Opened in 2023, Akuna in Ho Chi Minh marks multi-awarded Chef Sam Aisbett’s return to the kitchen after a three-year hiatus. Food News was appointed to implement a regional reputation building strategy for the restaurant in Asia. Through strategic pitching efforts and select media visits, the agency successfully placed Akuna in regional and international media titles such as The South China Morning, Bloomberg, Korea JoongAng Daily, Forbes Japan and Australian Financial Review.
Within a year of opening, Akuna was awarded 1 Michelin Star, New Opening of the Year by LaListe, and Tatler Best 100.
Client:
Akuna
Campaign:
Reputation building
Food News managed the retail launch of Shepard and Hass avocados across Cold Storage, Giant and FairPrice. In four months, over 90 in-store sampling sessions and gift with purchase promotions were organised across 60 stores. Sales for Australian avocados saw uplifts of up to 840% in top stores.
To drive awareness and preference for Australian avocados, Food News also put together a digital campaign, garnering over 1 million viewers through influencer-generated content.
Client:
Avocados Australia
Campaign:
Retail launch of Shepard and Hass avocados
Food News was appointed as the digital agency for Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in 2021, to help drive awareness and preference for beef and lamb from Australia. To achieve this, the agency developed a comprehensive digital content strategy for MLA under the Aussie Beef & Lamb brand, creating a multitude of online touchpoints – optimised longform pieces, clickworthy always-on content, influencer-generated video content – for the target consumer.
Digital impact for Aussie Beef & Lamb’s remains strong to date, with statistics showing up to *60% organic engagement rate on the website, and over 200% traffic increase on socials.
*As of May 2025
Client:
Meat & Livestock Australia
Campaign:
Digital strategy
50 Best is the leading authority in global gastronomy and the international drinks scene, showcasing worldwide trends and highlighting great restaurants and bars around the world. As the organisation’s agency of choice in Asia, Food News led and supported media engagements for:
Asia’s 50 Best Bars (since 2018)
The World’s 50 Best Bars (since 2020)
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (since 2023)
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants (2019)
In 2024, the team generated over USD35 million worth of media coverage, and an overall reach of close to 20 billion for the 50 Best brand, for its awards hosted across Asia.
Client:
50 Best
Campaign:
Asia’s and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars