News.Life

Malaysia's Macrovalue Buys Singapore's Cold Storage and Giant Supermarkets for $125 Million

DIWIDA.NEWS commerce, food storage, retail, retailers, singapore

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BwuJq" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BwuJq.jpg"/>


 SINGAPORE, March 24 — All Cold Storage and Giant supermarkets across Singapore are set to be purchased by Malaysian retail company Macrovalue for an initial amount of S$125 million (RM414 million).


 DFI Retail Group and Macrovalue disclosed today that the agreement encompasses 48 Cold Storage shops—operating under the CS Fresh, CS Gold, and Jason’s Deli labels—as well as 41 Giant locations and two distribution centers.


 According to
 The Straits Times
 (
 ST
 The deal is anticipated to conclude during the latter part of 2025, with Macrovalue obtaining complete control over the enterprises.


 Listed in Singapore, DFI announced that it plans to redirect its attention towards managing its Guardian Pharmacy and 7-Eleven convenience store activities in Singapore as well as other regions such as Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.


 Following the announcement, DFI’s share price rose 3.5 per cent by 1.30pm.


 Macrovalue already owns Cold Storage and Giant stores in Malaysia, having acquired GCH Retail Group in 2023, which previously operated the brands there.


 As reported by
 ST
 , Macrovalue co-owner Datuk Andrew Lim said the acquisition would allow the company to "enhance operational efficiencies, optimise regional supply chain capabilities and elevate the overall customer experience."


 “We will ensure the continuity of local management and operational teams to continuously improve the quality of service for customers,” he was quoted as saying.


 ST
 It was reported that Lim Boon Cheong, who currently serves as the managing director for Food Singapore at DFI Retail Group, will remain at the helm of Cold Storage as its managing director. Throughout his career with DFI, he has taken on various high-level positions such as CEO of Cold Storage Singapore and CEO of Group Convenience, where he managed 7-Eleven operations across Hong Kong, South China, and Singapore.


 The CEO of DFI, Scott Price, mentioned that the corporation will concentrate on expanding its Guardian and 7-Eleven operations moving forward.


 "In the current climate where food prices and inflation are increasing, it is crucial to utilize our size and streamline operations to safeguard customers against price fluctuations while keeping up with quality and service benchmarks," he stated.
 ST
 .


 DFI’s grocery business in Singapore became profitable again in 2024 following several years of deficits, although the firm anticipates that income will stay steady due to intense rivalry.


 In 2024, 11 Giant outlets closed, while five new stores opened under DFI’s supermarket brands, including CS Fresh in Chancery Court and New Bahru, Cold Storage in Pasir Ris Mall and Suntec City, and Giant in Tengah Plantation Plaza.


 Some existing outlets, including Giant at IMM in Jurong East and Simei MRT station, as well as Cold Storage in Tampines 1, have been renovated and upgraded.


 The latest closure was Cold Storage at Leisure Park Kallang, which shut its doors on March 10. No outlets were closed between November 2024 and February 2025.

Malaysia's Macrovalue Buys Singapore's Cold Storage and Giant Supermarkets for $125 Million

SINGAPORE, March 24 — All Cold Storage and Giant supermarkets across Singapore are set to be purchased by Malaysian retail company Mac...

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

DIWIDA.NEWS debate, diet and nutrition, food science, food storage, peanut butter

We reached out to the specialists for their insights.


 Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yxYeu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yxYeu.jpg"/>

 Peanut butter could very well be among the most versatile helpers in your kitchen. Spread it on bread for a quick breakfast, mix it into ice cream to turn an evening treat into something special. Blend it with basic ingredients from your shelves, and create a luxurious sauce. Additionally, it’s rich in protein, easy on the wallet, and stays fresh for quite some time. (Let’s not forget—it tastes great as well.)


 However, is it really okay to place an opened jar directly into your pantry? This query came up for me when I spotted a jar of Skippy peanut butter in the refrigerator at our house. Having been raised in a family where "peanut butter belongs in the pantry," I was surprised because my spouse believed it should always be stored in the fridge. To settle this disagreement, I consulted specialists from both Skippy and the National Peanut Board.


 The main point is that peanut butter stands out as a resilient food in numerous aspects,
 Markita Lewis, M.S., RD
 A registered dietitian from the National Peanut Board stated, "There’s no need to treat it delicately."

