Singapore – Indonesian coffee startup Kopi Kenangan has finally made its debut into the Singaporean market on September 26. The debut branch, located at Raffles City, marks the coffee brand’s foray into the diverse Singaporean market, amidst a growing coffee market in the tiny nation. Since its inception in 2017, Kopi Kenangan has a total of 900 stores in 3 countries, including 67 cities across Indonesia, and more than 20 stores in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Kopi Kenangan stated that its Singaporean debut not only marks their continued foray into the the Southeast Asian market but also in response to a thriving local coffee scene in Singapore. 

“It has always been our vision to transcend the conventional perception of Indonesia’s exceptional coffee beans and introduce them to the world as a brand and not just a commodity. Our aspiration is to introduce the world to the unparalleled richness and flavor of Indonesian coffee, and our store opening in Singapore marks another milestone in achieving that vision,” they said.

For the company, the expansion matches well with their vision of of combining local tastes with a global palate, as well as setting it as a vital steppingstone for their expansion in the region and globally.

“In terms of Kenangan Coffee’s SEA expansion, Singapore has always been on our radar due to its unique position as an F&B hub. From a multicultural society to being an international hub, Singapore is an ideal gateway to the global arena and introducing our brand to this market would allow us to reach a wider audience,” they also told MARKETECH APAC.

It is also worth mentioning that prior to Kopi Kenangan’s Singapore expansion, the company first noted local consumer trends in order to tailor their local coffee offerings better for customers, as well as establishing its ‘Kenangan Coffee Training Academy’ in Singapore, offering comprehensive training to their baristas ahead of their inaugural store opening.

Moreover, they have also found that Singaporean consumers are increasingly looking out for more accessible options for coffee, especially given that more international brands are entering the market with a premium price range. 

“The profound love that Singaporeans have for coffee, from kopitiams to contemporary cafés, was also what inspired Kenangan Coffee’s leap into this vibrant market. The city’s robust local coffee scene and its global F&B prominence make our expansion here a pivotal milestone, and we are thrilled to introduce our authentic Indonesian coffee flavors to Singapore,” the company explained.

While Kopi Kenangan firmly believes that there are abundant opportunities in Indonesia, their international expansion has become a necessity as they are confident that their products and business model will be warmly embraced in key markets across the ASEAN region.

“Our brand started in our belief to create accessible and affordable high-quality coffee, and that has been at the heart of all our stores, even as we expand into international markets. We differentiate ourselves from other competitors in this increasingly saturated coffee scene by adhering to strict raw material processing standards, and by deploying the highest-grade, best-in-class coffee equipment such as the Black Eagle Maverick Machine,” they said.

When asked what’s next for the coffee brand, they stated that their marketing strategy across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, would focus on highlighting their unique selling points and value propositions, to allow them to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

“A solid marketing strategy also involves market research and analysis, which helps in understanding customer needs, preferences, and behavior. We believe that this knowledge is crucial for us to meet evolving customer demands – besides conducting the consumer research prior to our entry into Singapore, we also have a propriety mobile application that offers a streamlined, omnichannel customer experience,” they concluded.

Singapore – Advertising agency Meetsocial announced the expansion of its digital marketing solutions expertise in Southeast Asia with the opening of its first international full-service office in Singapore.

Meetsocial’s expansion and new office come as part of the agency’s move to increase investment and personnel to support its current clients who market in Southeast Asia and offer its services to new clients based in the region.

The new Singapore office’s focus will be delivering core competencies such as advanced data analytics, comprehensive social media marketing, efficient search engine optimisation (SEO), and result-oriented content marketing.

Meetsocial will also employ regional talent, adapt products and services to international markets, build strategic partnerships with regional businesses, and tailor pricing and payment options to suit regional conditions.This approach will address the challenges of localization and cultural sensitivities while also enhancing Meetsocial’s competitiveness in the Southeast Asian market and driving its growth.

Additionally, the ad agency will harness its expertise in personalisation, artificial intelligence integration, and multichannel marketing strategies to ensure adaptability and seize new opportunities in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Earlier this year, Meetsocial started assembling its regional team and has established a partnership with Singapore-based digital design company Verz Design to enhance their full-funnel service. The collaboration will enable Meetsocial to engage with clients across the entire spectrum of business needs, particularly when entering new markets.

