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Coface report looks at China and Australia’s trade relationship

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 April 2021 – The China-Australia bilateral relationship deteriorated sharply over 2020, with China imposing both formal and informal trade restrictions on a number of Australian exports, including coal, barley, beef, wine, cotton among others. However, Coface expects that Australia’s GDP to be back to 2019 level as soon as this year. But there are growing concerns that an escalation of bilateral tensions will see China hardening its stance towards Australia and possibly start targeting Australian services exports, particularly in tourism and education which could see 2% of Australia’s GDP at risk.



The reasons for bilateral tensions between China and Australia

The China-Australia bilateral relationship is multi-facet, ranging from national security, economics and trade to foreign policy and domestic politics. Trade relations between China and Australia deteriorated when Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission extended anti-dumping duties on Chinese stainless steel sinks on 28 February 2020 following an investigation into Chinese aluminium extrusions. Between March and July last year, there were a further eight anti-dumping actions against Chinese products, such as steel[1]. On 19 April 2020, Australia pushed for a call for an investigation into the origins of coronavirus, adding to pressure on China over its handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. During May 2020, China imposed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on Australian barley imports into China, citing investigations that started in 2018. China subsequently imposed tariffs on other Australian exports, such as wine, as well as formal and informal bans on products ranging from beef and timber to cotton and coal.

A resilient Australian economy

With China taking more than one-third of Australia’s total exports, rising trade tensions are seen as a potential threat to Australia’s economic outlook. However, iron ore, the mainstay of Australian exports to China, has been spared in the ongoing trade dispute, due to a lack of suitable alternatives. Meanwhile, despite China’s trade action, the Australian economy continued a solid recovery from the pandemic, registering two consecutive quarterly GDP growth in the second half of 2020 as business conditions move towards normality following an easing of containment measures.

Bilateral relations may worsen further

Chinese trade restrictions so far have a muted impact on the broader Australian economy due to two main factors: first, the ability of some affected sectors to find alternative markets, such as Saudi Arabia for barley, and Southeast Asian countries for cotton, and second, top exports such as iron ore and natural gas were not targeted by China. With both sides interpreting the dispute through the lens of national sovereignty, the situation is unlikely to improve any time soon. We expect Australia’s GDP to be back to 2019 level as soon as this year. Future development of China-Australia tensions will be closely monitored by Asian countries for guidance as to the extent of economic damage potentially suffered should they be caught in a similar situation. Furthermore, amid the ongoing strategic competition and political differences between the US and China, Asian countries will be hard-pressed if they are forced to choose between the two sides.

The full study is available here.

Coface: for trade

With 75 years of experience and the most extensive international network, Coface is a leader in trade credit insurance and adjacent specialty services, including Factoring, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Bonding and Information services. Coface’s experts work to the beat of the global economy, helping ~50,000 clients, in 100 countries, build successful, growing, and dynamic businesses across the world. Coface helps companies in their credit decisions. The Group’s services and solutions strengthen their ability to sell by protecting them against the risks of non-payment in their domestic and export markets. In 2020, Coface employed ~4,450 people and registered a turnover of €1.45 billion.

www.coface.com

COFACE SA. is listed on Compartment A of Euronext Paris.

ISIN Code: FR0010667147 / Mnemonic: COFA

Customer Confidence Strengthened: Dachser Is Satisfied with the Year’s Results

Virtually no dip in company revenue in 2020, the year blighted by Covid-19, with the strong second half offsetting the impact of the European lockdowns in April and May. Investments of EUR 190 million earmarked for logistics capacity, technical equipment, and digital systems.

 

KEMPTEN, GERMANY / HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 April 2021 – Logistics service provider Dachser can look back on a successful 2020, which was characterized by the loyalty and climate of mutual trust between the logistics provider, its customers, and its transport partners. Dachser’s consolidated net revenue totaled EUR 5.61 billion, a slight decrease of 0.9 percent compared to the previous year.


DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics business field saw growth of 5.2 percent in 2020.

