Food & Beverage Archives - Page 7 of 22

Innovation Beverage Group Limited Announces Closing of $5.4 Million Initial Public Offering on the Nasdaq Capital Market Under Symbol “IBG”

Innovation Beverage Group Limited (IBG or the Company), a developer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter and retailer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands with a focus on premium and super premium brands, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the Offering) of 1,350,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of $4.00 per share for total gross proceeds to the Company of $5.4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, the Company has granted a 30-day option to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional 202,500 ordinary shares solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

The ordinary shares began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbols “IBG”, on September 26, 2024. The Offering closed on September 27, 2024.

The Benchmark Company, LLC acted as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP served as legal counsel to the Company.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-266965) relating to the securities being sold in this offering was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 25, 2024. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or by contacting The Benchmark Company, LLC, 150 East 58th Street, #17, New York, New York 10155, at (212) 312-6700.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Innovation Beverage Group Limited
Innovation Beverage Group Limited is a developer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter and retailer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands with a focus on premium and super premium brands. The Company owns exclusive manufacturing rights in its beverage portfolio. The Company’s products are sold in both the United States and Australian markets. To learn more, go to https://www.innovationbev.com/ .

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as “may”, “could”, “expects”, “projects,” “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “predicts”, “anticipates”, “hopes”, “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon several assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Actual results (including the anticipated benefits of the offering described herein) may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact:
TraDigital IR
John McNamara
917-658-2602
John@tradigitalir.com

SOURCE: Innovation Beverage Group

Innovation Beverage Group Limited Announces Pricing of $5.4 Million Initial Public Offering on the Nasdaq Capital Market Under Symbol “IBG”

Innovation Beverage Group Limited (IBG or the Company), a developer, manufacturer, marketer, exporter and retailer of a growing beverage portfolio of 60 formulations across 13 alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands with a focus on premium and super premium brands, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the Offering) of 1,350,000 ordinary shares, at a public offering price of $4.00 per share for total gross proceeds to the Company of $5.4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, the Company has granted a 30-day option to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional 202,500 ordinary shares solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

The ordinary shares are expected to begin trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbols “IBG”, on September 26, 2024. The Offering is expected to close on or about September 27, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Benchmark Company, LLC is acting as sole book-running manager for the Offering. Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-266965) relating to the securities being sold in this offering was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 25, 2024. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or by contacting The Benchmark Company, LLC, 150 East 58th Street, #17, New York, New York 10155, at (212) 312-6700.

Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as “may”, “could”, “expects”, “projects,” “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “predicts”, “anticipates”, “hopes”, “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon several assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Actual results (including the anticipated benefits of the offering described herein) may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the risk factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact:
TraDigital IR
John McNamara
917-658-2602
John@tradigitalir.com

SOURCE: Innovation Beverage Group

Aryn Hala Announces Launch of Sustainable Cooking Cookbook, Available October 1st

Celebrated Gold Coast chef, Aryn Hala, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of her highly anticipated cookbook, which focuses on sustainable cooking practices. The book, available on October 1st, will be offered at all major retailers and as a special edition hardcover coffee table book at select retail bookstores.

Known for her innovative approach to cooking and commitment to eco-friendly practices, Aryn’s cookbook is set to inspire home cooks to create delicious meals while making environmentally conscious choices. The book blends her passion for food with practical tips on reducing food waste, sourcing local ingredients, and cooking mindfully.

Born and raised in Queensland, Aryn’s love for cooking was nurtured in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned the importance of using fresh, local ingredients. This early experience laid the foundation for her culinary career, leading her to earn a diploma from the Culinary Institute of Australia and co-found the Sustainable Cooking Club. Now, with her cookbook, Aryn hopes to inspire a new generation of home cooks to embrace sustainability.

“I’m so excited to release this cookbook,” said Aryn. “It’s been a dream of mine to share my approach to cooking with others in a way that’s both creative and sustainable. Small changes in the kitchen can have a big impact, and I want to show people how they can cook amazing food while caring for the planet.”

