‘Mitr Phol’ Unveils ‘Mitr Phol Syrup’ as the Sweet Nectar of Modern Life

Mitr Phol, Thailand’s leading brand of sugar products, is introducing ‘Mitr Phol Syrup,’ a 100% pure sugar cane syrup, as a new modern kitchen innovation which is convenient and safe to add sweetness into any food, drinks, or even bakery items under the theme concept of “Adding Sweetness, Adding Good Time”. The company reiterates that life should be, in fact, sweet with ‘Pla – Achara Burarak’ the avid owner of ‘Kab Kao Kab Pla’ restaurant mixes up sweet and sunny drink while celebrity lovers ‘Nui-Sujira Arunpipat’ and ‘Pond-Chaiyapon Leepapan’ bake up their favorite sweet and loving item.


Mr. Kanong Sakpetch, Group Managing Director, Sugar Business, Mitr Phol Group, manufacturer and distributor of the ‘Mitr Phol’ sugar products, reveals that “the new Mitr Phol Syrup is made from 100% pure sugar cane and it is the new cooking innovation that suits the modern life. Naturally aromatic to the base ingredient, the syrup adds not just straight sweetness into food or drink, but also subtle aroma that makes them even more delectable and delicious. This new syrup keeps well over a year at room temperatures, hence gives buyers more value for their money than other types of sugar syrups. And this reflects how Mitr Phol always caters the products to suit consumer’s demands which in this case, modern, smaller family kitchens looking for extra cooking convenience that saves their time.

“Mitr Phol Syrup is available in two packages of 180 ml. bottle and 850 ml. pack. The product aims at modern consumers whose flashy lifestyle covers delectable tastes of their food and extra cooking convenience as well as food and beverage businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and coffee shop owners where Mitr Phol Syrup can help facilitate their cooking and baking process.”

‘Pla – Achara Burarak,’ owner of ‘Kab Kao Kab Pla’ restaurant and ‘Iberry’ ice cream parlour, introduces Butterfly Pea Coconut Soda as a healthy holiday drink which is easy to make on any fine free day. Mixed from anchan flowers (butterfly peas) juice, baked coconut juice, lime juice, and soda, the drink is sweetened by the aromatic Mitr Phol pure sugar cane syrup before pouring into an ice-filled glass and immediately served.

The new celebrity couple of actress ‘Nui-Sujira Arunpipat’ and businessman owner of Papa Pond ‘Pond-Chaiyapon Leepapan,’ introduce the sweet menu of ‘Strawberry Mille Feuille with Blueberry Sauce’ which, as legend has it, was first made by a French chef who wanted to express his true love to his sweetheart. The cake means layers of good things and ‘Mille Feuille’ (translated ‘thousand layers’) represents 1,000 days of true love he has for his lover from the very first day until the end of time.

“First, prepare the crispy puff base by layering the puff pastry onto the baking tray, topped with sugar and icing and bake it at 180 degrees Celsius for about 5-8 minutes. The filling is also very easy to make. Just beat mascarpone cheese with whipped cream, vanilla extract and pure sugar cane syrup until just forming. Then, prepare the blueberry sauce by mixing the sugar cane syrup with the unsweetened blueberry sauce, unsalted butter on a low heat and add lime juice at the end when the sauce is almost done. Put everything together nicely, by composing the crispy puff, cream and blueberry sauce together into layers. Serve immediately.”

“Mitr Phol Syrup” produced from natural sugarcane - Adding sweetness…Adding good times.

Stimulus for Thailand’s hospitality industry

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), Impact Exhibition Management and Thailand Restaurant News magazine are inviting local and international players in the hospitality business, and entrepreneurs interested in this sector, to Thailand International Restaurant and Bar 2010 at Impact Muang Thong Thani in June 2010.


This international expo is designed to raise the standard of Thailand’s hospitality industry and giving encouragement and support to new entrepreneurs now that the economy is recovering.

Yuthasak Supasorn, OSMEP’s Director-General pointed out that the restaurant and service industry was one of Thailand’s vital sectors, with a value of two hundred thousand million baht each year, and that new business ventures were continually opening.

“As the economy continues to improve, everyone involved in this sector needs to be ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities,” he said.

“However, sustainable success in this business depends on many factors, such as location, financial support, market insight, product and service quality, customer base and network of business alliances. The Thailand International Restaurant and Bar 2010 has been organised to give players in this sector, whether they’re actual or potential, the support they need to go for that success.”

Pornphan Bulner, Assistant Director Exhibition Project of Impact Exhibition Management, explained that the expo would integrate products, services and technologies relating to restaurants, hotels, bars, coffee shops and catering to meet the needs of entrepreneurs.

“It will showcase raw materials, equipment and machinery, as well as new techniques and skill trainings for all roles in the hospitality industry. At the same time it will provide a platform for negotiation, networking and exchanging information,” she said.