Commenting on the expansion, Charles Shen, CEO and founder at Meetsocial, said, “Unveiling our international office in Singapore is a significant milestone for Meetsocial. Having achieved considerable success in developing effective digital marketing strategies worldwide, we are excited to bring our expertise to the dynamic Asian market. Singapore’s exceptional infrastructure and business environment will enhance our ability to deliver impactful, trend-responsive campaigns for our clients.”

Singapore – Sports fashion retailer JD Sports has announced that is eyeing the acceleration of its brand in the Asian markets of Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This is despite the retailer has withdrawn their operations in South Korea and closed eight chains in the region.

According to a recent investors relation update from the company, JD Sports has finalised the acquisition of their non-controlling interests in the aforementioned markets.

The company also added that its revenue in Asia-Pacific grew strongly by 22% in the period to £230.9m, and 26% on a constant currency basis. Moreover, organic sales growth was also 26% with all countries in growth including Australia, their principal market in the region.

Meanwhile, their operating profit was up 4% to £32.4m as the closure of our South Korea business progressed as planned. They added that going forward, their Sydney distribution centre (DC) will relocate in 2024 to a new, expanded site to ensure that they have sufficient capacity for the next stage of growth. 

Régis Schultz, chief executive officer of JD Sports Fashion, said, “Looking ahead, our core consumers remain resilient in the face of the ongoing global macro-economic challenges. The JD brand continues to strengthen its global presence, supported by our strategic partnerships with much-loved brands and our strong balance sheet.”

It is worth noting that the parent company has acquired the remaining 20% of the issued share capital in its existing subsidiary in Malaysia, JD Sports Fashion Sdn Bhd, for cash consideration of £35.5m back in August. The group now fully owns the issued share capital of JD Sports Fashion Sdn Bhd and its subsidiaries.

Singapore – Global cross-border payment network Thunes has announced the expansion of its acceptance payment network to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand to enable global merchants to accept payments via local payment brands.

The network expansion will enable European and international merchants to receive and settle payments from SEA consumers in their currency of choice.

Thunes’ expansion aims to solve the problem of differences in payment methods, with US and European consumers using credit cards as the main transaction method while SEA consumers use alternative payment systems like mobile wallets, ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’, and ‘Real-Time Payment’ schemes.

With the expanded acceptance network, global businesses can now accept payment from local payment brands in Indonesia (Alfamart, DANA, OVO, QRIS, and ShopeePay), Malaysia (DuitNow, Boost, GrabPay, Maybank QR, ShopeePay, and Touch ’n Go), and the Philippines ( Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, GrabPay, InstaPay, Maya, PESONet, ShopeePay). 

Furthermore, its acceptance payment network also extends to Singapore (Atome, GrabPay, PayLater by Grab), and Thailand (Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya – Krungsri, KBank, Krungthai Bank, SCB, PromptPay, Rabbit LINE Pay). 

Andrew Stewart, executive vice president of Account Management and Network at Thunes, said, “While Southeast Asia’s rapid growth offers a remarkable and enticing opportunity, the speed of change in this region can pose a daunting challenge for merchants. In order to keep up with ever-evolving consumer preferences, businesses must be agile and provide a range of local payment options.”

“At Thunes, we’ve hand-picked the most relevant payment brands in Southeast Asia to help merchants in gaming, eCommerce, and marketplace platforms enter new markets and expand their footprint. Through our extensive acceptance network comprising 300 payment methods in 90 countries, businesses can easily tap into the vast digital-first consumer market, creating instant connections with millions of potential clients,” he added. 

Singapore – Communications advisory firm Brewer has announced its strategic partnership with communications agency Cyan to strengthen its regional reach and specialised offering with market expansion in China. 

Brewer’s expansion into the Chinese market marks a significant milestone in its growth across the Asia-Pacific for the last two years.

The partnership with Cyan is expected to enhance Brewer’s regional capabilities as it empowers brands to seamlessly navigate the complex Southeast Asian and Chinese markets. 

The expansion also marks the launch of the SEA-China advisory, which aims to bridge communication strategies between key APAC regions. It exemplifies the deepening economic connections between China and Southeast Asia, as well as the increasing demand for cross-market communications advisory services between these critical APAC regions.

Brewer’s partnership with Cyan reaffirms its focus on strengthening its regional footprint, complemented by the recent appointment of Natashia Jaya as a partner based in Indonesia.