The cookbook is designed to be approachable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks. In addition to recipes, the book features personal stories from Aryn’s career and life in Gold Coast, making it a unique blend of culinary instruction and personal inspiration.

Available in a hardcover edition and a special coffee table version, Aryn’s cookbook is the perfect gift for food lovers and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about the cookbook, please contact Aryn Hala at her website https://www.arynhalacooking.com/.

About Aryn Hala
Aryn Hala is a renowned chef based in Gold Coast, Queensland, known for her innovative, sustainable approach to cooking. As the head chef at Patio Season, Aryn focuses on creating seasonal menus that showcase locally sourced ingredients. Her upcoming cookbook, launching on October 1st, aims to inspire a new generation of mindful cooks to make more sustainable choices in the kitchen.

Media Contact
Aryn Hala
contact@arynhalacooking.com
https://www.arynhala.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryn-hala-37b209304/
https://medium.com/@arynhala

SOURCE: Aryn Hala

Inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival ends successfully

– Enthusiastic response from local SMEs, HKTDC actively preparing for the next edition

– The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully in August with total impressions exceeding 90 million on e-commerce discussion forums and official website
– The festival helped local SMEs increase brand awareness and gain practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce. Hong Kong companies received numerous enquiries and orders from potential customers during the event
– The event collaborated with more than 30 renowned mainland KOLs on three major e-commerce platforms, with live-streaming e-commerce promotions for more than 60 Hong Kong brands, demonstrating mainland consumers’ strong confidence in the city’s goods
– The HKTDC is actively preparing for the next edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival to help more local SMEs enter the mainland e-commerce market

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and fully supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), concluded successfully in late August, helping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increase brand awareness and gain practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce channels. The event received an enthusiastic response, with more than 90 million impressions on e-commerce discussion forums and official website.

Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said: “The global e-commerce market continues to grow rapidly. In particular, the mainland has been the leading online retail market for 11 consecutive years, becoming an engine of growth for Hong Kong SMEs to expand their businesses. The HKSAR Government put forward a number of initiatives in the 2023 Policy Address to encourage and assist local SMEs in developing e-commerce businesses and seizing market opportunities. We are delighted that the inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival was well received and gained the robust support of local businesses, motivating more SMEs to participate in e-commerce businesses. The Government will continue to support SMEs through various measures, including the SME Export Marketing Fund and ‘E-commerce Easy’, so as to encourage SMEs to upgrade and restructure their operations and develop e-commerce businesses, thereby promoting the development of new quality productive forces.”

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival has concluded after a successful one-month run, providing local SMEs with a practical platform to master the art of e-commerce. The event has also significantly enhanced SMEs’ brand awareness, building a solid foundation for their future development in the mainland e-commerce market. Following the event, many SMEs have expressed interest in participating in future Hong Kong Shopping Festivals, demonstrating their strong interest in the e-commerce sector and willingness to tap into the enormous potential of the mainland market. This positive response has given us the impetus to organise the event again next year.”

Throughout August, the HKTDC, led by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, collaborated with celebrities and influencers to promote the Hong Kong Shopping Festival through various strategically planned digital marketing channels, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao, JD and others, boosting visits to the official website and, in turn, to the SMEs’ own online stores.

Understanding live-streaming and other techniques in mainland market
During the festival, several SMEs kickstarted live-streaming e-commerce in the mainland market, including Markwill Solutions Limited, the exclusive distributor of Gold Energy Snail Synergy, a Korean skincare and cosmetic brand, in Hong Kong. The company applied to run promotions on JD as the starting point. “The procedures were slightly complex, but luckily the HKTDC was on hand to help,” said Markwill Solutions Manager Man Leung.

As a beginner in the mainland e-commerce field, Mr Leung watched numerous live-streaming sessions to explore the broadcast style of KOLs, learn the industry jargon and understand the discount strategies in the mainland market. He found out that while the popular term in Hong Kong is “buy 2 get 1 free”, the mainland market uses terms such as “expected paid price”, which was completely new to him. He also became aware that a key factor in driving sales of skincare and cosmetic products is the location of consumers.

