Chinese dairy giant Yili believes that artificial intelligence (AI) in product innovation lies in formulation and efficiency improvements, but stresses it is no silver bullet to create good end-product results.
Snacking giant Mondelez says that digital channels are increasingly driving in-store purchasing decisions in Asia, meaning an understanding of the online-offline mix is crucial to boost sales.
Health functional Foods (HFF) containing vitamin C in Korea must now display caution statements warning consumers against overconsumption, and that kidney disease patients should consult a specialist before using the product, the Ministry of Food and...
Nestle Vietnam is banking on the rising demand for convenient beverage options in the country to drive the growth of its newest Nescafe format innovation, a ready-to-serve liquid concentrate.
A synbiotic formula (SIM01) developed by Hong Kong firm GenieBiome in collaboration with the Chinese University of Hong Kong has been shown to alleviate multiple symptoms of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), while also benefiting children after their...
Thai natural fruit juice specialist Manee Manao is banking on the ongoing watermelon smoothie craze dubbed ‘tangmo-pun’ in South Korea to boost the success of its new frozen watermelon puree export business.
New Zealand-founded hard seltzer brand Everyday Weekend is aiming to seize growth opportunities in the ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages category across Asia through affordable pricing and community marketing strategies.
We take a closer look at five of the top trends that look set to shape the Asia Pacific food and beverage industry in 2024, from the newly-emerged ‘premium affordability’ to the evolution of plant-based protein, the rise of RTD beverages and more.
After a hugely successful second event in 2023, our Growth Asia Summit returns for 2024 with a new July date and an agenda packed with the latest food, beverage and nutrition growth opportunities.
Japanese brand Kikkoman is using research and data to identify Indian ingredients that are best paired with its soy sauce, in an effort to accelerate product development and further penetrate the local market.
South Korean plant-based food brand UNILMEAT has opened an online store specially catering to the US market to satisfy consumer demand following positive growth and sold-out launches.
As the Asia Pacific food and beverage steadily moves out of the shadow of the pandemic, geopolitical instability and inflationary pressures – we believe that these three emerging categories will come into their own in 2024.
Australian infant and adult milk formula firm Nutura Organic will be making its debut in Thailand through a distribution deal with major Thai food producer CP Foods.
More innovative flavour combinations with unique local twists and applications are needed in order for bakery firms to tap on the enormous potential of the sector in APAC, particularly in a time when economic constraints have made consumers more careful...
Singapore-based OATSIDE has recently expanded its product line-up to include a range of ice creams as part of its growth strategy, on the back of burgeoning popularity of its oat milk products across Asia.
Food and beverage products with tea bases and botanical-infused flavours or aromas are seeing a surge in popularity amongst consumers in APAC, with more and more people seeking out ‘refreshing’ sensations.
Singapore-based plant-based brand Thoughtful Food has launched a range of cleaner label, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals in anticipation of its ambitions to start exports across the region and globally.
The food and beverage sector will need to focus on making more ‘immediate’ changes beyond just creating a novel protein supply in order to address sustainability and overall supply chain challenges, according to industry experts.
India-based Morning Fresh is actively expanding its portfolio across categories and formats to fulfil rising demand for functional products, particularly ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages.
‘Imported’ flavours that are traditionally more western in origin have been rapidly gaining popularity in the APAC chocolate sector because consumers associate these with indulgence and adventure.
There is a widespread, unmet demand for products to support gut health among athletes and active lifestyle consumers, with almost nine out of 10 sports people suffering from gut problems.
Targeted educational campaigns focused on the health risks associated with high salt intake could promote behavioural change among consumers in China, say researchers.
Advancements in precision nutrition have elevated the reputation of salads made with hydroponic vegetables from poor to optimal, which in turn opens up many new doors in terms of personalised eating and food security, according to industry experts.
Nestle’s star coffee brand Nescafe believes that its keystone soluble coffee products continue to play a crucial role in recruiting and converting consumers in the Asia Pacific region to enter the wider category.