<h2>
 Is It Advisable to Keep Peanut Butter in the pantry?
</h2>

 While peanut butter can withstand quite a bit, is leaving it uncovered at room temperature still considered safe? "Skippy peanut butter is completely safe when kept at room temperature,"
 Sam Hovick
 The brand manager at Skippy mentioned that it's entirely acceptable to store your peanut butter in the refrigerator. He noted that both options are based on individual preferences. For those who like their peanut butter easier to spread, keeping it in the pantry works well. However, if you enjoy eating peanut butter right from the spoon, storing it in the fridge might be better since it tends to become thicker when chilled.


 Lewis mentioned that the key consideration is the shelf life of your peanut butter. Once opened, it typically remains good for around three months when kept in the pantry before losing quality. However, she pointed out that many American families consume their peanut butter more quickly than this period suggests. Storing it in the refrigerator can help prolong its freshness somewhat.

<h2>
 What About Unflavored Peanut Butter?
</h2>

 Traditional peanut butters are designed for stability on shelves. Frequently, natural peanut butters do not include additives like hydrogenated vegetable oils, which enable regular peanut butter to remain stable at room temperature. Should your natural peanut butter be homemade, sourced from a boutique grocer, or consist solely of peanuts and salt, it's advisable to keep it refrigerated to preserve its freshness, longevity, and flavor.


 Hovick pointed out that Skippy Natural Peanut Butter doesn’t require different storage from the rest of Skippy’s products. "Their formulation and processing help control oil separation," he clarified.


 These guidelines similarly pertain to various nut butters including almond and cashew butter. Additionally, seed butters, for instance SunButter, can be stored at room temperature without issue.

<h2>
 Storage Tips
</h2>

 Although both refrigerating and keeping peanut butter at room temperature are safe storage methods, consider these guidelines to maintain its freshness. When storing peanut butter outside the refrigerator, make sure it remains in a cool, dry area since high temperatures and moisture can accelerate spoiling. Additionally, protect it from direct light because exposure to sunlight can diminish its quality. An ideal location would be a pantry closet or cupboard.


 Regarding your refrigerator storage, ensure that open jars aren’t placed beside items with potent smells, according to Lewis. Additionally, refrain from keeping jars on the door because those spots undergo the greatest changes in temperature. "The uppermost shelf usually maintains the steadiest temperature and works well for pre-prepared foods such as peanut butter," she advised.

<h2>
 What Are Some Signs That My Peanut Butter Is Rancid?
</h2>

 Apart from examining the "best by" or expiration date, several indicators can show whether your peanut butter has spoiled. One key sign is smell; if it emits a bitter, metallic, or stale aroma, it should probably be discarded. Additionally, rancid peanut butter tends to appear drier or somewhat darker in hue, as noted by Lewis.

<h2>
 The Bottom Line
</h2>

 Peanut butter can safely be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature based on what you prefer. Those left out tend to have a smoother texture when spreading, whereas putting open jars of peanut butter in the fridge may increase their longevity. Natural varieties typically require refrigeration from start to finish. For those choosing not to chill commercial types, make certain they’re placed somewhere cool, dry, and away from light.


 Read the initial article on

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

We reached out to the specialists for their insights. Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A. Peanut butter could very ...

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

DIWIDA.NEWS debate, food science, food storage, health advice, peanut butter

We reached out to the specialists for their insights.


 Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1yxYeu" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1yxYeu.jpg"/>

 Peanut butter could well be among the most versatile helpers in your kitchen. Spread it on bread for a quick breakfast, mix it into ice cream to transform an evening treat into something more indulgent. Blend it with basic ingredients from your cupboard, and voilà—a luxurious sauce. Additionally, it boasts high protein content, comes at an affordable price, and stays fresh for extended periods. (And let's not forget how delicious it is!)


 However, is it really safe to simply place an opened jar in your pantry? This exact query came up for me when I discovered a jar of Skippy peanut butter in the refrigerator at home. Having been raised in a "pantry for peanut butter" family, I was surprised since my spouse believed it should always stay refrigerated. Thus, I consulted the authorities from Skippy as well as the National Peanut Board to settle this disagreement once and for all.


 The key point is that peanut butter is a resilient food in many aspects,
 Markita Lewis, M.S., RD
 A registered dietitian from the National Peanut Board stated, "There’s no need to pamper it."