And now, with its foray into the Chinese market, Brewer has also appointed Daniel Li as its new country lead. 

Li is a seasoned communications leader and newly appointed partner at Cyan. He will lead the communication firm’s operations, drive business growth, and cross-market opportunities in China.

The partnership comes as Brewer remains committed to helping clients navigate the multifaceted business landscape in APAC through strategic communications, an expanded regional network, deeper market insights, and culturally-astute strategies.

Serina Tan, founder and managing partner at Brewer, said, “Our regional expansion reflects our commitment to top-tier counsel, deeply rooted in local insights across APAC. With the introduction of our SEA-China Advisory practice, we combine our expertise with Cyan, offering bespoke, results-driven solutions for clients engaging in cross-border transactions between China and Southeast Asia. Daniel’s remarkable expertise will be instrumental in driving our cross-market advisory services.”

Meanwhile, Ada Chen, CEO of Cyan, also added, “Our partnership with Brewer is driven by shared values of innovation and client centricity. Together, we are committed to propelling Chinese brands onto the global stage, supporting their cross-border expansion. Brewer’s deep expertise in APAC communications advisory empowers us to be the catalyst for brands seeking international growth.”

Speaking on his appointment, Daniel Li said, “I am honoured to embark on this exhilarating journey with Brewer and Cyan. Brewer’s forward-thinking approach to strategic communications is reshaping the way businesses communicate in the dynamic APAC region. Our collaboration promises to not only drive growth but also redefine industry standards.” 

Kunshan, China – Multinational coffeehouse company Starbucks has announced the opening of its US$220m Coffee Innovation Park (CIP) in China to advance its global sustainability agenda. 

Starbucks’s Coffee Innovation Park is a fulfilment of the company’s first-ever scaled vertical integration ‘from bean-to-cup’ across one market. 

The CIP also holds the distinction of being Starbucks’s most energy-efficient and sustainable coffee manufacturing and distribution centre in the world. With the company making two additional rounds of investments since its announcement in March 2020, the CIP has the largest investment in any Starbucks coffee manufacturing and investments outside of the United States.

Located in the city of Kunshan, an hour from Shanghai, the new coffee manufacturing and distribution centre is designed and built based on LEED Platinum and China Green Building Three Star, leading sustainability standards for carbon emissions, energy and water use, and waste. It houses a roasting plant deploying Starbucks’ energy-efficient technology, a state-of-the-art integrated distribution centre (IDC), and an immersive experience center.

Around 20% of the energy supplied to CIP will be from its 26,000 m2 of installed solar panels. The company is also projected to achieve 90% of recycled waste annually.

Starbucks’ CIP has the capacity to supply all of the company’s locations in China. It will also use advanced eco-friendly technologies to blend and roast high-quality Arabica green beans sourced from more than 30 countries around the world, including China, to develop a variety of unique blends and roast profiles to meet the evolving tastes of Chinese customers.

The integrated distribution centre (IDC) in CIP will serve as the centre of Starbucks China’s distribution network to directly supply thousands of its stores in the region with freshly roasted coffee. The IDC uses advanced automation technologies and a 34-metre-high fully automated storage and retrieval system, which makes it six times more space-efficient compared to a conventional Starbucks warehouse.

However, the CIP is more than just a manufacturing site. It will also feature an immersive Experience Centre that provides a creative and unique interpretation of industrial tourism with an authentic, vivid showcase of the ‘bean-to-cup’ coffee journey.

The experience centre comprises 12 touchpoints where visitors will be transported virtually across the world to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of faraway coffee origins, from China’s Yunnan province to the farms in Costa Rica. They will witness roasting in person and up close as they learn about the latest innovations and sustainability practices at different parts of the coffee value chain.

Laxman Narasimhan, CEO at Starbucks Coffee Company, said, “As one of the largest consumer markets in the world, China presents tremendous opportunities for Starbucks. The Coffee Innovation Park highlights Starbucks foresight in elevating the supply chain through digitalization and advancing our sustainability agenda, enhancing our unique competitive advantage as we accelerate our global growth.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of the China team’s visionary thinking. As Starbucks largest and fastest-growing international market, we will continue to deepen our investment and reinforce our unwavering long-term commitment to the China market,” he added. 