“We have delivered on our promise to be a rock of stability during the coronavirus crisis,” says Dachser CEO Burkhard Eling. “The enormous encouragement of our customers and partners has been a great source of motivation. Special thanks are due to our staff and all those who drive on behalf of Dachser, who made last year such a success. Despite the extra burdens imposed by Covid-19, their performance was remarkable and they shouldered the responsibility that comes with systemic relevance at all times.”

Dachser kept its customers’ global supply chains running without interruption and came up with flexible solutions to capacity bottlenecks, particularly on intercontinental freight services. At the same time, the company provided the best possible protection for its employees’ health and supported its longstanding service partners in Europe.

In contrast to the decline of 2.2 percent in the Road Logistics business field, the Air & Sea Logistics business field saw growth of 5.2 percent. The business field benefited from having air freight charter capacity of its own as well as from high freight rates for intercontinental transport. At the Group level, the number of shipments dropped by 2.5 percent to 78.6 million, while tonnage fell by 2.9 percent to 39.8 million metric tons.

“Following a solid first quarter, the lockdowns in many European countries meant sometimes drastic declines in overland transport shipments,” says Dachser CEO Eling. “There was a clear improvement by June, however, with volumes remaining more or less consistently above 2019 levels. Our business model has proved that it can withstand crises, at the same time boasting strong growth potential and adaptability,” Eling is delighted to report.

Business development in detail

Revenue at the Air & Sea Logistics business field benefited from the shortages in air and sea freight capacity, and the corresponding rise in freight rates, throughout 2020. Buoyed by its activities in Asia, the business field upped its revenue by 5.2 percent to a total of EUR 1.2 billion. “We responded swiftly to the bottlenecks in air freight capacity by chartering aircraft to expand our own capacity, initially for medical supplies, later also transporting other goods for our customers. Overall, we operated around 150 charter flights between Europe, Asia, and the US during 2020,” Eling says.

The sea freight situation was no better, with scarce capacity and the acute lack of empty containers resulting in a volatile market and soaring freight rates. The LCL routes, known as “ocean groupage,” benefited in particular from this development. “Given the great potential we see for this premium service, we aim to further enhance the frequency, capacity, and quality of our LCL routes and push ahead with connecting them seamlessly to our European groupage network,” Eling says.

Dachser’s Road Logistics business field—comprising the transport and warehousing of industrial and consumer goods (European Logistics) and food (Food Logistics)—once again lost none of its growth momentum in 2020. However, even by the end of the year, it was impossible to fully compensate for lockdown-driven reductions in European volume in April and May, with the European Logistics business units in France and on the Iberian Peninsula the hardest hit. This caused the consolidated net revenue of the Road Logistics business field to drop by 2.2 percent to approximately EUR 4.5 billion.

While the European Logistics business line saw a decline of 3.2 percent to EUR 3.52 billion, Dachser Food Logistics upped its revenue to EUR 982 million, an increase of 1.9 percent. This business line faced a relatively turbulent 2020, marked on the one hand by panic buying in supermarkets and on the other by repeated closures in the catering, hospitality, and events industries in Germany. Nonetheless, it managed to make up for the decline in shipments in these sectors by acquiring new accounts and obtaining larger volumes of business from food retailers. Over the course of the year, Dachser Food Logistics increased the tonnage transported by 1.6 percent.

Investment on digitalization and sustainability

Eling emphasizes that Dachser refused to let the coronavirus crisis dictate its actions. This applies both to the generational change on the Executive Board—prepared in 2020 and finalized on January 1, 2021—and to investment planning. “Last year, we invested EUR 142.6 million in our global logistics network. This year, we are earmarking some EUR 190 million to create additional contract logistics capacity and forge ahead with digitalizing processes and business models.” The newly created IT & Development executive unit headed by Chief Development Officer Stefan Hohm will figure prominently in this regard.

According to Eling, the high equity ratio of 61.6 percent and the shareholders’ clear allegiance to the family-owned company give Dachser the support it needs to continue its tried-and-true policy of growth by drawing on its own resources.

