The opening was accompanied by a consumer study.
The launch of the Philippines’ study and innovation kitchen enables beverage manufacturers in the region to grow their business and innovate together with Kievit, the company said.
Market research
The market study findings include statistics that the instant coffee market in the Philippines is huge, as 80% of coffee drinkers consume 3-in-1 coffee on a daily basis.
The research also revealed cold soluble concepts like iced coffee and milk tea got high scores from the consumer-led tasting panel, with iced coffee scoring 8.2 out of 9 and iced milk tea scoring 8.4.
Instant beverages that contain dairy are highly liked, according to 75% of respondents, and foamy concepts (both coffee and chocolate) are well-received because of their appearance and taste, with 61% of respondents saying they would buy these products.
The company said the findings could translate to growth opportunities for manufacturers of instant coffee, chocolate and milk tea.
Bringing products to market
The new Kievit Innovation Kitchen is located at the same production facility in Manila where FrieslandCampina produces its beverage creamers, which also houses the company’s sensory lab and other research and development facilities.
Luc Steenwelle, product group manager beverages Asia, said, “We’re very excited to have opened the Kievit Innovation Kitchen in Manila. Now, we can work side-by-side with our customers in the Asia Pacific region, exploring new possibilities, innovating together, sharing thoughts, and strengthening our relationships. Coupled with the findings from our market study, we are sure that we will help create successful, tailored concepts that meet market needs and can bring them to the market fast.”
The market study was done in five cities, among people aged 18 to 55. Twelve products were tested, all prepared in the same way and randomly tested by consumers. This was accompanied by usage and attitude studies, conducted in these same cities to gain maximum insights.