Speaking on the launch, Belinda Wong, chairwoman and CEO of Starbucks China, also said, “The Coffee Innovation Park holds important significance for Starbucks in China and globally. It not only showcases Starbucks unrivalled coffee leadership, fulfilling our scaled vertical integration in China ‘from bean-to-cup’, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in China’s coffee industry. Its immersive experience center further elevates China’s specialty coffee industry with a multi-sensory showcase of the coffee journey. The CIP is yet another testament that Starbucks’ purpose and commitment to China go far beyond a cup of coffee.”

Singapore – Indonesian on-demand coffee company Fore Coffee has announced the launch of its first store in Singapore, marking its entry into the international market scene. 

Fore Coffee’s expansion to Singapore is expected to open up the Indonesian coffee culture in the region. 

Drawing on insights from flavor group discussions (FGDs), the coffee company will tailor a selection of 16 key SKUs to capture the essence of Singaporean coffee culture. It will also adhere to the local nutrition preferences with the aim of empowering individuals to enjoy their drinks consciously while promoting healthier choices through its affordable and accessible diversity of options. 

Fore Coffee’s entry in the new market is also guided by research focusing on the Singaporean coffee landscape, in collaboration with strategy consultant Redseer. According to the research, the coffee market in Singapore is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5%, which means it will reach $1,286 million by 2027, presenting a compelling opportunity for the company to flourish. 

Furthermore, Singaporeans’ strong affinity for coffee, averaging 6-7 cups per week, aligns perfectly with Fore Coffee’s mission. The brand recognizes the mature coffee market in Singapore, combined with a love for Indonesian beans, particularly Arabica. 

Fore Coffee aims to redefine Singapore’s coffee culture in the ‘Indonesian way’ by extending their highly curated coffee beans and signature coffee blends to the new market. 

The brand’s business journey has been marked by profitability since 2021 in Indonesia, even amidst pandemic challenges. A part of its success lies in its adept use of cutting-edge technology, from tools to its mobile app, combined with skillful bean blending techniques.

Vico Lomar, co-founder and CEO at Fore Coffee, said, “Fore Coffee’s brand positioning and menu reflect its role as an ambassador of Indonesian coffee culture in Singapore. The brand’s signature coffee blends, crafted with a deep understanding of the discerning Singaporean palate, redefine the local coffee landscape through an Indonesian lens.”

Sydney, Australia – Brand and digital studio Koto has officially marked its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of its Sydney office. The studio also announced the appointment of two new seasoned executives, Damian Borchok as managing director and Gerald Torto as senior strategy director. 

The new appointees will be leading the new office and regional efforts in APAC, with a senior creative leader expected to join them in the next few months. 

Koto’s initial focus will be on expanding its presence in Australia, India, Singapore, and South Korea. This strategic move reflects Koto’s continuous growth as a brand and digital studio spanning the EU, US, and now APAC.

While Koto’s local footprint was absent until now, it has already engaged with several APAC enterprises, including Australian-founded Airtasker, a service marketplace; Zip, a buy-now-pay-later fintech; Gumtree, an online classifieds and community site acquired by eBay, operating in Australia and New Zealand; and Korean-based Need, a digital cancer protection system.

The studio’s momentum has grown steadily, recently delivering impactful projects for global brands such as Airbnb, Amazon Music, Discord, Glassdoor, Netflix, and Whatsapp. 

It is dedicated to building optimistic brands that are true, compelling, and distinctive and continues to leverage deep immersion and strategic thinking as the foundation for ensuring relevance and creative excellence in every project it undertakes.

And as they started their move to expand in APAC, Koto’s strategic move was bolstered by an accomplished leadership team with a standout local track record.

Prior to his appointment as managing director for APAC, Borchok held key positions at Interbrand and Landor Australian outposts before launching his boutique studio, For The People. He has over two decades of APAC experience and carries with him a portfolio of prominent brands like Culture Amp (Australia), TIMEdotCom (Malaysia), and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Meanwhile, Torto, in his new role as senior strategy director for APAC, brings a distinctive blend of brand strategy and business expertise. He formerly served as a strategy director for Re, a part of the M&C Saatchi Group. 

He was able to establish a new practice within Re dedicated to delivering brand services to APAC tech scale-ups, amassing an impressive client portfolio including Australian brands Weel, Mr Yum, Channel 7, and more.

Koto also teased a third leader, well-versed in regional dynamics, who will soon join the leadership team as executive creative director. 