“At least 150 local and international companies will exhibit their products and services on a combined space of 10,000 square meters. We’re expecting to receive more than 10,000 Thai and foreign visitors -- owners, managers, suppliers and business consultants, as well as people who are interested in running their own business.”

Thailand International Restaurant and Bar 2010 will be arranged in three zones: Cuisine for Change, World of Wine & Spirits, and Coffee (Tea & Bakery) Culture. It will also include seminars, demonstrations of recipes and cooking techniques, competitions for chefs, sommeliers and bartenders and an Asian barista championship.

Chatthaporn Yolao, Managing Director of Thailand Restaurant News magazine, said that the event would present new food trends and the latest technologies as business opportunities, and marketing information from experts. Thai SME’s would also benefit from the new relationships they make with other entrepreneurs and service providers.

“We are hoping that Thailand International Restaurant and Bar 2010 will be instrumental in raising the standard of the food and beverage and hospitality industries in Thailand, and in doing so benefit the Thai economy,” she said.

Created Expressly for You on Valentine's Day with Love from Bug & Bee - Valentine Strawberry Cheesecake

Bug & Bee, the eatery known for its creative and delicious fusion food and beverages as well as its easy and wonderfully relaxing atmosphere, brings to you its limited edition Bug & Bee’s Chocolate Valentine Cake, available only on Valentine’s Day at both Bug & Bee branches - Silom and MBK Center (3rd floor, near BTS skywalk).

To help you celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day, Bug & Bee brings to you Strawberry Valentine Cheesecake.

Following the hugely successful Valentine cake from the year before, this time, Bug & Bee adds large, juicy chunks of fresh strawberries into its widely acclaimed New York Cheesecake. Made from 100% Philadelphia cream cheese, the Bug & Bee’s New York Cheesecake is well known for its extraordinary rich flavor and creamy smoothness. This strawberry cheesecake is further coated in fine dark chocolate, and topped with a large strawberry and a white chocolate heart.
It is the perfect size for you share with the special person in your life.
Due to popular demand, we recommend that you reserve one in advance.

Christmas Eve (24 December) at 92 Cafe & Bakery

Festive International Feast Buffet Dinner “Come home to us” Christmas Cheer is taking place at 92 Cafe & Bakery, decorated by Heavenly Delights, Yule Tide Wishes, Christmas Carlos and romantic classical music for your enjoyment. We are preparing you a Christmas Feast with Norwegian smoked Salmon, Roast Rack of Lamb, Glazed Ham Famous Roast Turkey, Pate and Delicious Entrees.

Special Exclusive Price for ONLY Baht @ 990- net per Adult with free flow of draught Heineken beer ONLY @ Baht 500- net per Children We would like to invite you to join us with your family and friends to celebrate the good life along together with Santa and Christmas Spirit.

eBay Launches “The Inside Source” New Digital Magazine Illuminates Consumer Trends, Pop Culture Obsessions and Shopping Stories in a Uniquely eBay Way

eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, today announced the launch of The Inside Source (www.theinsidesource.com), a new digital magazine for inspired shoppers featuring insights and stories based on what more than 89 million active users are searching for, buying and selling on eBay. The Inside Source will offer fresh daily content with original articles, analysis and opinions from journalists as well as eBay community contributors.


“Imagine that every day, every person in the United States tells eBay what they want,” said Alan Marks, Senior Vice President of Global Communications for eBay. “That’s the power of how many searches occur on eBay every day. Now add insights gleaned from almost 200 million live product listings, the stories of more than 25 million sellers and the several million purchases people make each day on eBay, and you get The Inside Source – a perspective on shopping trends, pop culture obsessions and the stuff people love, that only eBay can offer.”

While presented by eBay, The Inside Source editorial content will be directed and managed by an accomplished editorial team, led by Meridith Barnett, previously Director of Digital Media for Lifetime Digital. Editorial content will cover a variety of lifestyle topics, including fashion, technology, automotive, home and garden, pop culture and sustainability.

In addition to original content, The Inside Source will also feature sections that will provide a snapshot of real time eBay Marketplace activity, including most-watched merchandise and most searched terms. Early contributors include writers and editors who have worked at and contributed to Lucky, W, Allure, Daily Candy, and The New Yorker. To discover the latest trends now, visit http://www.theinsidesource.com.