“Our goal is to preserve the company’s strengths while enhancing its agility. In other words, we are expediting the integration of our networks and the introduction of digital technologies for use in areas such as machine learning or swap body localization. We will also be stepping up our sustainability and climate protection efforts,” Eling says. “Over the next two years, we intend to start by expanding our DACHSER Emission-Free Delivery areas to at least eleven European cities, while deploying more battery electric trucks and electrically assisted cargo bikes. What’s more, as a member of the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, we are actively supporting the research and testing of hydrogen fuel-cell drives for trucks.”

Overview of net revenue:

Net revenue (in EUR millions)

2020 (provisional)

2019

Change in 2020
vs. 2019

Road Logistics

4,497

4,596

−2.2%

European Logistics

3,515

3,632

−3.2%

Food Logistics

982

964

+1.9%

Air & Sea Logistics

1,196

1,137

+5.2%

Consolidation
(deducting revenue from company interests of 50% and lower)

−86

−75

Group

5,608

5,658

−0.9%

About Dachser:

Headquartered in Germany, Dachser is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Using its own in-house developed IT-systems, the company incorporates transport, warehousing, and value-added services to provide comprehensive supply chain solutions. Thanks to some 30,800 employees at 387 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.6 billion in 2020. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 78.6 million shipments weighing 39.8 million metric tons. Dachser is represented by its own country organizations in 42 countries on five continents. In Asia, there are branch offices in 48 locations across 12 Business Areas. Its Asia Pacific Regional Head Office is located in Hong Kong.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.hk

Zhejiang New Century Hotel Shareholders Approve Privatization

First Acceptance of the H Share Offer Closes on 19 April 2021

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 14 April 2021 – Zhejiang New Century Hotel Management Co., Ltd. (“Zhejiang New Century Hotel” or the “Company”, HKEx stock code: 1158) announced that the Company’s H Shareholders have approved the privatization and delisting proposal offered by Kunpeng Asia Limited (“the Offeror”), at the H Share Class Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting held yesterday. The consideration to acquire all the H Shares of Zhejiang New Century Hotel proposed by Kunpeng Asia Limited is HK$18.15 per share, representing a premium of approximately 24.7% over the H Share closing price on the Last Trading Date (18 January 2021).

For the privatization to become unconditional, the Offeror must receive minimum valid acceptances of 90% of the number of H Shares held by the Independent H Shareholders. As of 13 April 2021, valid acceptances totaled approximately 84.40% of H Shares held by the Independent H Shareholders have been received. The Domestic Share Offer is subject to the H Share Offer being declared unconditional in all respects. The first closing date for acceptances of the H Share Offer is 19 April 2021 (next Monday). If shareholders’ H Shares have been lodged with licensed securities dealers, and they intend to accept the H Share Offer, they should instruct their licensed securities dealers to accept the H Share Offer as soon as possible before the closing date.

Pursuant to the Takeovers Code, settlement in cash in respect of acceptances of the H Share Offer will be made within 7 business days of the later of the date on which the H Share Offer has been declared unconditional and the date on which the H Shares are tendered for acceptance of the H Share Offer. For further details on how to accept the Offer, please refer to Appendix I of the Composite Document dated 19 March 2021.

About Zhejiang New Century Hotel Management Co., Ltd. (HKEx stock code: 1158)

Zhejiang New Century Hotel Management Co., Ltd. is one of the leading hotel groups in the PRC and principally engages in the operation and management of mid-scale to upscale hotel chains in the PRC. Since its inception in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in 1988, the Group has established the homegrown, widely recognized “New Century (開元)” brand series that principally target the upscale leisure and business travel markets, offering hospitality services of international standards complemented by local Chinese elements.

Singapore Employees Lack Retirement Support From Companies While Financial Wellbeing Becomes a Top Priority: Aon Survey

SINGAPORE Media OutReach 14 April 2021 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions, has released the findings of the 2021 Trends in Retirement & Financial Wellbeing survey for Singapore.


