FROM POCKY AND PRETZ TO ALMOND MILK
With its rich history spanning over a century, nostalgia has quite an important factor in Glico’s success.
“If we provide a good occasion for our consumer, that would become a good memory,” said Nagahisa. “And a good memory would encourage people to buy Pocky.”
But as they’ve shown through the years, the company isn’t one to rest on its laurels. Pocky, for example, first started with just chocolate. Now you’ve got a wide range of flavours, from strawberry, green tea, banana, and even sakura, to name a few.
Mr Nagahisa mentioned that he even had requests from his friends when he was younger: “Some of my friends would request for different flavours like peach or pineapple.”
They’ve also been known to adapt to their different markets outside of Japan. “Recently, we had a Singapore-exclusive item – the Ya Kun kaya toast,” he said of the seasonal item that people have been requesting they bring back.
It hasn’t just been a matter of flavours. “The younger generation… care about sustainability. They also want healthier products and real authentic ingredients,” he added.
This was one of the reasons why they changed their Pocky formula three years ago. “Now, inside the stick, there is whole grain, and also fibre. Not only is it healthier, it is also more crispy,” said Nagahisa, who revealed their plans to launch more flavours in Singapore such as “Almond Crush” and “Crushed Fruit” Pocky, which will be coated with real nuts and fruit. But before that, they’ve also released a limited-edition baked cheesecake flavour.
For Pocky and Pretz lovers in Singapore, perhaps the most surprising thing about the company not many know of is the fact that they do so much more than just these snacks-on-sticks.
If you thought almond milk was a new thing think again. Glico has had its Almond Koka brand since 2014, although it’s only just being introduced to the region, starting with Thailand in 2022. It just launched in the Philippines in May and will be available in Singapore and Malaysia by the end of the year.