<h2>
 Is It Advisable to Keep Peanut Butter in the Cupboard?
</h2>

 While peanut butter can be quite resilient, is it still okay to leave it uncovered at room temperature? "Skippy peanut butter is completely safe at room temperature,"
 Sam Hovick
 The brand manager at Skippy mentioned that it’s completely acceptable to store peanut butter in the refrigerator. Ultimately, the choice between keeping it in the pantry or the fridge comes down to personal preference. For those who like their peanut butter smooth and easier to spread, storing it in the pantry works well. However, if you enjoy eating it right from the jar with a spoon, refrigerating it might be better since it stays firmer when chilled.


 Lewis mentioned that the key consideration is the expiration of your peanut butter. Once opened, it typically remains good for around three months when kept in the pantry before losing quality. However, she pointed out that many American families consume their peanut butter well before this period elapses. Storing it in the refrigerator can help prolong its freshness beyond those three months if done correctly.

<h2>
 What About Natural Peanut Butter?
</h2>

 Conventional peanut butters are formulated to be shelf-stable. Often, natural peanut butters lack the stabilizers, such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, that allow conventional peanut butter to be kept at room temperature. If your natural peanut butter is homemade, comes from a specialty grocery store or contains only peanuts and salt, it’s best to store it in the fridge to maintain its quality, shelf life and taste.


 That said, Hovick noted that Skippy Natural Peanut Butter does not need to be stored any differently than the others in Skippy’s product line. “They are formulated and processed in a manner that helps to contain oil separation,” he explained.


 The same guidelines also apply to other nut butters, such as almond and cashew butter. Seed butters, like SunButter, also can be kept at room temperature.

<h2>
 Storage Tips
</h2>

 While storing your peanut butter in either the fridge or at room temperature is food-safe, there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that it stays as tasty as the day you cracked into a fresh jar. If you’re storing your peanut butter out of the fridge, you’ll need to ensure that it’s in a cool, dry place, as excess heat and humidity can cause it to spoil more quickly. It also should be in a dark place, as bright sunlight can degrade the quality. A pantry closet or cabinet is the perfect spot.


 When it comes to the fridge, you’ll want to make sure that open jars aren’t stored next to anything with a strong odor, Lewis said. You’ll also want to avoid storing the jar on the door, as the foods stored there will experience the most drastic temperature fluctuations. “The top shelf tends to have the most consistent temperature and is great for ready-to-eat foods like peanut butter,” she said.

<h2>
 How Can I Tell If My Peanut Butter Has Gone Bad?
</h2>

 Besides just checking the expiration or “best by” date, there are a few telltale signs your peanut butter has gone bad. The first is its odor: if it smells bitter, metallic or stale, it’s likely time to toss it. Rancid peanut butter will also be dried out or look a bit darker in color, Lewis said.

<h2>
 The Bottom Line
</h2>

 It’s safe to store conventional peanut butter in either the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Peanut butter that is stored at room temperature will be easier to spread, but keeping peanut butter in the fridge once the jar is opened can help extend its shelf life. Most natural peanut butters should always be refrigerated. If storing commercial peanut butter at room temperature, be sure to place it in a cool, dry and dark place.


 Read the original article on

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

We reached out to the specialists for their insights. Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A. Peanut butter could well ...

ブロッコリーの保存に適した場所、約9割が「知らなかった」つい野菜室に入れたくなるが…

DIWIDA.NEWS broccoli, cooking, food science, food storage, nutrition

その豊富な栄養素から、根強いファンの多いブロッコリー。しかしこの度、じつに多くの人々が「ブロッコリーの保存方法を誤解していた」と判明したのだ。

<h2>
 ■ブロッコリーのプロから衝撃の事実が…
</h2>

 ことの発端は昨年の11月26日（いいブロッコリーの日）に、栽培面積ベースで石川県産ブロッコリーの約3割を1社単独で担う農業法人「有限会社安井ファーム」が投稿したポスト。


 なんと、同投稿では「ブロッコリーを保存するには、野菜室はベストの保存場所ではない」旨が明かされていたのだ。


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1w2KpB" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1w2KpB.jpg"/>


 こちらの投稿を受け、編集部では全国の10～60代の男女642名を対象としたアンケート調査にて「ブロッコリーのベストな保存場所」について尋ねてみることに…。


 関連記事：
 3日間大量のとろろを食べ続け「体に起きた異変」　チャンカワイの検証に驚きの声

<h2>
 ■「野菜室」が圧倒的な人気だが…
</h2>

 調査の結果、最も多い回答は「野菜室」（75.2％）で、次いで「冷蔵室」（13.1%）、「チルド室」（11.2%）となっていた。じつに8割近くもの人が「野菜室」を選択しており、他2つの選択肢と比べ、その信頼度の高さは歴然である。