Working adults in Singapore ranked retirement planning as their top priority but an alarming 80% underestimate how much they really need to retire. While retirement support from employers is also lacking, further challenges remain around transparency in group retirement plans’ investment offerings and employees foregoing long-term perspectives to seek short-term gains.


Ashley Palmer, Regional Managing Partner, Retirement & Investments, Asia for Aon, said, “”Employers can have a significant impact on how much their employees save by instilling smart habits and healthy money behaviours. The right long-term savings vehicles, effective communications and financial tools will help Singapore’s workforce be more financially resilient in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”


The survey identifies three main themes in financial wellbeing and retirement support for Singapore employees.

Financial wellbeing support is the new employee expectation. As a result, close to 40% of employers rank an employee financial wellbeing strategy as their highest priority, followed by emotional and mental wellbeing support. The survey shows that 70% of Singapore employers will formulate or execute financial wellbeing programmes throughout 2021, in line with employee expectations. Companies also view offering a financial wellbeing programme critical in increasing employee engagement and remaining competitive in the talent market.


There is an increasing trend of employer-led supplementary savings plans. Currently, 22% of companies surveyed offer Central Provident Fund (CPF) top-up contributions to citizens and Permanent Residents. But, close to 40% of the working population in Singapore are foreigners who do not have access to CPF and are likely to have foregone their retirement benefits in their home countries. To bridge this gap, and to provide equitable retirement benefits to all employee groups, close to 50% of the organisations surveyed offer supplementary retirement benefits to their foreign staff. Financial services firms are leading in this practice, followed by the technology and the healthcare sectors.

Promisingly, a third of organisations in Singapore are prioritising a thorough review of their supplementary retirement arrangements in 2021.

Alicia Brittain, Senior Consultant & Actuary, Retirement & Investments, Singapore for Aon, said, “Forward-looking companies first need to understand the financial worries of their employees and identify the gaps in their benefits offering. The most effective approaches are aimed at changing individual behaviours towards money and savings and providing accessible programmes and vehicles to deliver sustainable change. For example, when organisations provide retirement benefits as cash-in-lieu, it is most likely immediately spent and so does not form part of an emergency fund or long-term savings for the employees’ retirement years. Supplementary retirement plans solve this issue and are more flexible and cost effective – and can also offer contributions above the monthly CPF wage cap to increase employee savings.”

Employees in Singapore lack a well-defined default investment strategy. Less than 30% of the surveyed companies in Singapore currently offer their employees an investment choice in their retirement plans, and only 15% of retirement plans have a default investment fund. This leads to employees selecting their own optimal investment funds. They may lack experience in understanding investments, which can lead to misallocating their money and result in inadequate retirement savings or excessive risk taking.

Brittain added, “The key to protecting employees and adding value to savings in any defined contribution retirement plan is a well-defined default investment strategy. This includes frequent performance monitoring, actively managing investment risks and dynamically reducing investment risk as employees move towards retirement.”

Notes to Editors

The Aon 2021 Trends in Retirement & Financial Wellbeing for Singapore survey was designed to help organisations understand the unique retirement and financial needs of their Singapore workforce. This tri-annual survey was completed by organisations with employee populations ranging from five to over 4,000 and are based in Singapore. Responding Rewards and Benefits Leaders, HR and Finance Professionals provided feedback and insight on their organisations’ financial wellbeing and retirement programmes, interests and concerns. Click here for the full report.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) is a leading global professional services firm providing a broad range of risk, retirement and health solutions. Our 50,000 colleagues in 120 countries empower results for clients by using proprietary data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.

Follow Aon on Twitter and LinkedIn

Stay up to date by visiting the Aon Newsroom and hear from Aon’s expert advisors in The One Brief.

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Vientiane Avoids Full Lockdown, New Covid Prevention Measures Apply

Laos to Loosen Lockdown Measures in a bid to Restart Economy

Vientiane Capital has avoided going into full lockdown, however, recent covid prevention measures will still apply, according to a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday evening.

