Asahi bets on alcohol-led growth in 2025 despite H1 profits decline
Japanese beverage heavyweight Asahi recently announced its H1FY2025 financial results, reporting a 0.6% year-on-year growth in revenue to JPY1.36tn (US$9.25bn) but a -3.2% year-on-year decline in core operating profits to JPY 109.7bn (US$746.2m).
But despite the drop in half-year profits, Asahi has made the incongruent move of revising its forecast for full-year profits upwards, attributing this move to the current and predicted positive movements in the Japanese alcohol category.
Japan’s Ladder Inc taps Dagashi trend with US snack box launch
Ladder Inc announced the official launch of snack and lifestyle boxes in the US on August 25, featuring uniquely Japanese treats from dagashi (affordable, traditional little snacks) to premium matcha and anime-inspired items.
These snack boxes are sold under the brand Japan Flavor Quest.
“Each box offers more than just treats – it provides an authentic cultural experience,” the firm said.
Silkworm protein firm targets ASEAN, EU expansion
Morus has raised US$5m in Series A funding to accelerate clinical trials and scale mass production of its proprietary silkworm-derived bioingredient, MorSilk Powder – a nutrient-dense powder with matcha-like taste and appearance.
It is combined with Japanese matcha for a beverage that manages blood sugar levels or flavoured with yuzu and stevia for its sports nutrition drink. These are marketed under its Kaiko brand.
Mulberry leaf, water chestnut tea could suppress post-meal blood sugar spike
The reported benefits could be linked to the 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) content of mulberry leaves, explained researchers from Japan’s Saga University and Nishikyushu University. DNJ is a compound which plays a role in suppressing post-meal blood glucose elevation.
The husk of water chestnut is also rich in polyphenols, which has been shown to inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and reduce postprandial glycemic response in both mice and humans, said the researchers.
Rohto reveals Eu Yan Sang growth plans and findings on TCM, microbiome
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supplement brand Eu Yan Sang has recently launched in Australia, with plans for Japan, Vietnam, and US entry further down the road, says parent company Rohto.
According to the company, the boost in internal medicine/ food sales largely came from the acquisition of the Singapore-headquartered Eu Yan Sang — which occurred last April. The brand’s bestsellers include edible bottled bird’s nest and Bak Foong Pill for regulating menstrual ailments, with products like collagen and NMN in its range as well.