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Friday, February 20, 2009

FRASER AND NEAVE CONFIDENT OF THE FUTURE (after losing Coca Cola Franchise Agreements)

F&N CONFIDENT OF THE FUTURE
Kuala Lumpur, 19 February 2009 - F&N Holdings Berhad (F&NHB) announced to Bursa Malaysia that the Coca-Cola Franchise Agreements, which are due to expire in January 2010 will not be renewed.
The announcement to Bursa Malaysia was in line with relevant listing requirements and good corporate governance and transparency, to ensure that all the key stakeholders are kept updated on material information pertaining to F&NHB.

Mr Tan Ang Meng, F&N Group CEO said “The non-renewal of the Coca-Cola Franchise Agreements announced yesterday, though unavoidable, gives us the opportunity to further build on F&N brand equity, unparalleled market presence and expertise, manufacturing capabilities and outstanding distribution network to realize a potential which was unavailable in the past. As a result of our new status, we are now able to launch new products and venture into new territories and export markets from which we were restricted in the past by the agreements.”

F&N is ready to adapt and chart a new course to realize its vision as a Malaysian-owned world class F&B company.

According to Mr Tan the relationship between The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) and F&N was a dynamic one and in the course of the collaboration there had been differing perspectives, viewpoints and expectations.

“The Group’s financial position is sound, our business sustainable and diversified and coupled with our resolve and determination, we will overcome and withstand any eventualities. While challenging, our future is indeed bright and we are confident,” Mr Tan added.

The non-renewal of the agreements is not expected to have any material effect on the operating performance of F&NHB Group for the financial year ending 30 September 2009.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF F&N COCA-COLA (M) SDN BHD
F&N Coca-Cola is a division of Fraser and Neave Holdings Berhad that supplies and distributes Coca-Cola, F&N Fun Flavours, 100 PLUS isotonic drink, Seasons Asian inspired drinks and Fruit Tree drinks. The company commenced operations in 1936 when F&N Ltd secured the franchise of Coca-Cola in Singapore and Malaysia. F&N Coca-Cola (M) Sdn Bhd (F&NCC) was born as a result of this and today is Malaysia’s largest soft drinks manufacturer and distributor.
In Malaysia, F&NCC’s soft drinks portfolio is dominated by Coca-Cola products and the F&N brands such as F&N Fun Flavours which is the leading player in the fruit flavoured carbonated soft drinks segment in Malaysia. Meanwhile, 100PLUS is a notable local success story, commanding over 90 percent share of the isotonic drinks market. Under the division’s non-carbonated portfolio, SEASONS is currently the number two player in the Asian drinks category while the Fruit Tree and Aquarius brands continue to experience double-digit growth within the juice and water category.

The division registered a 12 per cent increase in revenue to RM1.19 billion for the financial year ending September 2008 from RM1.06 billion last year notwithstanding rising fuel prices and lower consumer sentiment. Overall volume grew by nine per cent, ahead of the nation's GDP growth. Operating profits climbed 13 per cent to RM123 million from RM109 million last year, driven by higher product consumption.

The division's strong showing in the first half of the year was on the back of stronger uptake during the two major festive celebrations, while an active mitigation plan in the second half helped it achieve these results and strengthen its position as the number one soft drinks manufacturer in Malaysia.
In the coming months, the division will continue to strengthem internal capacity and be more focused in the marketplace. It will continue to pursue world-class excellence in distribution to make the brand more readily available, with greater emphasis on market execution and increased efforts in training, including in expanding, empowering and building capability of the sales force across the board.

Over the years, F&NCC has implemented several strategic measures that emphasizes its strong brand presence as well as invest heavily in advertising and promotions, product availability and operational efficiency. We also understand that consumers are always on the lookout for high quality products and excellent services. In line F&N’s food and beverage corporate identity, F&NCC promises to offer healthy enjoyment in exciting ways. As such, the company is well poised to surge ahead in its drive to respond to market trends, meet changing consumer needs and exceed consumer expectations by providing quality products based on the best manufacturing practices to repay its consumers’ support and confidence in the brand throughout the years.

With dedication, commitment and good teamwork, the company is confident that it will continue to grow and its brands will continue to prosper. F&NCC invites its consumers to join them for the ride.

Over the years, the brands in F&N’s stable have continued to grow from strength to strength. Our divisions have worked aggressively to deliver on the respective brand promises through bringing our customers consistent and memorable brand experiences. F&N’s underlying commitment to innovation, quality and excellence undoubtedly enabled the brands in our stable to weather the challenges of the marketplace as well as forge ahead in their respective market segments.
SOME F&N BRANDS


















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