When it comes to ginger candy, SINA GINGER is a name that immediately comes to mind. Renowned for its vintage metal cigarette cases fi lled with eight ginger candies wrapped in rice paper, SINA GINGER has been a beloved classic among consumers. For 88 years, SINA GINGER has maintained its commitment to using the fi nest Indonesian Emprit Ginger, resulting in a soft, chewy texture and a rich ginger flavor that holds a special place in our collective memories.
Vibrant New Flavors
As the brand has evolved to its fourth generation under the capable hands of Liza Yeung, it has taken on a whole new character. While still offering the SINA White Classic Plain Ginger Candy, SINA GINGER has expanded its range to include a variety of flavors, such as volcanic ginger candy and fruit-flavored ginger candy. With their colorful and diverse selection, these candies attract both children and adults with a sweet tooth.
In addition to new flavors, Liza has developed fruit gels made with pure vegan seaweed gelatin. These gels, when slowly chewed, release the gradual infusion of ginger flavor. Another innovation is the use of coconut sugar, which can be crafted into candies or used in cooking after being frozen, cut, and packaged.
Liza says, “SINA GINGER candy is a traditional confection with a high level of craftsmanship. It is different from hard candy, which can be simply made with just a machine and a formula. Traditional candy making is a complex art because sugar has a really complicated structure. It undergoes different changes in structure at different temperatures and when exposed to external moisture, resulting in variations like malt sugar and pulled sugar.”
In May, when Liza represented SINA GINGER at the HOFEX, Asia’s top international food and beverage exhibition, she served guests with ginger juice shaved ice that contained 100 grams of ginger per liter, creating a fascinating experience.
Exceptional Ingredients
One of the key factors behind the exceptional quality of SINA GINGER candy is the use of Emprit Ginger nurtured by volcanic mud. Grown in the high-altitude areas near the Mount Bromo volcanic region in Java, Indonesia, this ginger variety benefi ts from the fertile volcanic soil and untouched surrounding ecosystem. These factors contribute to the distinct warm and smooth taste experienced when slowly chewing SINA GINGER candy, combining cane sugar and a subtle ginger aroma.
Indonesia’s large temperature difference and occasional cloudy days create ideal conditions for ginger growth. Mount Bromo, a famous active volcano in Indonesia, enriches the surrounding soil with volcanic ash, resulting in robust and high-quality crops. The ginger harvested in this region possesses a unique spiciness level, influenced by the local climate and soil.
Liza highlights, “In Indonesia, the abundant natural capital contributes to the exceptional growth and high quality of various crops, including flowers, trees, and melons. The favorable conditions enable rapid yields, and farmers experience a profound sense of happiness.”
SINA GINGER candy boasts three distinctive features. Firstly, the ginger is harvested only twice a year, allowing the land to rest and rejuvenate. Secondly, only ginger that is 15 months old, striking the perfect balance between flavor and texture, is used. Lastly, ginger produced in specific regions is carefully selected, recognizing the influence of climate and soil on its spiciness.
The signature ginger candy is made by combining fresh Emprit Ginger with sugar through a standard process. Liza says, “The ginger is selected, washed, and ground, incorporating its skin, flesh, juice, and residue. The mixture is simmered at high temperatures to extract the essence of the ginger, resulting in a warming and stomach-soothing effect.” The candy’s natural color and flavor are derived from the combination of ginger and sugar, with the absence of sugar resulting in ginger juice without the distinctive flavor.
New Ventures
Recognizing the growing preference for less sugar or sugar-free options, Liza has explored new avenues. SINA GINGER now offers ginger-based health products, utilizing freshly squeezed ginger juice that is carefully processed and stored to preserve its authenticity. This refrigerated ginger juice can be transformed into various retail health products or wholesaled, catering to specific regions.
She explains, “After harvesting fresh ginger, the ginger juice rapidly oxidizes within 1 to 2 hours and must be processed on-site and stored at -18 degrees Celsius to extend its shelf life for several years.”
In addition to ginger juice, SINA GINGER is collaborating with a research institute to develop granule-type products infused with herbal ingredients. This move aligns with the rising demand for functional therapeutic products. SINA GINGER ‘s collaboration with Max Choice Corporation Limited has resulted in the SuperCandy Series, incorporating superfoods such as Peruvian maca, propolis, and flaxseed.
A Leading Manufacturer of Renowned Brands Worldwide
While SINA GINGER has become a household name in Hong Kong, its influence extends far beyond local borders. With a strong presence in the global B2B market, SINA GINGER has established itself as a leading manufacturer of renowned ginger candy brands in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea. Through its OEM services, SINA GINGER expertly tailors its ginger products to cater to the unique tastes of consumers in each region.
Despite the ever-evolving landscape of new product development, packaging design, and sales channels, one thing has remained unchanged since 1935: the unwavering commitment of four generations, starting with the visionary founder, Mr. Yang Cai hui. Mr. Yang held steadfast to his belief in “selecting ingredients with love and making ginger candy with sincerity.” The candy that customers consume is the same candy that the Yang family consumes, ensuring absolute safety and health.
Food as Medicine: Ginger
Ginger has long been recognized as a medicinal food in Chinese culture. Traditional Chinese dishes like ginger duck with rice wine, brown sugar ginger tea, and stir-fried kale dishes with ginger juice are all known for their functional health benefi ts. SINA GINGER acknowledges the historical concept of food as medicine and aims to incorporate ginger’s properties into their products.
Amidst the four-year-long COVID-19 pandemic, Liza only got infected once at an exhibition in Indonesia at the end of last year. However, she fully recovered on the third day and jokingly wonders if ginger played a role in her quick recovery.
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