“The weather in the southern, middle and northern regions [of Mainland China] is different, as is the people’s need for cosmetics,” Mr Leung said. He also noticed that the KOLs who partnered with the brand were all from the northern regions, while customers were mainly from the northern and central regions. This made him realise the importance of the company conducting more research into how regional and seasonal factors could influence the shopping desires of customers.

Cross International Limited runs First Edible Nest, which sells dried seafood. The company had already begun exploring e-commerce, hiring KOLs to conduct live-streaming sessions in the mainland market since the pandemic in 2020. However, owing to its limited budget, the company found it hard to invite renowned KOLs to work with them. “This time, the HKTDC was able to connect us with top-tier KOLs,” said Manager Eddy Lo. During the festival period, six live-streaming sessions on Tmall and Douyin were conducted. “Two of the sessions on Tmall were excellent, generating RMB300,000 in revenue. I was pleased with the sales figures.”

Kiu Fung Hong Limited, which sells food products such as potato chips, also achieved encouraging sales figures during the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. CEO Ellis Wong said the company had been selling its products on JD. When it came to the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, “comparing our average monthly orders from January to July, the August orders soared by 135 times,” he said. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the promotions run during the festival and Mr Wong said he hoped the event could be held regularly to continue the momentum. He encouraged other SMEs to participate in the next Hong Kong Shopping Festival to gain experience in how to develop the mainland market via e-commerce channels.

Promotion boost online impressions, influencers showcase Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival promoted online-offline integration with 10 million impressions on the Xiaohongshu platform. The Hong Kong Shopping Festival partnered with a diverse group of celebrities and influencers for engaging promotional activities, with the likes of Moses Chan, Grace Chan, Kenneth Ma and Hu Ke adding vibrancy to the event. In addition, more than 30 renowned mainland KOLs, including Li Jiaqi and Chen Jie Kiki, conducted over 30 live-streaming e-commerce sessions on three major platforms, endorsing over 60 brands by planting seeds to boost brand awareness. Influencers also showcased Hong Kong’s cultural customs, distinctive foods and urban landscapes through offline city walks, drawing significant interest and generating discussions. Food and health supplement products garnered particular attention during the promotional campaign, reflecting the strong confidence of mainland consumers in the reputation and quality assurance of Hong Kong goods.

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival aligns with a measure in the 2023 Policy Address to assist Hong Kong’s SMEs in expanding into the Mainland China market via e-commerce channels with the slogan “Unveiling a New Lifestyle, Curated by Hong Kong“. “Unveiling a New Lifestyle” refers to launching new products in the market and the aspiration to enrich people’s lives through these products. “Curated by Hong Kong”, meanwhile, reflects the meticulously selected quality products from Hong Kong that are being made available to mainland consumers.

The first Hong Kong Shopping Festival gathered more than 230 brands, showcasing 500 products and exclusive discounts in six major categories: apparel and accessories, personal care and cosmetics, home and living, classic food, smart gadgets and health supplements. The event not only helped Hong Kong’s SMEs leverage the customer base and traffic on mainland e-commerce platforms and increase brand awareness, but also helped them gain practical experience in how to expand into the huge mainland e-commerce market.

Hong Kong Shopping Festival Website: https://bit.ly/4fR29cl

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4dUZvBd

Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng Tel: (852) 2584 4357 Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

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.

Moolec Confirms US Harvest and Promising Yields for Plant-Grown Products GLASO(TM) and Piggy Sooy(TM) in October

Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ:MLEC) (The Company, Moolec), a science-based food ingredient company, announced today the harvest confirmation of US campaigns for genetically engineered plant-grown products GLASO™ and Piggy Sooy™ during October 2024.

GLASO™ and Piggy Sooy™ US Harvest Announcement

GLASO™ (gamma-linolenic acid -GLA- in safflower oil) campaign located in Idaho consists of 600 planted acres of genetically modified safflower, mainly for commercial purposes. As a result of the harvest, Moolec is expecting to produce between 300 to 400 tons of safflower seeds that contain high levels of GLA. To allocate most of the upcoming GLASO™ production, Moolec has secured an offtake agreement with a major global CPG company, targeting the US market in 2025. Following a successful and rigorous audit from Moolec’s CPG customer, production is set to begin in late 2024.

The Company is also developing a broader commercial strategy to reach larger markets and clients. Moolec’s GLASO™ product contains almost 3 times more GLA than conventional sources such as borage and primrose oil, making it the most concentrated GLA oil available on the market.

Piggy Sooy™ (porcine myoglobin in soybean seeds) field trials are being carried out in 3 different US locations: Ohio, Missouri and Iowa. Main purposes for the campaign are product development (sampling), seed increase and gathering of environmental and regulatory data to continue Moolec’s US-FDA approval pathway. The Team also projects a remarkable first open field performance for its bioengineered soybean Piggy Sooy™ after recent approval for cultivation from USDA-APHIS. This has set an unprecedented milestone in biotechnology last April, with Moolec becoming the first Molecular Farming company to obtain this kind of clearance for food crops growing animal proteins in US territory.

Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder Martín Salinas stated: “Our commitment to scaling Moolec’s Molecular Farming Technology is demonstrated by our GLASO™ campaign and the field trials of Piggy Sooy™. These efforts not only reinforce our position as pioneers in the industry but also lay the foundation for sustainable solutions in agriculture and biotechnology.” He then finished by remarking: “One acre of Piggy Sooy™ could potentially produce pork meat proteins equivalent to 10 pigs, reducing water footprint, land usage and CO2 emissions. This is a clear demonstration on how we promote environmental improvements throughout all our operations. Our aim is to heal the meat production system.”

Contact Information
Press & Media
comms@moolecscience.com

Investor Relations
ir@moolecscience.com

SOURCE: Moolec Science

CleverTap’s AI-based Recommendation Engine helps Eatigo achieve 100% growth in reservations

Award-winning online restaurant reservation platform Eatigo, collaborates with CleverTap – the all-in-one engagement platform, to enhance customer engagement and boost reservations. Through CleverTap’s AI-powered recommendations engine, Eatigo was able to offer its users relevant and timely recommendations with precision, ensuring higher conversions. The platform’s orchestration and analytics capabilities enabled Eatigo to coordinate complex, multi-channel marketing campaigns at scale and track the performance of its campaigns.

Set up in 2013 with a mission to “connect empty tables with empty stomachs”, Eatigo is a leading online reservation platform. The brand has expanded rapidly, seating over 6 million diners, and accumulated over 6000 restaurants across Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

By harnessing CleverTap’s AI/ML-powered capability suite: Clever.AI, Eatigo was able to hyper-personalize its engagement through more than 10 automations and nearly 100 journeys. As a result, Eatigo’s users were 2X more likely to make reservations. Additionally, CleverTap’s Liquid tag and journey features enable Eatigo to create omni-channel experiences capturing diner’s attention and driving reservations.

Commenting on the collaboration, Surakan Kittiperakorn, Regional Marketing Lead, Eatigo said, “Collaborating with CleverTap has granted us access to their comprehensive and dynamic suite of capabilities, enabling us to achieve our goals and grow our business in the Southeast Asia region. Utilizing CleverTap for local campaigns has helped us craft personalized marketing campaigns and messaging that resonates deeply with our users. The precision and efficiency of their AI-powered recommendations have significantly boosted our engagement metrics, allowing us to connect diners with the perfect dining experiences. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to innovate and grow with the support of CleverTap’s robust platform.”

Sidharth Pisharoti, Chief Revenue Officer, CleverTap, said, “In today’s highly competitive restaurant industry, customer engagement and personalized experiences are crucial for success. At CleverTap, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in this sector and are committed to providing innovative solutions that drive growth and customer satisfaction. Our AI-powered platform enables companies like Eatigo to harness the power of data to create tailored marketing strategies that resonate with their audience. We are thrilled to support Eatigo in their mission to enhance the dining experience and are excited to see the impact our collaboration has had on their reservation rates.”

