Kirin and Blackmores’ acquisition plan, factors driving Japanese consumers’ purchasing choices, Kirin’s whiskey export push, and General Oyster’s venture into supplements feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
The lactic acid bacterium OLL2716 strain has been shown to be effective not only in relieving stomach discomfort, but also in reducing mental stress caused by these symptoms, say Meiji researchers.
Kirin’s is expected to double down on Blackmores’ R&D capabilities and new product development in the wake of its $1.2bn deal, according to exclusive insights from the Japanese giant and industry experts.
New data from the FY2022 version of Japan’s annual Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Survey has revealed that affordability and local production are the factors holding the most sway over local consumer purchasing decisions.
Asahi’s new green bonds, restrictions lifted for Fukushima food exports, latest developments in the meat-alternative industry, and more feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
Kirin is looking to accelerate one of the Japanese government’s priority export items – whiskey – in the US and EU, while also backing an industry-wide effort to boost consumer awareness.
A major Japanese oyster brand has entered the supplement space with the debut of its zinc-rich tablets made from oyster ingredients, which are targeted at beauty- and health-conscious women.
Hitting the right balance between the sourness of lactic acid bacteria and sweetness is the crux behind the development of Yakult’s latest launch in Singapore, says the firm’s managing director.
Singapore food tech firm SoiLabs says it aims to launch finished products made from soy waste (okara) within the next year, and has partnered with Sanyo Chemical to accelerate commercialisation of upcycled foods in Japan.
Brewery giant Asahi Japan recently released a new round of green bonds valued in the billions in local currency, tapping on burgeoning local sustainability trends to diversify its financing methods and achieve its environmental commitments
Japan has moved to lift the restrictions for several food items that have been in place since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, but testing on one item in particular – wild boar meat – has dashed hopes of a clean slate.
Tea-based beverages are emerging as a growing trend in APAC, but manufacturers need to integrate novelty and excitement into their beverage innovation in order to attract and maintain the attention of younger consumers.
As another country, Japan, announces plans to develop a market for cellular foods, we ask stakeholders how Europe can remain competitive in the global race to develop cultivated meat.
Japanese food tech company DAIZ is accelerating efforts to broaden its portfolio of meat-alternative applications, which have already been adopted by a number of high-profile domestic players.
Asahi’s premiumisation and packaging strategies, Ajinomoto’s sustainability agenda, Kirin’s beer consumption report, new research findings and more feature in this edition of Japan Focus.
Japanese beverage giant Asahi has updates its corporate sustainability strategy as is seeks to improve its chances of hitting its 2050 carbon zero commitments.
Japanese brewery giant Asahi has highlighted that its 2023 plans will focus on driving its premiumisation strategy in hopes of delivering long-term sustainable growth, despite the current pressures of inflationary cost increases.
Japanese beverage giant Kirin says it wants to close the “gap between consumer awareness and action” in immune health on the back of a new product launch and tweaks to two of its existing products.
Japanese researchers found that the ‘high bread and low rice’ dietary pattern leads to higher serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol for both sexes, while the ‘high confectioneries and low alcohol’ diet did the same only for men.
Recent data from Japanese brewery giant Kirin has revealed that China has topped global rankings for beer consumption and shown significant growth even amidst a general downturn in consumption in many Asian markets.
Trends and Innovation Opportunities Across the Life Stages
After a hugely successful debut as a face-to-face event in 2022, our Growth Asia Summit returns for 2023 this September in Singapore with a raft of new content themes.
Kirin is looking to fast-track meeting its targets in whiskey export sales by the end of this year, given the rapid growth it has already seen for the business in overseas markets.
Rising affluence is driving premiumisation and innovation in the meat sector in South East Asia (SEA), but there is still ample space for NPD, not least in the snacking category.
Beverage giant Asahi has seen a resurgence of consumer interest in beer in Japan, but believes that some challenges are upcoming for other segments including low-alcohol and non-alcoholic products.