Thai Glico Co., Ltd., a leading food company under Ezaki Glico Group, has launched Almond Koka, Japan’s best-selling almond milk, in Thailand. With growing health consciousness among Thai people, the company sees huge potential in the plant-based milk market and health beverage market in general. It hopes to capture the taste buds and stomachs of the Thai people with the nutritional goodness of Almond Koka that has already conquered the hearts of the Japanese.
Chalermpong Darongsuwan, Managing Director of Thai Glico Co., Ltd., said, “This is our first full foray into the health and wellness food category after being known for our confectionery and ice cream businesses. Glico just turned 101 this year and Thai Glico itself has been in the market for 52 years, in recent years, we have grown our innovations in the health and wellness category in Japan in line with our aspiration to deliver healthier food options to consumers and contribute to their overall wellbeing. We hope to bring more of these to Thailand and the Southeast Asia region. Given our deeply rooted Japanese heritage and passion for food quality, we are confident of capturing the palettes and hearts of the Thai people with the delicious taste and goodness of Almond Koka."
The launch of Almond Koka in Thailand, comes after the release of Pocky Wholesome, a premium Pocky product with a whole wheat mixed biscuit stick, and Sunao, Glico’s zero sucrose ice cream, Thai Glico’s first product in the health and wellness category. Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country where Glico has launched Almond Koka. The confectionery and ice –cream products under the Glico brand have been well-loved by consumers of all ages and genders for a long time in Thailand.
Thai Glico revealed that it has observed a health trend where people are turning to plant-based milk such as almond milk and that the market for plant-based milk in Thailand has been growing (Source: Nielsen, Kantar). Its own commissioned study suggests that the current plant-based milk market or cereal milk market (excluding soy milk) is worth over 960 million baht in 2022 alone and is projected to reach 3,000 million baht in 2026 (Source: Nielsen, Euromonitor). The company sees an opportunity to break into the market by introducing its Almond Koka brand, the best-selling almond milk brand in Japan with a market share of about 90%, to the Thai market. The target market includes people of all ages and genders, health enthusiasts, and those who are lactose or cow milk intolerant.
The company held a launch event, "Glico Almond Koka Thailand: 1st Launch", on Tuesday, March 14th at Central Court @ CentralWorld.
At the event, Glico introduced the three flavours of Almond Koka – Original, Unsweetened, and Chocolate – which come in 180 ML packs. A 1-liter size will be available within 2023. Almond Koka has been available on Thai Glico’s online site since December 2022. The company will now be expanding its distribution channels to top retailers nationwide. To promote the benefits of Almond Koka to consumers, the company has also engaged Mai, Davika Hoorne as a new celebrity presenter. It aims to gain a foothold in the health beverage market within its first year. It will also be launching a 30-day challenge program for those who are keen to experience the benefits of Almond Koka first-hand.
Mai Davika Hoorne was chosen to serve as a spokesperson for Almond Koka as she represents the new generation of Thais who are conscious about maintaining a daily health and beauty regimen. Almond Koka, which is high in Vitamin E and can help in the battle against free radicals, is ideal as a daily drink anytime of the day. Its Vitamin E content meets 100% of the daily recommended amount. Its high fibre content aids in digestion and contains 0% cholesterol. Most importantly, it is plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. With these benefits, Glico is confident that Almond Koka can become a daily routine for those who want to look and feel good from the inside out and maintain good health in the long term.
Mr. Chalermpong added, “At Glico, we hold ourselves to high standards in three key areas. First and foremost, our environmental policy emphasises the importance of producing high-quality products and being environmentally conscious in the way we conduct business. Secondly, we have a solid management system that aims to create and continuously improve on quality assurance of our products. Lastly, we hold ourselves to very high standards in food safety. We believe that these are the foundations to our success here in Thailand all these years.”
Almond Koka is available through various distribution channels in leading stores throughout the country starting from today.