Glico Expands in Southeast Asia with Focus on Almond-Based Innovations

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd., a 102-year-old Japanese food company, is expanding its Southeast Asian presence. At a recent media event at its Osaka headquarters, Glico showcased its health-focused innovations, particularly in almond-based products. A presentation by a Keio University professor highlighted the benefits of almonds, a market Glico entered in 2014 with its Almond Koka brand. The company employs advanced technology to preserve the nuts' nutrients, aroma, and flavor.

In 2022, to mark its centennial, Glico launched Glico Almond Days at Tokyo Station, an almond-themed store featuring almond milk beverages and biscuits. The company also collaborated with Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) on a groundbreaking clinical trial to explore the health benefits of almond paste.

Figure 1. Glico Almond Days at Tokyo Station, Japan.

Glico Expands Almond Koka and Pocky Lines Across Asia, Innovates with New Baked Cheesecake Flavor

Glico, known for its iconic Pocky and Pretz snacks, continues to expand its almond milk brand Almond Koka across Asia, launching in China (2021), Thailand (2022), and the Philippines (2024), with plans to enter Singapore and Malaysia later in 2024. Committed to healthier snacking, Glico has enhanced its Pocky range by incorporating fiber and whole wheat, improving nutritional value and texture. In 2022, Glico opened its largest Pocky factory in Indonesia, underscoring its focus on Southeast Asian and North American markets. Despite overseas sales comprising only 21.4% of its USD 2.27 billion (JPY 332.5 billion) revenue in 2023, Glico remains focused on global expansion, particularly in Southeast Asia, with Singapore as a key strategic hub. The company, employing over 5 thousand people worldwide, is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and continues to innovate with new products like the limited-edition Baked Cheesecake Pocky, recently launched in Singapore.

Figure 2. Glico's Baked Cheesecake Pocky

The new Pocky Baked Cheesecake flavor, introduced by Glico in Singapore, features a rich and tangy taste derived from real cheese. This limited-edition variant is priced at USD 1.83 per packet and is available at various retail locations, including FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, and Prime supermarkets, as well as convenience stores and Esso petrol stations. In addition, it can be purchased online through RedMart and Panda Art. The launch highlights Glico's continued innovation in snack flavors while appealing to local taste preferences.

On product development, the Chief Operating Officer of Glico Asia Pacific emphasized a multi-stage process that involves market research, consumer feedback, and observation of evolving tastes. Glico aims to consistently deliver unique and enjoyable treats by introducing new and exciting flavors to its consumers.

Glico is strategically advancing its footprint in Southeast Asia, driven by a commitment to health-focused innovation and global expansion. With notable initiatives such as the launch of Glico Almond Days, innovative research in almond health benefits, and the introduction of new products like the Baked Cheesecake Pocky, Glico underscores its dedication to enhancing consumer experiences and staying at the forefront of snack industry trends. As the company continues to leverage its century-long legacy, it remains poised for significant growth and impact in international markets.