Kimchi in Japan: Daesang taps fermented food demand for exports
South Korea’s Daesang Corporation is targeting Japan’s growing appetite for fermented foods as it expands exports of kimchi and gochujang
Markets & trends
Diageo’s cocktail focus: A shift to moderation and wellness
Diageo’s World Class Cocktail Festival presents traditional spirits through lighter serves and localisation amid growing health and moderation trends
Growth Asia Summit 2026: The Advance Agenda is here! See our latest confirmed speakers
This year’s Growth Asia Summit promises a stellar line-up of food and nutrition industry experts including PepsiCo, Haleon, Dabur and many more
Japan study links eating rice to better weight control
A Japanese study suggests regular rice consumption is linked to better weight control in adults, challenging low-carb weight-loss narratives
Confectionery sector braced for shortages as Iran conflict escalates
As conflict disrupts key trade routes and energy supplies, the confectionery sector is among the first to feel the strain. How vulnerable are manufacturers, and what can be done to protect the industry?
Hot Right Now: Ginger syrup, Mengniu Winter Olympics and more trending news
Ginger syrup, Mengniu Winter Olympics and more trending news feature in this edition of Hot Right Now
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz: Which foods will get pricier?
The sudden closure of the Strait of Hormuz is triggering immediate ripple effects across global food markets
Healthier Choices: Top functional ingredients, trehalose and SmartMilk
Top functional ingredients, trehalose and SmartMilk feature in this edition of Healthier Choices
Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from Feb 2026
Check out our top 10 most-read food and beverage industry stories from February 2026, including GLP-1 foods in Asia, India alcohol regulations, matcha chicken nuggets and more
Functional dairy booms as tech-driven innovation renew category potential
Tech driven innovation is growing the potential of functional dairy, repositioning the category as a strong player in the global functional foods space
Iran Conflict: What does this mean for global food sector?
The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat
Flavour feature: Scallion in the spotlight for ‘modern savoury’ appeal
Ingredients giant Kerry has spotlighted scallion as a ‘hero’ flavour amid strong focus on wellness and tradition in its 2026 Taste Charts
Brown Brothers taps fruity spritzes to recruit new wine drinkers
Brown Brothers is betting on familiar citrus flavours to recruit new wine drinkers, launching yuzu lemon and orange spritzes to lower entry barriers into the category
SmartMilk: The creation of a new functional milk category
New Zealand firm Lullaa has developed SmartMilk, a functional dairy drink combining botanicals, synbiotics and collagen for everyday health and beauty support
Why familiarity drives texture acceptance in food and drink
Consumers are more receptive to new food and drink products when textures reflect familiar eating experiences
Alt Protein Watch: Blended proteins, mushrooms and sustainability
Blended proteins, mushrooms, Asia sustainability report and more feature in this edition of Alt Protein Watch
Asia sustainability report: Protein sources, food safety gaps strain progress
Asia’s food industry is battling various hurdles threatening the rapid progress of sustainability agendas, with protein diversification and food safety emerging as major issues
Does plant-based meat still dominate the meat-free sector?
Meat alternatives are in trouble, but traditional plant-based and vegetarian foods will not necessarily replace them
Inside the $330bn functional food frenzy fuelled by PepsiCo, Coke & Nestlé
From PepsiCo to Nestlé, global giants are racing to cash in on the booming functional food craze, but with trends shifting fast, the stakes have never been higher
Middle East Focus: Top food markets, UAE diets and gamification
Top food markets, UAE diets and gamification feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
Five top trends shaping India’s beverage alcohol industry in 2026
India’s alcoholic beverage industry is undergoing a paradigm shift: and is set to grow rapidly over the coming years. What are the key trends to watch?
What is yerba mate and why is this natural energiser going global?
Yerba mate is breaking out from its South American roots, fuelled by soaring exports, innovation and booming global demand for natural energy beverages
New product development
What’s hot in confectionery? Nestlé Easter, KitKat Cookie, POLO, and more…
Major players are leaning into texture, premium gifting and flavour crossovers, while challenger brands continue to push sustainability and plant‑based credentials
Estonia’s Middle East playbook: Key insights for food exporters to the Gulf
Estonia is tapping healthier food trends and grain-based product demands to further its ‘Northern Standard’ approach in the region
Fancy Faire
6 trends redefining spicy beyond extreme heat to reach new consumers
From sweet-heat pairings and clean-label innovation to global flavor exploration and softer packaging cues, brands are transforming spicy into an everyday, elevated experience
The hottest need states driving functional food and drink
The next wave of functional innovation is coming. Here are four key need states to watch
Africa’s dual bakery market surges as bread demand rapidly rises
Industrial and informal bakeries across Africa are expanding and adapting fast as bread solidifies its position as a critical, high‑volume breakfast staple
Otsuka Pharma beefs up POCARI SWEAT production in China
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, the owner of the electrolyte drink POCARI SWEAT, is ramping up production in China with a newly opened factory in Tianjin.