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AzeVQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AzeVQ.jpg"/>


 しかし実際は、ブロッコリーは「チルド室」での保存が適しているのだ。


 とは言えブロッコリーに限らず、「野菜はとりあえず全て野菜室に入れておく」という人は決して少なくないはず。そこで続いては、「野菜室とブロッコリーの相性が悪い理由」について探っていきたい。


 関連記事：
 3日間大量のとろろを食べ続け「体に起きた異変」　チャンカワイの検証に驚きの声

<h2>
 ■「一番保存に適した場所」が意外すぎる…
</h2>

 ブロッコリーを野菜室で保存する際の懸念点について、安井ファームの担当者は「温度」と「湿度」の2つを挙げている。


 曰く、「ブロッコリーの最適保管温度は0℃、最適保管湿度は95%以上であるため、乾燥を防ぐためにポリ袋に入れてチルド室に入れる、という方法をオススメしております」とのこと。


 なんと、前出のアンケートでは最も回答数の少なかった「チルド室」が、保存に最も適した場所だったのだ。


 関連記事：
 水卜麻美アナが大絶賛した「どん兵衛の食べ方」　お湯注ぐ前に“あるもの”を入れる

<h2>
 ■「現在の常識」が変わる日は近い？
</h2>

 X上では「ブロッコリーの伝道師」的存在として、確固たる地位を確立している安井ファーム。同アカウントでは、2020年ごろから「ブロッコリーはチルドで保存」と推奨する投稿を、積極的に行なっているそうだ。


 担当者は「今回のアンケート結果を受け、まだまだこの認識が十分に広まっていないことを痛感するとともに、今後も定期的に情報を発信していく必要があると感じました」と語っており、やはりブロッコリーに対する熱い思いは本物であった。


 しかし、「一方で、ブロッコリーは野菜なので、野菜室に入れたくなるというお気持ちもよく分かります」とも頷いてみせる。じつは以前、同社がメーカーにこちらの点を尋ねたところ、「新しい機種では、野菜室でブロッコリーの鮮度を保持できるものもある」との回答が返ってきたというのだ。


 こちらを踏まえ、安井ファームの担当者は「現時点ではチルド室での保管が最適ですが、冷蔵庫の買い替えが進む10年後、20年後には『ブロッコリーは野菜室での保存がベスト』という時代がやって来るかもしれません」と、近い将来へ想いを馳せていた。


 さらに「時代と共に常識は変わるもの。当社といたしましても、その時代に合わせた情報発信を心がけていきたいと考えております。今回のアンケート結果を、そんな未来まで『保存』しておいても面白そうですね」と、粋なコメントを寄せてくれたのだ。


 安井ファームのコメントにもあるように、技術が進歩すれば合わせて「常識」も変わる。昔から馴染みのある「野菜の常識」も、日々変わるものとして認識しておきたい。


 関連記事：
 水卜麻美アナが大絶賛した「どん兵衛の食べ方」　お湯注ぐ前に“あるもの”を入れる

<h2>
 ■執筆者プロフィール
</h2>

 秋山はじめ：1989年生まれ。『』編集部取材担当サブデスク。


 新卒入社した三菱電機グループのIT企業で営業職を経験の後、ブラックすぎる編集プロダクションに入社。生と死の狭間で唯一無二のライティングスキルを会得し、退職後は未払い残業代に利息を乗せて回収に成功。以降はSirabee編集部にて、その企画力・機動力を活かして邁進中。


 X（旧・ツイッター）を中心にSNSでバズった投稿に関する深掘り取材記事を、年間400件以上担当。ドン・キホーテ、ハードオフに対する造詣が深く、地元・埼玉（浦和）や、蒲田などのローカルネタにも精通。


 （取材・文／編集部・
 秋山 はじめ
 ） 【調査概要】 方法：インターネットリサーチ 調査期間：2025年1月14日～2025年1月19日 対象：全国10代～60代男女642名 （有効回答数）

ブロッコリーの保存に適した場所、約9割が「知らなかった」つい野菜室に入れたくなるが…

その豊富な栄養素から、根強いファンの多いブロッコリー。しかしこの度、じつに多くの人々が「ブロッコリーの保存方法を誤解していた」と判明したのだ。 ■ブロッコリーのプロから衝撃の事実が… ことの発端は昨年の11月26日（いいブロッコリーの日）に、栽培面積ベースで石川県...