Eatigo leveraged CleverTap’s AI-based recommendation engine to tackle a few obstacles. When the customer cancels their reservation, the engine comes up with 5 other options to increase conversion rates. If another user scrolls through the options but doesn’t make a reservation, the engine offers custom suggestions to convince them. Furthermore, CleverTap’s engine proactively reaches out to customers who made their last reservation a month ago, via a multi-channel approach to increase the chances of their return to the app.

About Eatigo

Eatigo, founded in 2013, is committed to connecting “empty tables with empty stomachs” by providing a rich selection of dining options through its online reservation platform. With a strong presence in Southeast Asia, Eatigo serves regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

By offering time-based discounts of up to 50%, Eatigo enables diners to enjoy high-quality dining experiences at affordable prices. Its unique, time-slot-based yield management solution also helps restaurants increase revenue during off-peak hours. In 2023, Eatigo merged with FunNow, joining the FUNNOW Group and further solidifying its leadership in the lifestyle booking and digital services sector.

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the leading all-in-one customer engagement platform that helps brands unlock limitless customer lifetime value. CleverTap is trusted by over 2000 brands like Domino’s, Levis, Jio, Papa John’s, Zomato, Kotak Bank, Air Asia, Carousell, TD Bank, and Tesco to help build personalized experiences for all their customers. The platform is powered by TesseractDB™ – the world’s first purpose-built database for customer engagement, offering speed and cost efficiency at scale.

Backed by top-tier investors such as Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ and 360 One, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, with presence across Seattle, London, São Paulo, Bogota, Mexico, Amsterdam, Sofia, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, Vietnam, and Jakarta.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent CleverTap’s belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. CleverTap cautions that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

For more information:
SONY SHETTY
Director, Communications, CleverTap
+91 9820900036
sony@clevertap.com

IPSHITA BALU
Consultant
Archetype
+91 9590111798
ipshita.balu@archetype.co

SMI Vantage Limited invests in the Whisky Cask Club

SMI Vantage Limited (SGX: Y45) (“SMI” or the “Company”), a Singapore-based investment and management company listed on the mainboard of the SGX is pleased to announce the acquisition of a controlling interest in Whisky Cask Club (“WCC”). This move marks a significant step in SMI Vantage’s strategy of investing in innovative businesses with high growth potential.

Whisky Cask Club is a premier brokerage firm based in Singapore, specialising in the investment and trading of casks of rare and ultra-premium whisky. With over 50 years of combined experience in the Scottish whisky industry, the company partners with exclusive suppliers to provide clients access to some of the most sought-after casks available in the market.Mark Bedingham, President and CEO of SMI Vantage, stated, “This is a major acquisition which is transformative for SMI Vantage and is expected to become the leading growth contributor for SMI driving rapid increase in revenues and the overall profitability of the Group. The partnership with Alex Knight will allow considerable growth around the region and beyond from its Singapore base and aligns perfectly with our strategy to diversify into high growth businesses that are immediately revenue and profit generating.”Alexander Knight, CEO and Co-Founder of Whisky Cask Club remarked, “Joining forces with SMI Vantage and partnering with its CEO Mark Bedingham will create the conditions for acceleration of the growth path that WCC has been on for the last few years. With Mark’s help, we will look to open several major new international markets and bring the excitement and pleasure of investing in, as well as experiencing, the extraordinary whiskies that we can bring to the world.”https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/2RJ2U427QZN8ZI47/815867_20240815_SMI%20Invests%20in%20the%20Whisky%20Cask%20Club.pdf About SMI VantageSMI Vantage Limited is an investment and management company focused on capitalising on strong trends in the new economy, including Food and Beverage related businesses, technology-based SaaS services and other high-tech platforms. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Stock Exchange, SMI Vantage Limited has a highly capable and experienced management team with a proven track record in building strong business partnerships and alliances.Whisky Cask ClubThe Whisky Cask Club has a combined 50 years of experience in the Scottish whisky industry. We have partnered with some of the most exclusive suppliers of Scottish whisky to give our clients the most sought-after casks of whisky in the market. In order to be able to sell our clients casks of ultra high-end whisky, the Cask Club has partnered with ACEO Spirits and Whisky who are our official UK Duty representative.For media queries, please reach out to:Waterbrooks Consultants Pte LtdWayne Koo – wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg +65 9338-8166Derek Yeo – derek@waterbrooks.com.sg +65 9791-4707Proud Investor Relations partner:www.waterbrooks.com.sg www.shareinvestorholdings.com www.alphainvestholdings.com