From comfort to function: How snacking is being redefined
Today’s consumers are redefining snacks, favouring products that combine nutrition, heritage, and convenience
Top functional ingredients shaping food & drink in 2026
Protein, fibre, nootropics and antioxidants are emerging as key functional ingredients shaping food and drink innovation as wellness continues to steer buying decisions
聚焦中国：蒙牛亮相冬奥会、儿童肥胖与包装监管、增长趋势及更多动态
本期聚焦蒙牛在冬奥会的健康与营养战略、限制不健康食品包装的呼声、现代化增长策略及其他行业趋势
China Focus: Mengniu in Winter Olympics, child obesity and packaging, growth trends and more
This edition dives into Mengniu’s health and nutrition focus for Winter Olympics, calls to restrict unhealthy packaging, modernising for growth and other trends
聚焦日本：麒麟控股增长计划、食品过敏原管控、姜糖浆健康产品趋势及更多动态
本期聚焦麒麟研发战略、日本加强食品过敏原监管、冲绳姜糖浆健康产品出海，以及更多行业动态。
聚焦东盟：麒麟泰国布局、Mottainai升级再造策略及更多动态
本期涵盖麒麟在泰国的业务发展战略、Mottainai 的食品升级再造实践，以及其他东盟市场动态
可持续发展内容：升级再造、环保包装及更多动态
本期聚焦食品升级再造、环保包装创新及其他可持续性实践
Mengniu steps up health and nutrition push at 2026 Winter Olympics
Mengniu will supply dairy products to athletes and fans during the 2026 Winter Olympics, linking the move to its health and nutrition strategy
Dole Specialty Ingredients scales upcycling amid cost pressures
Dole Specialty Ingredients says upcycling fruit side streams into functional ingredients has nutritional and economic promise, but high costs still limit adoption
Why Sake is on a runway for global growth
The traditional Japanese beverage taps into top consumer demands for premium drinks with authenticity and craftsmanship; as well as offering a versatile lower alcohol option as a base for cocktails and more
India Focus: Alcohol rules, GLP-1 foods potential and more
Alcohol rules, GLP-1 companion foods potential and more feature in this edition of India Focus
Cocoa costs and climate risks: What drives new Barry Callebaut AI hub
Barry Callebaut’s new Global Innovation Center in Singapore combines cacao coatings expertise and AI to address rising cocoa costs and climate pressures
Could blended protein and mushrooms revive alt-protein in Asia?
Experts say blended protein, fermentation, and mushrooms could revive Asia’s alt-protein market with better nutrition and affordability
GLP-1 foods in Asia: State of the market and key challenges
The market for GLP 1 companion foods in Asia faces some major challenges – but big opportunities also await if played right
The future of chocolate is bittersweet
Soaring cocoa prices are quietly reshaping how chocolate is formulated, where it’s used and how far the industry can stretch expectations without losing trust
Fibre on the rise: Broad benefits and safety credentials drive growth
The fibre category is gaining momentum, supported by wide-ranging health benefits and reliable safety certifications that strengthen market confidence
チャイナ フォーカス：PepsiCoのゼロシュガー推進、EU乳製品への関税、農村地域経済活性化
PepsiCoのゼロシュガー推進からEU乳製品に対する関税まで、今月のChina Focusでは、中国の消費動向、貿易動向、農村域経経済施策を検証しています。
サステナビリティ スニペット：アップサイクリング、エコフレンドリー包装
アップサイクリング、エコフレンドリー包装などが今月のSustainability Snippetsに特集されています。
ミドルイースト フォーカス：ハラール調和、サウジ版ニュートリスコア
今月のMiddle East Focusでは、ハラール調和、サウジ版食品の栄養表示システムなどを特集しています。
ASEANフォーカス：タイにおけるキリン、Mottainaiのアップサイクリング
キリンのタイ進出、Mottainaiのアップサイクリングなどが今月のASEANフォーカスで特集されています
ジャパン フォーカス：キリンの成長戦略、食品アレルゲン管理、健康増進のための生姜
今月のJapan Focusでは、キリンの研究開発戦略、食品アレルゲン規制強化に向けた日本の動き、健康増進のための沖縄産生姜シロップなどを取り上げています。
Valentine’s Day NPD from Cadbury, Paris Baguette and Wisconsin Cheese
Chocolate still anchors Valentine’s Day, but 2026’s launches show how brands are pushing the holiday further through format, experience and gifts that feel less predictable