Insights from Tokyo Toyosu Wholesale Market have helped form a comprehensive study on how COVID-19 affected seafood prices in Japan, providing implications for future policies during a pandemic.
Singapore-based plant-based products firm Thoughtful Food believes that the sector needs to look more closely at dry and ambient innovation as a key driver, particularly for brands seeking to solve ultra-processing challenges or go more clean label.
Beverage heavyweight Kirin Holdings has outlined plans to implement ‘aggressive measures’ across beer and sugar-free innovation, to recover from the negative impact of cost increases.
The Japanese government is planning to commit approximately US$20mn into projects to expand the use of rice flour across more food product innovations in its latest initiative to improve local self-sufficiency and food security.
Chinese consumers’ increasing demands for functional and fortified foods and beverages to support a lifestyle based on ‘punk nutrition’ has opened up massive innovation opportunities for brands across various product categories.
Mars Food & Nutrition Australia has launched a new ready-to-heat range under the Ben’s Original brand to meet rising demand for healthier options that are convenient and versatile.
Tofu and beverage brand Vitasoy hopes the performance of its soy milk and tea businesses in Asian will help it bounce back from manufacturing and logistical challenges faced in Oceania over the past six months.
India-based The Brooklyn Creamery is making headway in the Middle East by catering to the buying behaviours and eating habits of consumers in the region, including healthier options and innovative flavours.
The better-for-you snacks sector in Asia Pacific will need to step up its focus on product functionality and freshness if it is to build on the boom it has enjoyed in recent years.
Morinaga Milk says its postbiotic, marketed under the brand LAC-Shield, has been added into Thailand’s positive list of ingredients that could be used in general foods and beverages, opening new opportunities for functional foods development in the South...
Cargill-owned Aalst Chocolate is putting “substantial investment” into insights-driven R&D, customised products, and strengthening of its bean-to-bar supply chain to push growth in Asia and beyond.
Singapore-based start-up Noce Nuts says that consumers are willing to pay a premium for nut butters that are customised to their preferred taste and texture, including reduced sugar and salt options.
Hindustan Unilever India (HUL) believes that strong market competition is on the way in the tea category from smaller players in the country, despite having successfully maintained profitability in the third quarter of the year.
The use of MSG as a flavouring agent should be reduced, according to researchers who have also emphasised the need for further research into the long-term biochemical effects of human consumption.
Asahi’s star-performing beer product Asahi Super Dry has helped to sustain the firm’s profitability and international growth even amid cost setbacks at its new domestic brewery in Tosu.
Kirin says that revenue from LC-Plasma, its flagship immune health ingredient, has grown significantly even during spring and summer this year, although these are seasons when consumers tend to take fewer precautions against infectious diseases.
Kirin Holdings’ health science-focused arm Kyowa Hakko says the versatility and stability of its postbiotic ingredient has enabled it to continue to enjoy commercial success beyond the surge of COVID-19.
Nestle India has launched a variety of new products focused on millets as a key ingredient this year, in an effort to increase consumer acceptance and awareness via familiar product formats while also aligning with the Indian government’s International...
New Japanese government data has revealed that the country could be close to achieving its goal of having 80% of the population simultaneously aware of, and taking action against, food waste.
Precision fermentation firms in the Asia Pacific region need to move beyond a technology focus to prioritise scaling up and commercialisation or risk facing major ‘bottleneck’ challenges when demand increases.
New data from Thailand claims almost all ultra-processed food (UPF) products exceed the recommended daily amount of sodium and lack essential nutrients and minerals.
World-first liquid shio koji brand Hanamaruki has big plans to ride on the growing umami and wellness trends in South East Asia, after seeing success in western and East Asian markets.
Grocery e-commerce platform giant RedMart is seeing health and sustainability trends increasingly driving the purchasing decisions of consumers in Singapore, inspiring the firm to focus its own in-house product innovations on these factors.
Auckland-based nut butter producer Forty Thieves is investing in social media content creation and influencer marketing to target online consumers, whom it says have increasingly shorter attention spans.