Truco Infalible para Mantener Tus Plátanos Frescos y Deliciosos Por Más Tiempo

DIWIDA.NEWS bananas, food storage, fruit, health tips, healthy cooking

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vejz1" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vejz1.jpg"/>


 
 Ocurre con frecuencia que los plátanos cambian rápidamente de estado, pasando de estar firme y luciendo brillante a volverse blando y palidecer en poco tiempo, por ello muchos optan por consumirlos velozmente para evitar su desperdicio.
 
 
 Un simple truco puede cambiar la manera en que almacenamos nuestros plátanos, lo cual nos ayudaría a economizar recursos y disminuir el desecho de comida. Curiosamente, muchas personas han estado manejándolo incorrectamente hasta ahora.
 
 
 Camila, la creadora culinaria tras FabFood4All, ha compartido que resulta sorprendente pero cierto: los plátanos se mantienen amarillos y frescos por más tiempo cuando se guardan en un sitio poco común, como el refrigerador.
 
 
 En su publicación de TikTok, Camilla mencionó: "Parece que llevo toda mi vida creyendo en una mentira. Me decían siempre que no es posible conservar los plátanos en la nevera ya que se vuelven oscuros".
 
 
 Hace una semana, mi hija mencionó que todos los estudiantes de su universidad almacenan sus plátanos en el refrigerador. Por eso decidí probar y guardar unos plátanos allí por cuatro días después de que se hayan puesto maduros.
 
 
 "Normalmente, ya estarían todos negros y manchados, así que veamos si es verdad, si realmente puedes guardar un plátano en el refrigerador y evitar que se ponga negro", reflexionó antes de pelar un plátano refrigerado.
 
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ve5OF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ve5OF.jpg"/>
 
 Al verlo, quedó sorprendida de que la fruta estuviera en perfecto estado, siendo fresca y completamente madura. Asombrada por este hallazgo, Camilla declaró: "Cada día nos enseña algo distinto".
 
 
 En el hilo de comentarios del video, Camilla confirmó que la refrigeración "definitivamente extiende la vida del plátano" por dos semanas adicionales y confesó: "No puedo describirles lo sorprendida que estoy".
 
 
 Aunque hay concepciones equivocadas generalizadas, guardar los plátanos en la nevera puede detener efectivamente su maduración, manteniendo así su frescura.
 
 
 Los plátanos una vez pelados podrían mantener su tono amarillo por varios días dentro del refrigerador, sin embargo, eventualmente cambiarán a negro si son guardados excesivamente. No obstante este cambio de color, todavía están aptos para comerse.
 
 
 El fruto ubicado dentro del caparazón oscuro permanecerá amarillo, fresco y firme. Conservará su calidad óptima para comer por un período superior a las dos semanas desde la fecha de adquisición.
 
 
 Es esencial refrigere solo plátanos amarillos y completamente maduros, dado que los plátanos verdes no continuarán madurando cuando se almacenan en condiciones de frío.
 
 
 Almacenar plátanos en el refrigerador tiende a ser más ventajoso que guardándolos en un frutero, debido a que gran parte de las frutas segregan una hormona del desarrollo conocida como etileno gaseosa. Al almacenarse conjuntamente, esta mayor emisión de gas acelera el proceso de deterioro de las frutas.
 
 
 Guardar los plátanos en la nevera los aleja de otras frutas, prolongando de este modo su tiempo de conservación.
 
 
 No obstante, si tu refrigerator tiene poco espacio, podrías probar envolvendo las puntas de los plátanos con film plástico claro. Esto podría auxiliar para prevenir la emisión del gas etileno y así conservar tus bananas frescas por un período mayor.

Truco Infalible para Mantener Tus Plátanos Frescos y Deliciosos Por Más Tiempo

Ocurre con frecuencia que los plátanos cambian rápidamente de estado, pasando de estar firme y luciendo brillante a volverse blando...

Malaysia's Macrovalue Buys Singapore's Cold Storage and Giant Supermarkets for $125 Million

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

Skippy Sets the Record Straight: Can Peanut Butter Safely Sit Out?

ブロッコリーの保存に適した場所、約9割が「知らなかった」 つい野菜室に入れたくなるが…

Truco Infalible para Mantener Tus Plátanos Frescos y Deliciosos Por Más Tiempo

ブロッコリーの保存に適した場所、約9割が「知らなかった」つい野菜室に入れたくなるが…