Taiyaki to the rescue

       Japan's economy may be stagnating, but sales of a traditional, fishshaped sweet snack are going along swimmingly, thanks to its small price and auspicious name.
       Taiyaki, which means baked sea bream, is a baked pancake stuffed with a sweet bean jam and served hot.
       "Tai", Japanese for sea bream, sounds similar to the word for happiness and with a price tag of as little as 130 yen (48 baht), the snack, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is making a lot of people, especially the elderly,happy.
       "Taiyaki has been around from ancient days but I still want to eat one once in a while," said Masako Kano, a 69 yearold housewife who was queuing for the pancake outside a new store.
       "Compared to other cakes, which normally cost around 200 yen to 300 yen, its price is attractive," she added.
       Fancy Corporation, which operates a chain of taiyaki stores in Japan, recently opened its 45th outlet in Kawasaki, just south of Tokyo.
       Representative Eriko Yano said the snack was as popular as ever, even during the economic downturn, and was core to the Fancy Corporation's business.
       "In this economic environment, customers prefer products that are lowpriced, safe and reliable. I think that's why the number of our stores is growing,"Yano said."As people cut back on luxuries, such as dessert, taiyaki has become even more popular."
       Japan's snack industry association said that while the popularity of expensive confectionery products was waning, the demand for low-priced snacks such as taiyaki was rising.
       Economist Toshihiro Uchida at UFJ Research and Consulting said taiyaki's popularity was especially conspicuous in areas with many export-related manufacturers that were affected by the global financial crisis.
       "In times like these, products that achieve a high cost to performance ratio rise in popularity. Taiyaki is not only cheap, it is filling and its sweetness satisfies people who are tired and stressed because people tend to crave sweet flav-ours when times are hard," Uchida said.
       Taiyaki stores are also a relatively cheap business to set up, with shops requiring an investment of about 10 million yen, considerably less than a restaurant, which can cost up to five times more, Fancy Corporation's Yano said.
       "I think the taiyaki boom has to do a lot with the capability that you can buy one or two pieces at a time. The decrease in our income has been serious," said Michiko Hoshi, a 76 year-old-woman as she queued up to buy the snack.

KRAFT TARGETS CADBURY AGAIN

       British confectioner's chief executive dismisses takeover bid as derisory.
       US giant Kraft Foods yesterday launched a hostile 9.8-billion pound (Bt543.4 billion) bid for Cadbury, which the British confectioner rejected as "derisory," as new takeover action revitalised the business world.
       The cash and stocks offer matches the terms of Kraft's informal bid in September.
       However changes to currency and stock market values since then means the formal bid is worth 9.8 bilion pound, compared to the earlier offer of 10.2 billion pound.
       "The repetition of a proposal which is now of less value and lower than the current Cadbury share price does not make it any more attractive," Cadbury chairman Roger Carr said in a company statement.
       "As a result, the Board has emphatically rejected this derisory offer and has strengthened its resolve to ensure the true value of Cadbury is fully understood by all."
       Besides opposition from the Cadbury board, Kraft faces a band of vocal supporters of the British company's long-held independence.
       Felicity Loudon, the grand-daughter of former Cadbury Brothers managing director Egbert Cadbury, has also been an outspoken critic of any deal.
       She said she was "particularly saddened by the possibility of one of the last remaining British icons disappearing into an American plastic cheese company".
       "Kraft probably does need Cadbury more than Cadbury needs Kraft," wrote Jeremy Batstone-Carr, an analyst with Charles Stanley.
       Kraft Foods is the world's second-biggest snacks group after Nestle, while Cadbury, led by American chief executive Todd Stitzer, is the second-largest confectionery company behind Mars.
       A tie-up between Kraft and Cadbury would merge leading Kraft brands Oreo biscuits and Maxwell House coffee with Cadbury's big sellers such as Dairy Milk chocolate and Trident chewing gum.
       Kraft chairman and chief executive Irene Rosenfeld said her company was "convinced of the strategic merits for both companies of combining Kraft Foods and Cadbury".
       She added in Kraft's bid statement: "We believe that our proposal offers the best immediate and long-term value for Cadbury's shareholders and for the company itself compared with any other option currently available, including Cadbury remaining independent."
       The formal bid is worth 300 pence in cash and 0.2589 new Kraft Foods shares per Cadbury share. Kraft had until yesterday to launch a formal bid or walk away for six months under British takeover rules.
       Cadbury last month stepped up its defence against a takeover by Kraft by upgrading its full-year sales forecast after a third-quarter rise.
       In reaction to a 7-per-cent gain in third-quarter sales, Cadbury upgraded its 2009 revenue forecast to the middle of its 4-6-per-cent range from the previous lower-end forecast.
       A stronger sales outlook makes a takeover of Cadbury less attractive to its shareholders, who may judge that the company is profitable enough without being merged with a bigger company.
       Kraft meanwhile posted poor third-quarter results last week, hitting its share price which in turn has pushed down the value of its offer for Cadbury.
       Kraft's formal bid was worth 717 penceper Cadbury share, while the informal offer had stood at 745 pence a share.
       "It may be hard to see further upside in Cadbury's share prices with no visible counter offer or rival to Kraft on the horizon and the fact that they have not moved an inch from their initial offer shows that they may be playing the long game with this one," said City Index market strategist Joshua Raymond.
       Kraft Foods has said a tie-up would lift its revenues to about US$50 billion (Bt1.7 trillion) a year from $42 billion presently.