Agthia optimistic about growth in water, snacking to double revenue in next 5 years
Middle East food and beverage giant Agthia is optimistic about the growth opportunities in water and snacking categories to help the company realise its double revenue growth ambition in the next five years.
The company operates in four main categories, namely Water & Food, Agri-Business, Protein & Frozen, and Snacking.
“Looking at all four categories, it’s very difficult for me to pick one child because all of them have huge potential in the market for various reasons. For instance, the way water is positioned today — hydration is more than just quenching thirst.
“The UAE is a country where everyone consumes packaged water, be it a small bottle or a five-gallon bottle. And as the population continues to grow, the market opportunity is massive,” Ahmed Yahya, President – Water & Food of Agthia, told FoodNavigator-Asia.
BIKA on crucial role of novelty, localisation when marketing snacks to AMEA schoolkids
Malaysia-based snacks brand BIKA has said a more nuanced approached beyond price-sensitivity is key for snacking success, even when it comes to school children.
BIKA has been well known for its large range of tapioca-based snacks sold in Malaysian school canteens as well as various retail outlets for over four decades, particularly its Chicken and Vegetable variants of classic chips.
While its branding continues to inspire recognition amongst local consumers and schoolchildren today, the firm has found that many more nuances need to be fulfilled in order meet today’s snacking demands – even amongst schoolchildren.
“It has become clear that whether it is children spending money to buy snacks at canteens, or adults buying snacks from supermarkets today, the trend in snacking has shifted to become less price-sensitive but with a high demand for new things, things that no one has ever thought of before,” BIKA spokeswoman Eryn Wong told FoodNavigator-Asia.
Swiss firm eyes market opportunities for dried fruit snacks in Middle East
Switzerland-headquartered yourharvest aims to tap into opportunities for the dried fruit snacks category in the Middle East through its premium products.
As part of its growth strategy, the firm is now looking to expand its international footprint and enter new markets, including the Middle East region.
“We’re trying to find partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area, and also in other parts of Asia and North America.
“We see opportunities in the Middle East because there are a lot of people here who eat dried tropical fruits. We heard that many have these at home as a regular snack, so this could be a good space to tap into — bringing in a new premium product into the market for the locals to try,” Colin Iten, Product Manager – Alternative Food & Flavours at yourharvest, told FoodNavigator-Asia.
SPC Group eyes bigger slice of halal market, Malaysia plant to boost expansion in SEA, ME
South Korean food major SPC Group’s recently completed manufacturing plant in Malaysia will help drive its growth in South East Asia and the Middle East.
SPC Group is known for being home to brands such as SPC Samlip and Paris Baguette, of which the latter has around 4,000 outlets worldwide.
According to the company, Paris Baguette is one of the fastest-growing bakery brands, and the opening of this plant would facilitate a seamless, efficient supply chain that supports the brand’s growing international presence.
“Food is more than just what we eat. Through food, we connect with people, honour our heritage, and create meaningful experiences that bring communities together. With the Johor Production Centre as a strategic manufacturing hub, we aim to bring wholesome and delightful flavours to the 2bn consumers in the halal market across South East Asia (SEA), the Middle East, and beyond.
“This milestone is not only about business expansion, but also about building stronger connections, creating job opportunities, and celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of the communities we serve,” said Young-In Hur, Chairman of SPC Group, at the plant’s inauguration ceremony.
India’s Cup-ji rides convenience trend with ‘ready-to-sip’ tea cups, eyes global expansion
India-based Cup-ji is capitalising on the convenience trend with its ready-to-sip beverage cups while eyeing global expansion on the back of UAE gains.
According to co-founder Jay Sotta, the brand is the youth wing of Aditya Trading Company, which owns the Arati Tea brand and exports more than 3m kg of tea per year to over 21 countries.
“My family has been into the tea business for 100 years. I’m the fifth generation in the business, where we are focusing on innovative hot beverages that can build a consumption habit for tomorrow,” he told FoodNavigator-Asia at Gulfood 2025.
In fact, Cup-ji’s ready-to-sip beverage cup won the Best Packaging and Design category at the trade show’s Innovation Awards this year.
These cups come in three variations, namely Karak or chai tea (original, masala, cardamom, saffron, ginger, lemongrass), coffee (cappuccino, mocha, hazelnut, vanilla), and hot beverages (hot chocolate, turmeric latte).