New entrant AECO Energy launches business innovation to deliver ‘last mile of value chain’ to Singapore’s maturing open electricity market

  • AECO Energy announces the launch of its operations in Singapore to provide innovation to the open electricity market for businesses with generation 2.0 of its technology and service offerings.
  • The company will introduce three solutions as part of its initial portfolio, customisable to specific business needs.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 13 April 2021 – AECO Energy, a new entrant to Singapore’s electricity sector, has today announced the launch of its operations. AECO Energy will be the first-of-its kind energy technology and services company aimed at innovating customer-centric offerings in electricity and renewable energy markets.

With over 12 years of experience in delivering open market electricity services and solutions to businesses in Australia under the Power Choice brand, AECO Energy is bringing its second generation of services and technology to Singapore for the first time. AECO’s second generation delivers on two major offerings.

Firstly, AECO delivers the ‘last mile’ of value in Singapore Open Electricity Market (OEM) value chain by providing innovative services to assist businesses to manage, plan and make better buying decisions.

AECO is all about enabling increased profits for businesses. AECO has a customer-centric mission to use its low-cost proven technology and expert-led services to enable better business decisions within a complex electricity market with multiple providers and opaque medium- to long-term pricing information. This comes against the backdrop of Singapore’s maturing OEM, which gives businesses and consumers the autonomy to buy and choose their electricity providers – the freedom to choose.

AECO Energy’s technology platform, MarketPro™ with its unique, electricity futures market simulator Rate Watch™, delivers business and electricity efficiency and empowers businesses through relevant and timely pricing information, while also helping Singapore businesses make better buying decisions via automated tenders and reverse auctions. Moreover, for businesses who do not have the capability and capacity to manage and purchase its own electricity, AECO Energy Portfolio™ delivers scalable buying power with a fully-managed contract management and purchasing aggregation service for small, medium and large businesses.

Alan Jones, CEO, Chairman & Founder, AECO Energy, said: “We are incredibly excited and humbled to be joining Singapore’s dynamic energy scene with our low-cost, high-value products and services. Our mission is clear: just like Amazon is revolutionising the ‘last mile’ of product supply chains with its same day delivery, we are also delivering the ‘last mile’ of the value chain in Singapore’s OEM that enables more businesses better purchasing decisions, more business profitability and growing all of Singapore’s economy.”

Secondly, with SGX-listed entities, enterprises and multinational corporations (MNCs)’ increasing emphasis on sustainability, AECO (through its SustainPro™ offering) will bring for the first-time in Singapore the benefit of AECO’s direct relationship with generators of International Renewable Certificates (I-REC). This enables Southeast Asian markets the benefit of medium- to long-term low-cost and structured REC solutions to meet renewable energy targets and sustainability goals. This translates to more profits by providing more predictable costs for businesses in meeting their sustainability and renewable energy goals.

“As a specialised company, unburdened with corporate overheads and distractions from Singapore’s local market participants, we can offer companies who are based anywhere in Southeast Asia, sustainability and renewable energy solutions that span markets and countries at a lower and more predictable price. We are honoured to play our part to bring sustainability and increased renewable energy throughout the world and to do so while benefiting our customers’ cost structures,” continued Mr. Jones.

AECO Energy is introducing three offerings as part of its electricity management solutions:

  • MarketPro™: Businesses can optimise costs and seize market opportunities with exclusive access to customised market price information through AECO Energy’s integrated online procurement and management platform equipped with Rate Watch™, a market simulation and automated procurement technology from as low as SGD $149 per month.
  • Portfolio™: Businesses get exclusive access to economies of scale with better buying power through professional and expert-managed energy procurement portfolios overseen by AECO Energy experts. This allows enterprises to focus on their core business while AECO Energy experts will fully-manage their electricity contracts and make better buying decisions on their behalf from as low as an additional SGD $74 per month.
  • SustainPro™: SustainPro focuses on helping businesses meet their sustainability goals at the lowest cost. AECO Energy offers lower costs on the procurement of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and tailored REC supply solutions designed to meet transition needs towards a more sustainable business.

