Mainboard-listed Food Empire has entered into a partnership with low-cost carrier AirAsia to jointly develop and launch a new line of ready-to-drink beverages.
According to a statement released on Thursday (Jul 17), the collaboration is formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed between Empire International, a subsidiary of Food Empire, and AirAsia’s Santan Food Services.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia and its Malaysia-listed parent company Capital A, said the initiative aims to create a product that embodies the culture and heritage of South-east Asia.
The agreement also opens the door to future co-branded and private-label product ventures, the companies said.
The partnership will debut with a Vietnamese iced coffee offering, which will be available on board AirAsia flights and in regional retail markets under the Santan brand.
With shifting consumer tastes in mind, both companies plan to deliver “authentic and great-tasting Vietnamese iced coffee” tailored to modern preferences—including healthier, lower-sugar alternatives.
Tan Wang Cheow, executive chairman of Food Empire, noted: “This collaboration with Santan aligns with our strategy to meet evolving consumer demands and to introduce the authentic CafePho Vietnamese coffee experience on AirAsia flights, giving more people access to our signature beverages.”
Headquartered in Singapore, Food Empire is a global food and beverage manufacturer and distributor. Its diverse portfolio includes instant coffee mixes, chocolate beverages, instant cereals, snack foods, and food ingredients. The company’s products are available in over 60 markets worldwide.