Nissin Foods Becomes a Constituent of MSCI Global Micro Cap Index (MSCI Hong Kong Index)

Nissin Foods Company Limited (Nissin Foods or the Company, together with its subsidiaries, the Group; HKG: 1475) is pleased to announce that the Company is selected as a constituent to the MSCI Global Micro Cap Index (MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index), with effect from the market close of 30 August 2024 (Friday).

Mr Kiyotaka ANDO, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods, said, “We are confident that the Group’s inclusion in the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index reflects the capital market’s appreciation of our business strategy and operational excellence. This development is anticipated to draw increased investor interest in the Group’s growth prospects, potentially leading to a broader shareholder base. Looking ahead, we are actively enhancing our product portfolio and continuing to provide shareholders with greater value.”

The MSCI Global Micro Cap Index captures micro cap representation across 23 developed markets countries. With 6,406 constituents, the index covers approximately 1% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Assessments for the index are based on key factors, including minimum market capitalization, free float and liquidity, foreign inclusion factor requirement, and minimum length of trading requirement.

– End –

About Nissin Foods Company Limited
Nissin Foods Company Limited (Nissin Foods, together with its subsidiaries, the Group; HKG: 1475) is a renowned food company in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with a diversified portfolio of well-known and highly popular brands, primarily focusing on the premium instant noodle segment. The Group officially established its presence in Hong Kong in 1984 and is the largest instant noodle company in Hong Kong. The Group primarily manufactures and sells instant noodles, high-quality frozen food products, including frozen dim sum and frozen noodles, and also sells and distributes other food and beverage products, including retort pouches, snacks, mineral water, sauce and vegetable products under its two core corporate brands, namely “NISSIN” and “DOLL” together with a diversified portfolio of iconic household premium brands. The Group’s five flagship product brands, namely “Cup Noodles”, “Demae Iccho”, “Doll Instant Noodle”, “Doll Dim Sum” and “Fuku” are also among the most popular choices in their respective food product categories in Hong Kong. In the Mainland China market, the Group has introduced technology innovation through the “ECO Cup” concept and primarily focuses its sales efforts in first-and second-tier cities. In addition, Nissin Foods operates business in other Asian regions including Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea markets.

Nissin Foods is currently a constituent of five Hang Seng Indexes, namely: Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite SmallCap Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index – Consumer Staples, Hang Seng SCHK Consumption Index and Hang Seng SCHK Consumer Staples Index. Nissin Foods is eligible for trading under Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

For more information, please visit www.nissingroup.com.hk.

CropLife Asia Champions Agricultural Innovation & Technology as Essential Tools in Combating Hunger & Food Insecurity in Asia

With the recent release of the United Nations (UN) 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, CropLife Asia and its member companies are highlighting the increasingly critical role agricultural innovation and technology play in enabling and empowering regional farmers to produce the safe, nutritious and affordable food that drives food security in Asia.