James Greenfield, CEO at Koto, explained, “After launching our second US studio in New York just over a year ago, it felt right to set our sights on the APAC region. We’ve worked with a number of APAC clients in recent years, and we can see the potential here is immense, with thriving economies and leaders aiming to make their brands global forces. I’ve always believed APAC brands hold untapped possibilities to display their identity, differentiation, and strategic growth.” 

He added, “Exceptional brands shouldn’t be limited to the US – there are a lot of interesting products and services in APAC. Koto steps in with Damian, G, and our upcoming Executive Creative Director, soon to be unveiled. Together, they’re the dream team writing this next chapter with us.”

Also speaking on the expansion, Borchok said, “Sooner rather than later Asia will be home to 3 of the 5 largest economies in the world. Brands from this region will have global impact like never before. While there are internationally networked branding agencies across APAC, few are yet to bring much of a sense of dynamism, vision, or ambition. The region deserves to see more brands that elevate Asia’s growing status and influence—commercially and culturally.”

“Koto was born out of the technology and innovation world. Our work is informed by the entrepreneurial drive to build something better. In our case, it’s brands. We’re looking forward to partnering with like-minded businesses and contributing to the exciting times ahead in Asia and the Pacific,” he further explained. 

On the appointment, Torto also shared, “I’m really excited to be contributing to Koto’s vision of building the world’s most iconic brands in the world’s most iconic places. The opening of a studio in Sydney to service the region is a real signal of intent and too good an opportunity to miss. For me, there’s an unmatched optimism and pragmatism to the way the business goes about its work, and that drives an approach to brand strategy and verbal (as well as visual) identity that I feel can make a real difference to the ambitious businesses across APAC.”

Jakarta, Indonesia – South Korean advertising agency INNOCEAN has established its regional headquarters for Asia-Pacific in the city of Jakarta in Indonesia. The new headquarters is designed to strengthen the integrated marketing services offered to their clients throughout the region.

The regional headquarters embodies 10 specialised departments with over 100 experts in integrated marketing and creative solutions, social & digital communications, data analysis and management, full-funnel media integrations, and brand & space experience. 

The regional management team, led by James SangSeok Lee, APAC regional CEO at INNOCEAN; stands resolutely committed to delivering not only creative excellence but also efficient solutions. This new endeavour signifies the agency’s dedication to providing integrated services that transcend conventional boundaries.

“While we address our clients’ daily marketing needs, we consistently explore beyond conventional communications. Other services, such as targeted marketing, content creation, as well as brand and space experiences, represent just a few of the expertise services we offer,” he said.

Lee added, “At present, we have established 3 entities and 1 office across the region – Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines. In the coming year, we plan to open 2 additional entities, specifically in Thailand and Malaysia.”

The INNOCEAN APAC regional headquarters has forged close collaborations with esteemed brands, including Hyundai, Kia, LG, Yong Ma (Rice Cooker), Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), and numerous others across the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia – Content management system Storyblok has announced its plans to expand to the US and the UK markets by next year. Despite the rapid expansion internationally, it will remain a fully remote company: all over 230 employees work across over 45 countries. 

Storyblok will launch a US entity in January 2024 to continue supporting the explosive growth in the market. The company will also create a dedicated UK entity to establish its local presence later in 2024.

Some of the company’s clients include DIRECTV, Crunchyroll, Red Ventures, DW Drums, AppFolio, and BlackLine Systems; as well as US tech companies like Netlify and BigCommerce, and agencies such as Americaneagle.com, CI&T, and Royal Cyber.

Julia Doria, US sales director at Storyblok, said, “Our research shows that 75% of US businesses report improved KPIs, revenue growth, and productivity since switching to a composable, headless CMS. Even with those high satisfaction numbers, only 22% of US businesses are using a headless CMS for their content operations. The opportunity in this market is massive, and our success so far gives us a lot to build on as we help companies create better digital experiences.”

Meanwhile, Dominik Angerer, co-founder and CEO of Storyblok, commented, “Despite a difficult economic environment, our rapid growth in the US proves that businesses realise an investment in composable content management actually saves money. A Total Economic Impact study conducted by Forrester Consulting revealed that Storyblok provided a 582% ROI over a three-year period and paid for itself in less than six months. Results like that will continue to fuel our growth in the US and internationally.”