TIGER

Introduction

Tiger is a brand that emerged as a response to the growing demand for nutritious snacks, particularly in Southeast Asia. Founded by Mondelez International, Inc., the brand aims to offer biscuits that provide not just satisfaction but also essential vitamins and minerals. The founders set out with a vision to combine taste and health, recognizing the need for products that would appeal to both children and adults seeking healthier options in their snacking habits. Tiger’s presence in markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines signifies its wide acceptance and popularity in regions where nutritious, on-the-go snacks are highly valued.

The philosophy behind Tiger revolves around the idea of providing energy and nourishment through enjoyable snacks. The brand defines itself by championing the importance of good nutrition, particularly in a world where busy lifestyles often lead to unhealthy eating habits. By fortifying its biscuits with key vitamins and minerals, Tiger strives to make snacking a guilt-free experience that also contributes positively to one’s health. This underlying philosophy is not just about selling products; it’s about enriching lives and promoting well-being in a tasty way.

What makes Tiger special is its unique formulation that blends health and flavor seamlessly. With a commitment to quality and nutrition, Tiger has garnered a loyal following, especially among parents who are conscious of what they feed their children. The brand has created a niche in the competitive snack market by focusing on healthier alternatives while ensuring that taste remains a priority. This dual focus allows Tiger to stand out and resonate with consumers who seek guilt-free indulgence without compromising on flavor.

Signature Products

Tiger’s products reflect its commitment to health and wellness while delivering delightful taste experiences. Each product is crafted to meet the nutritional needs of its consumers, positioning the brand as a leader in nutritious snack options.

• Tiger Biscuits : A crunchy biscuit that combines a delicious taste with essential vitamins like A, B, C, D, and E.
• Tiger Chocolate Cream Biscuits : A delightful treat featuring a chocolate cream filling, fortified with important minerals and vitamins to support overall health.
• Tiger Milk Biscuits : Made with the goodness of milk and fortified, they provide a nutritious option for children and adults alike.

Materials and Ingredients Used by TIGER

• Citric Acid : This ingredient is a natural preservative that is often used to enhance flavor and maintain freshness. In Tiger biscuits, it helps to balance the sweetness and provides a tangy taste, making the product more appealing while also extending shelf life.
• Corn : Corn serves as a versatile ingredient that can be processed into various forms such as flour or syrup. In Tiger biscuits, it contributes to the texture and structure, while also providing a source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Potassium Chloride : This ingredient acts primarily as a salt substitute. In the formulation of Tiger biscuits, it helps to control sodium levels while still providing a savory flavor, allowing the biscuits to remain tasty without excessive salt intake.
• Potassium Sorbate : Potassium sorbate is a common preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast. In Tiger biscuits, this ingredient helps to ensure the product stays fresh for a longer period, making it more convenient for consumers.
• Salt : Salt is a fundamental ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of food. In Tiger biscuits, it is used in moderation to boost taste and balance sweetness, providing a satisfying snack experience.
• Soybean : Soybean is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. In the context of Tiger biscuits, it may contribute to the nutritional profile, helping to fortify the snacks with essential nutrients that support energy and satiety.
• Vegetable Oil : Vegetable oil is used for its fat content, which is important for texture and flavor. In Tiger biscuits, it provides moisture and helps achieve a desirable crunch, making the biscuits pleasant to eat.
• Wheat Flour : Wheat flour is a primary ingredient in many baked products, including Tiger biscuits. It provides the necessary structure and texture needed for baking, while also delivering carbohydrates that are vital for energy.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From TIGER

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Carbon Emissions:

The production of citric acid involves various chemical processes that are energy-intensive, resulting in significant carbon emissions. Factories often rely on fossil fuels for energy, thus contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation of citric acid from production sites to processing plants or customers further enhances the carbon footprint, especially if the supply chain spans multiple countries. For example, in industrial hubs like China, energy from coal plants exacerbates emissions, impacting both local air quality and contributing to global climate change.

Water Consumption:

Water is a critical resource for the production and processing of various food ingredients like citric acid and corn. Corn, in particular, is a thirsty crop, often requiring significant irrigation in drier regions, which can deplete local water resources, affecting other agricultural activities and communities. Excessive water use not only affects resource availability but can also lead to increased competition between agricultural needs and human consumption, such as seen in California's Central Valley where intensive farming activities have stressed water resources.

Waste Generation:

Producing citric acid on an industrial scale results in considerable waste by-products that must be managed properly. If not treated, these waste products can contaminate water systems, harming aquatic life and surrounding ecosystems. This is similar to the challenges faced in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where stringent waste management protocols are necessary to prevent environmental contamination.

Pesticide Use:

Corn and wheat flour production often rely heavily on pesticides to ensure crop yield. These chemicals can leach into the soil and nearby water bodies, posing risks to wildlife and potentially entering the human food chain through runoff. The Midwest of the United States is an example of regions where pesticide runoff from corn fields has led to significant ecological concerns, including the creation of hypoxic zones in water bodies.

Soil Degradation:

The continual cultivation of crops like corn and wheat on the same land can lead to soil degradation if not managed sustainably. Intensive agricultural practices exhaust nutrients, reduce soil fertility, and increase erosion. The Great Plains in North America demonstrate the consequences of such degradation, where long-term monoculture practices have led to notable declines in soil health, requiring artificial fertilizers to sustain production levels.

Mining Impacts:

Mining potassium chloride is energy-intensive and involves altering the landscape significantly. These activities disrupt habitats, leading to biodiversity loss. The extraction processes can scar landscapes and displace local communities and wildlife. For example, potash mining in Saskatchewan, Canada, has highlighted the need for responsible mining practices to minimize environmental damage and community impact.

Habitat Disruption:

Mining of materials such as salt and potassium chloride can significantly alter habitats. Salt extraction, especially through open-pit mining, can destroy surrounding ecosystems. Habitat disruption extends beyond mining; for instance, expanding agricultural land for soybean cultivation often involves clearing forests, impacting biodiversity and carbon storage capabilities, as seen in the Amazon rainforest.

Deforestation:

Soybean production is a leading cause of deforestation in tropical regions, particularly in South America. Forests are cleared for agricultural expansion, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and diminishing biodiversity. Deforestation for soybean plantations in the Amazon has long-term ecological impacts, including altering climate patterns and threatening the survival of countless species.

Monoculture Practices:

Soybeans often rely on monoculture practices, which deplete soil nutrients and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases, necessitating further chemical intervention. This method reduces ecosystem services, such as natural pest control and pollination. In countries like Brazil, large-scale monoculture has been linked to socio-economic impacts on local farming communities, where traditional agricultural practices are replaced, affecting livelihoods.

Biodiversity Loss:

Ingredients like soybean and vegetable oil often require large-scale agricultural practices that lead to biodiversity loss. Expanding monocultures replace diverse ecosystems, reducing habitat availability for various species. This is particularly evident in regions like Southeast Asia, where palm oil plantations have replaced rich tropical forests, threatening iconic species such as orangutans.

Water Pollution:

Vegetable oil production, including its processing and transportation stages, can lead to water pollution. Runoff from oil palm plantations contains fertilizers and pesticides that contaminate water resources, affecting aquatic life and local communities’ water quality. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the extensive cultivation of oil palms has significantly impacted water quality in surrounding areas, leading to stricter environmental regulations and push for sustainable practices.