According to the 2024 SOFI report, between 713 and 757 million people may have faced hunger globally in 2023 (or one out of 11 people). Meanwhile, Asia remains home to both the largest number of those facing hunger globally at 384.5 million as well as the most people experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity (1.18 billion) – up from 1.7 billion people the previous year[i]. The challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger (SDG2) remains daunting with 582 million people projected to be chronically undernourished by 2030[ii]. Furthermore, a healthy diet remains unaffordable for 2.83 billion people worldwide as highlighted in the SOFI report. The cost of a healthy diet has risen since 2017 globally, peaking at an average of 3.96 PPP dollars per person per day in 2022 which is a 11 percent increase compared to 2021[iii]. Compared to the global average, the cost of a healthy diet is the second highest in Asia at 4.20 PPP dollars.[iv]“The growing population here in Asia and around the world, climate change impacts and geopolitical conflicts have only exacerbated an already challenging food insecurity landscape,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director, CropLife Asia. “With agricultural innovations and plant science technologies, it is possible for farmers to produce more nutritious food with fewer resources and less impact to the world around us. That helps our smallholder farmers, national economies and trade, and most crucially, our collective regional food security. More than ever, we need science-based regulatory systems around Asia to provide timely reviews of the latest agricultural innovations and technologies that can help our smallholder farmers at such a consequential time for our region.”Plant science technologies such as plant biotechnology, gene-editing and crop protection products play a key role in supporting crop productivity, ensuring a stable food supply, managing and protecting natural resources as well as driving national economies. For example, biotech crops have increased global food, feed and fibre production by nearly 1 billion tonnes from 1996 to 2020.[v] During the same period, insect resistant crop technology used in maize has increased yields by an average of 17.7 percent relative to conventional production systems. The livestock industry is heavily dependent on maize as animal feed, making it a critical component of the agricultural economy.Gene-editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas can be used in agriculture to build tolerant traits that can respond better to heat, drought and flooding, improve photosynthesis to boost yields and redesign crops to serve as more nutritious and sustainable food sources.About CropLife AsiaCropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies and one associate member company at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org. For more information please contact:Duke HippDirector, Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships CropLife Asiaduke.hipp@croplifeasia.org [i] FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en [ii] FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en [iii] FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en [iv] FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en [v] Brookes G. (2022). Farm income and production impacts from the use of genetically modified (GM) crop technology 1996-2020. GM Crops & Food, 13(1), 171-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2022.2105626

Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association Calls for Action Against Illegal Pesticides

The Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA), a national association representing the plant science and public health industries of Malaysia, calls for action against illegal pesticides after the tragic poisoning incidents of two young boys and the hospitalization of a teenager upon consumption of rat poison-laced snacks, as reported in the media. These heartbreaking events underscore the urgent need for stringent measures against the use and sale of illegal pesticides.

“The use of illegal and unregistered pesticides poses significant risks not just to public health but also to the environment and economies. We strongly condemn the use of such products,” said Ms. Marie Goh Chooi Fong, Associate Director, Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA).

“Furthermore, the proliferation of unregistered and illegal pesticides through online platforms is a growing concern. We urge the authorities to intensify efforts to govern the online sale of pesticides. Ensuring that all pesticides sold online are properly registered and comply with safety standards is crucial to prevent further tragedies,” she added.

Pesticides are some of the most tested and regulated products in the world. Likewise, in Malaysia, the pesticide industry is rigorously regulated by the Pesticides Board (PB) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Only pesticides that comply with stringent safety, toxicology, bio-efficacy, and other standards are approved by PB for sale. MCPA members, as registrants, strictly adhere to the Act, rules, and guidelines provided by PB to ensure safety while supporting national needs, including food security. Additionally, MCPA members adhere to the International Code of Conduct on Pesticides Management (ICOC) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).

MCPA and its members have been actively promoting Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) and stewardship programs for decades. These stewardship programs include educating users and promoting practices that encourage the responsible, safe and efficient use of pesticides. This is undertaken within the context of promoting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy and forms an important part of the industry’s life-cycle approach to product stewardship. MCPA also partners with the food value chain and government agencies to ensure food safety.

MCPA remains committed to supporting farmers and advancing the use of innovative agricultural technologies for a safe, affordable and secure food supply.

About Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA)

MCPA is a non-profit trade association, the voice of the plant science and public health industry in Malaysia. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. MCPA is one of the 15 national associations under CropLife Asia, based in Singapore. For more information, visit us at www.mcpa.org.my.

For more information please contact:
Marie Goh Chooi Fong
Associate Director
Malaysian CropLife & Public Health Association (MCPA)
marie@mcpa.org.my