Travel-centric investment holding firm Capital A Berhad and global instant beverage producer Food Empire Holdings recently entered a strategic partnership to co-develop and launch a new range of ready-to-drink beverages.
The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding between their respective subsidiaries Santan Food Services Sdn Bhd and Empire International Sdn Bhd.
Capital A chief executive Tony Fernandes remarked: “This partnership reflects our belief in the power of Asean—its culture, its flavours, and its people. By combining Food Empire’s global expertise with Santan’s regional insights, we’re not just launching a drink; we’re creating a product that tells a story of heritage, innovation, and ambition. We want every sip to remind people of what this region can offer the world.”
Santan CEO Catherine Goh added: “Santan is passionate about making quality food and beverages accessible to all, whether in the air or on the ground. This partnership with Food Empire allows us to bring a beloved regional favourite, Vietnamese iced coffee, to more people in a way that balances bold taste with modern convenience. We’re excited to co-create a product that celebrates the rich heritage of Vietnamese iced coffee while upholding our shared commitment to quality, authenticity, value and elevating everyday moments with exceptional taste.”
For his part, Food Empire’s executive chair Tan Wang Cheow pointed out that the collaboration with Santan aligns with their company’s strategy to cater to consumer trends and bring an authentic CaféPHỐ Vietnamese coffee experience on AirAsia flights.
Tan declared: “We are excited to bring our global manufacturing expertise and market insights into a partnership that celebrates the flavours and aspirations of the ASEAN region.”
Empire International director Pradeep Chauhan added: “Teaming up with Santan unlocks new growth opportunities by combining Food Empire’s strong product development expertise with Capital A’s distribution strength. We look forward to bringing the taste of authentic, high-quality Vietnamese coffee directly to consumers, whether they are flying or shopping."
A taste of Vietnam in flight
This partnership kicks off with a Vietnamese iced coffee product which will be sold aboard AirAsia flights and through retail channels across the region.
With evolving consumer preferences in mind, both parties aim to deliver authentic and great-tasting Vietnamese iced coffee products that cater to modern lifestyle trends, including healthier options with less sugar.
Likewise, the collaboration paves the way for Santan and Food Empire to explore further co-branded and private label initiatives across a wider range of beverages and snack products.
The initial product rollout will span both in-flight and on-ground touchpoints:
- Inflight: Passengers flying with AirAsia can look forward to a co-branded Vietnamese iced coffee experience onboard, combining regional authenticity with convenience and quality; and
- On-ground FMCG: The same product line will also be made available at selected retail outlets under the Santan brand, offering a consistent and accessible consumer experience beyond AirAsia flights.
