Malaysia’s food and beverage (F&B) industry continues to endure new challenges even as the country reopens its borders to boost the country’s economy. Among the struggles include supply chain disruptions, cost inflation, manpower shortage, and finicky customers in a marketplace overwhelmed by a multitude of F&B choices.
The alcohol sector, in particular, is still experiencing a slow growth due to the closure of entertainment outlets and limited on-trade channels.
As a means to reviving the industry, Eatcosys, a multi-disciplinary foundation company, is launching its first F&B festival BoozeFest Kuala Lumpur through its subsidiary brand Boozeat, with a focus on premium spirits and wines as well as a gourmet menu from 12 – 14 May at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur Hotel.
The three-day festival is organized through a collaboration with local spirit brand owners, distributors and wholesalers boasting a wide variety of blends from established brands such as Singleton, Mortlach, Dewar’s, Aberfeldy, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Cloudy Bay, Lillet, Bombay Sapphire, Perrier-Jouët, Cointreau, Botanist Gin, and many more.
Eatcosys is also partnering with local restaurants, bars and cafes including The Crane KL, Puteh Beach Bar, Bestow and Terra Bar KL, Halley Dim Sum, and Union Artisan Coffee to curate a unique menu of alcohol-infused tapas, dim sum, cakes, and pastries, specifically for the festival.
“BoozeFest Kuala Lumpur is a platform for brand owners, distributors and wholesalers to boost their brands’ visibility, widen their customer base and offer a value-for-money experience to pandemic-fatigued consumers,” suggests Tham Lih Chung, Founder and Group Chairman of Eatcosys Sdn. Bhd.
He adds that F&B brands and players now face stiffer competition in an oversaturated market as the rising cost of living will negatively affect the overall purchasing power and decisions, particularly among the middle class. That segment is now being increasingly value-driven and selective in their choices insofar as demanding quality products and/or services with a wholesome experience – all at a competitive rate.
With two sessions daily, the festival promises attendees with unlimited tastings of over 30 brands of first-rate whisky, wine and cocktails, as well as a series of exclusive masterclasses and cocktail making sessions by the respective brand ambassadors and connoisseurs to inculcate an appreciation for the alcohol industry and culture among the drinking community.
Other activities during the festival include the bidding of 12 bottles of the Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Richard Quinn Edition, starting at RM900 per bottle (current RSP starts from RM1,200). Inspired by fashion and print designer Richard Quinn, the sought-after whisky uses 31 fine malts to indulge drinkers in an exquisitely floral finish.
Tickets for Boozefest Kuala Lumpur are available at https://www.ticket2u.com.my/event/27037/boozefest-kl-2022 at RM248 for the afternoon sessions and RM298 for the evening sessions. Group purchases of two (2) or more tickets start from RM198. Attendees will receive goodie bags with merchandise and vouchers worth up to RM1,000, and a chance to win attractive prizes in the lucky draws at the end of each session.
Attendees will also receive a designated promo code to hire a personal driver from Buddy Driver by SOCAR, after each session as a measure to promote responsible drinking. The first 30 bookings from each session are free.
“The festival is aligned with the Eatcosys mission to reinvigorate the F&B sector post-pandemic while building a robust ecosystem to uplift our communities and stakeholders,” notes Tham. “Last December, we launched Malaysians Eat Out (MEO) via the FoodAdvisor app to simultaneously encourage dine-ins and provide brand visibility and discoverability for F&B operators.”
Eatcosys, a homegrown retail technology solutions provider, offers end-to-end retail and digital services to support the operational needs of independent businesses and F&B players covering customer acquisition and retention, go-to market support, procurement, supply chain financing, and data analysis.
The company also operates digital platforms such as FoodAdvisor, VMO, MyCookingStory, FeedMyGuest, and Boozeat, the latter a one-stop e-commerce platform offering customers a broad selection of spirits and other alcoholic beverages at competitive prices, with door-to-door delivery and/or same-day delivery for customers within the Klang Valley region.
