
– The three-day Fair concluded yesterday, attracting some 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions – 50 events and conferences held during the Fair helped facilitate trade and business networking – A lower duty rate for liquor, announced in the latest Policy Address, helps promote emerging Chinese baijiu to the international market
The 16th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted some 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Yesterday’s public day attracted some 10,000 visitors aged 18 and above, who enjoyed fine alcoholic beverages from around the world and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars in the Wine Fiesta zone. This reflects the Fair’s important role as a trade and promotional platform.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year’s Fair has attracted more than 8,200 trade buyers. The number of buyers from some countries and regions increased, including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China and more. Global buyers are keen to come to Hong Kong to participate in the Wine and Spirits Fair, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wines and spirits.”
Ms Chong added: “The latest Policy Address announced a lower duty rate for liquor, which is expected to enhance the trade of high-end spirits. More than one quarter of exhibitors at the Fair brought spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, whisky, vodka, brandy and more. We are glad to see that so many exhibitors and buyers interacted with each other, seizing the business opportunities brought about by the new policy.”
Importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce buyers who attended the Fair included: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies from the United Kingdom; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Le Clos (MMI) from the United Arab Emirates; ASC Fine Wine (Shanghai) Ltd, Beijing WJ E-Commerce Co, Ltd. and Vinehoo (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. from Mainland China; Mercian Corporation from Japan; Thevincsr from Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Wine Creek Pte Ltd. from Singapore; Thai Beverage Distribution Co Ltd from Thailand; Phu & EM Group from Vietnam and more.
Trading and marketing opportunities for spirits exhibitors This year’s Fair showcased a wide selection of Chinese baijiu from various regions, including Moutai and Zhenjiu from Guizhou, Fenjiu from Shanxi and “Zhongmao” from Sichuan. Exhibitors are capitalising on the Government’s reduction in liquor duty to expand their business opportunities.
Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor Industry (Group) Co,. Ltd which specialises in high-end Chinese baijiu, reached a strategic agreement with Hong Kong distributor Wines up Shoppers Group. Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor’s CEO Xu Xinzhou said that the anticipated collaboration amount is expected to reach at least RMB10 million in one year, helping the company expand its overseas market. Matthew Lun, CEO from Wines up Shoppers, said, “Chinese baijiu holds significant potential in the global Chinese market. We plan to capitalise on the Government’s recent reduction in liquor tax to tap into this market and promote Chinese baijiu, a traditional cultural product, throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.” Guizhou Jin Jiao also identified another Hong Kong buyer through the Fair, aiming to distribute its baijiu in Hong Kong. The two parties will negotiate a first-year business agreement valued at around RMB2 million.
Irish whiskey exhibitor Clonakilty Distillery Ltd made its first appearance at the Fair. Company founder Michael Scully said that they have identified about 30 potential buyers from around the world within a day and a half. “The slashing of liquor tax is excellent news, demonstrating to the world that Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a trading hub for premium wines and spirits in Asia,” he said.
“We met a major buyer who distributes alcoholic beverages in both Hong Kong and Mainland China, and we expect him to place an initial order of around EUR100,000 in which some of the high-end whiskies will benefit from the new taxation and enjoy a lower tax rate while being imported to Hong Kong. We believe that the tax reduction has significantly increased the interest of buyers.” Mr Scully also estimated that he could secure orders worth approximately EUR1 million within a few years through the Fair.
50 events were held during the Fair, with 12 of these related to spirits. At a seminar themed “A Review and Outlook of the HK Spirits Market (Taste Changes and Taxation)”, speakers noted that Hong Kong’s reduction of duty on high-end spirits has prompted many businesses in the industry to immediately lower their prices, which helps stimulate demand for spirits.
The Fair also presented fine wines from Mainland China, including wines from Ningxia, Yantai in Shandong, Xinjiang and Yunnan, as well as yellow wine from Shaoxing. Chateau Xianghai, a wine exhibitor from Xinjiang, connected with potential buyers from the United States as well as Malaysia and Vietnam from the ASEAN Region. The company’s General Manager Guo Cong said, “The Fair is an international platform providing us with numerous opportunities to expand into overseas markets.”
Diverse fine wines and spirits to meet buyer demand To meet consumers’ and buyers’ diverse preferences for alcoholic beverages, the Fair presented an extensive selection of global offerings. These included Old World wines from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy, and New World wines from Australia, South Africa and the United States, as well as whiskey from Ireland. There were also dedicated buyers for sake, gin, plum wine and shochu from Japan, along with tequila from Mexico.
Participating for the first time in the Wine and Spirits Fair, Czech exhibitor THAYA vinarstvi, spol. s r.o. engaged with around 50 buyers in just one day and a half, with over 10 showing potential for collaboration. THAYA’s Chief Operating Officer, Ing. Vit Travnicek said, “The Sommeliers’ Picks is a great initiative. One of our white wines is featured on the list, and several buyers came specifically to source based on the list.”
He also mentioned that the company has just started to explore the Asian market. They have successfully connected with potential buyers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam during their very first time at the Fair, “We participate in eight wine exhibitions each year, and this one stands out as the most international.”
Sambath Sothea, CEO of Auskhmer Import Export Co., Ltd, a buyer from Cambodia, stated that he has a fruitful experience at the Fair and has identified four potential suppliers. He plans to purchase products worth approximately US$50,000, including Japanese sake and wines from Italy and Georgia.
Seminars explored consumer demands and sustainable development A seminar hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg explored consumption trends and preferences among Gen Z and millennials, an emerging consumer group. Industry representatives speaking at the event noted that young adults have a strong preference for cocktails. The vibrant colours of cocktails are perfect for sharing on social media, allowing the industry to achieve significant promotional results.
Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Concepts crafted a special cocktail, HK & Suit, for yesterday’s public day. Many visitors tried it, fostering a lively atmosphere.
Sustainability has become a significant industry trend. At a seminar on promoting sustainable wine, a renowned sommelier and alcoholic beverage manufacturer emphasised that providing information on sustainable wine and spirits-making would enhance consumer confidence in the market.
Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, buyers could use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ unique QR codes during the physical exhibition. They could also bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show. Exhibitors and buyers can also engage in online business negotiations and matching through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 16 November.
About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