“With the understanding that business needs are unique for every organisation, our energy experts will work closely with customers here in Singapore to help them reduce costs, drive efficiency and make better buying decisions. By providing technology-enabled, insights-driven energy technology solutions, we want to create a profound impact on our customers’ businesses to better position them for sustainable growth in the long-term,” concluded Alan.

About AECO Energy:

Based in Singapore, the AECO Pacific Group owns and operates the Power Choice and AECO Energy brands. A leading pioneer for more than 12 years in electricity brokerage and consulting services in Asia Pacific focusing on deregulated electricity markets, AECO Pacific helps businesses with electricity procurement and management backed by market intelligence. Transforming and saving businesses more, AECO’s combined experience in energy leadership and innovative technology solutions remain unmatched in dynamic and changing energy markets. For more information, visit https://powerchoice.com.au/ and https://aecoenergy.sg/.

China Dynamics Enters into MOU to Create Exclusive Distribution Network in the Americas

Promotes Electromobility Towards the Goal of a Greener Environment

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 13 April 2021 – China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”; Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively “China Dynamics” or the “Group”), a provider of new energy vehicles and technology integrated solutions, and Citizens Resources LLC (“Citizens”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for strategic business cooperation in Canada, the USA, Brazil, the Caribbean and Latin America (hereinafter the “Exclusive Territory”) to set the basis for an exclusive master distributorship and licensing agreement.

Under the MOU, both parties will enter into a series of agreements allowing China Dynamics to create a sales pipeline and a distribution network for electromobility products in the Exclusive Territory on an exclusive basis and to support the distribution network with training, marketing, after sales and charging infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Citizens is set to use China Dynamics’ technology, intellectual property, know-how, technical support and supply chain to assemble or manufacture electric vehicles in Mexico for further export, distribution, sale and marketing in the Exclusive Territory under a licensing agreement. Citizens will enter into a purchase and sale agreement to buy vehicles or components from China Dynamics on a cost-plus basis, so that China Dynamics will become the provider of powertrains, battery packs, e-kits, and complete rolling platforms.

Mr. Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of China Dynamics, said, “We are pleased to announce the signing of the MOU with Citizens, an energy investment and smart electromobility company in the US. Citizens has nearly 40 years of experience in developing businesses and partnerships internationally, with a particular focus on North America and the Caribbean. This MOU will help expand the Group’s markets into the Americas and will add to the Group’s growing number of partners working on electromobility products with the ultimate goal of a greener environment through zero-transmission transport.

Mr. Sergio de La Vega, Principal at Citizens, commented, ¨We have been working on energy transition and efficiency for a few years now. Electromobility represents everything we believe in: smart cities, big data, energy efficiency, lifestyle, respect for our planet and technological evolution. The vehicles of the future will trend towards autonomy, charging and storing energy in better ways to better serve society. We have no doubt this partnership will bring growth and value for China Dynamics and for Citizens.

About China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)

China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited is a pioneer and a prominent player in new-energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty passenger vehicles and new energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power system and its key components. The Group has two production bases in Chongqing and it has developed its sales network in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and South America.

About Citizens Resources LLC

Citizens’ predecessor started as a Boston-based non-profit in 1979, importing and providing heating oil for low-income families in Massachusetts. Over the next 40 years, Citizens evolved into an international player in the energy sector. In 2017 Citizens began a transition towards launching a platform for renewable, stranded, and smart energy investments, as well as non-emission mobility projects. Citizens’ distribution subsidiaries provide additional expertise and knowledge to develop transportation businesses in LATAM. This network in the energy, automotive, and industrial sectors in the US and Mexico enables Citizens to act as innovators in smart urban mobility solutions, automotive innovation and vehicle distribution.

Next Meats, Purveyor of the World’s First Plant-based Yakiniku Meats, Is Now in Singapore

The Tokyo-based startup makes its debut in the alt-protein hotspot of Singapore

 

  • Next Meats has collaborated with Aburi-EN to deliver two new meal sets
  • Made with soybean proteins, the Kalbi contains no chemical additives or animal ingredients

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 14 April 2021 – Next Meats, a purveyor of the world’s first plant-based yakiniku meats, is making its debut in the alternative protein hotspot, Singapore! The Japanese alternative meat company has collaborated this time with popular Japanese restaurant Aburi-EN, which will offer two types of set meals using the NEXT Kalbi (boneless short rib) for the very first time. Made largely from soy proteins, the NEXT Kalbi contains double the amount of protein and half the fats than that of regular meat and even more, it does not contain any chemical additives or cholesterol due to its lack of animal ingredients. Now, Singaporeans can enjoy yakiniku without the guilt!

From left to right: Premium Kalbi Don Set and Stamina Teishouku Set

The two new menus available at Aburi-EN are the Kalbi Don Set (S$13.80) and the Stamina Teishoku (S$15.80) — which are available for a limited time only. Next Meats has specifically chosen to work with Aburi-EN as they are a Japanese grilled-meat specialist. The two menus are the culmination of many months of research and development, and they will also be Aburi-EN’s first-ever plant-based dishes.

For the Kalbi Don Set, Next Meat’s Kalbi is grilled and served atop a bowl of fragrant Japanese steamed rice. Equally indulgent, the Stamina Teishoku features the Kalbi stir-fried with cabbage along with egg imported from Okinawa. The meat is then served with fragrant Japanese steamed rice, salad, pickles and miso soup. For both dishes, the meats are glazed with a special homemade sauce that packs an irresistible umami punch.

Both the Kalbi Don Set and Stamina Teishoku will be available at all Aburi-EN stores from April to July 2021.

An advocate of sustainable food production and better food security

The NEXT Kalbi is one of Next Meats’ innovative offerings, which includes other plant-based delicacies such as the NEXT burger and NEXT gyudon (beef bowl). The company champions the importance of saving the planet and humanity through reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (which is produced from meat consumption and animal agriculture) and utilizing biotechnology to combat protein deficiency.

Through extensive research and development, Next Meats has culminated the knowhow on using molecular binding to mould vegetable proteins from powder. Buoyed by state-of-the-art, proprietary technologies, the company has successfully created vegan substitutes that replicate the texture of real meat.

About Next Meats

Hailing from Tokyo, Next Meats is a food-tech venture company that specialises in the research and development of Japanese-style alternative meat products. Its journey of product development began in 2017, and the company was officially established in 2020. Its portfolio of products includes plant-based burger patties, gyudon and yakiniku meats.

Social Media for Next Meats

Facebook: /nextmeats.singapore

Instagram: @nextmeats_singapore

Hashtags: #nextmeats #nextmeats_sg #japaneseplantbased

About Aburi-EN

Aburi-EN is Singapore’s leading Japanese Grill restaurant chain, best known for delicious high quality grilled donburi bowls. Signature dishes include the Premium Buta Don with grilled chestnut-fed pork, Wagyu Karubi Don, and the Wagyu Stamina Don, made using A4/A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, which has won Japan’s “National Wagyu Award” for 3 consecutive years, among many others. The homemade sauces give the meats and dishes an extra umami-ness. Aburi-EN is also known for affordable highballs and Japanese sours, which pair perfectly with the Aburi dishes.

Social Media for Aburi-EN

Facebook: /aburiensg

Instagram: @aburien.sg

Hashtags: #aburiensg #aburiendonburi #aburienjapanesegrill

Outlets

– Isetan Scotts:

350 Orchard Rd, #01-K1 Shaw House, Singapore 238868

– Causeway Point

1 Woodlands Square, #02-09B Causeway Point, Singapore 738099

– Jem

50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-04 Jem, Singapore 608549

– Vivo City

1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-159/160 VivoCity, Singapore 098585

– Novena Square

238 Thomson Rd, #01-89/90, Singapore 307683

– Guoco Tower

1 Wallich St, #B2 – 09, Singapore 078884

– Orchard Central

181 Orchard Central, Central, #01-16 Orchard, 238896

– Suntec City

3 Temasek Blvd, #B1-121 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983

– Nex

23 Serangoon Central, #01-63/64/65 Nex, Singapore 556083

Operating Hours

11am – 10pm, Daily