US, Thailand drive Kirin’s craft gin and shochu push
Kirin’s Mercian is expanding into the US and Thailand with craft gin and shochu, citing strong demand for Japanese spirits and growing interest in Japanese cuisine
Kirin’s Mercian Corporation has identified the US as the world’s largest spirits market, while noting rising demand for Japanese food and beverages in Thailand, positioning both as key growth markets for its distilled spirits business.
These insights are based on data from IWSR, a global data and insights provider for the beverage alcohol industry.
From brownie lager to bigger ambitions: Mottainai’s upcycling strategy
Singapore-based Mottainai has created a brownie-flavoured lager in its journey towards upcycled products for wider commercial use
Using cocoa bean shells in the lager introduces phenolic compounds into the beer, reflecting Mottainai’s broader focus on creating upcycled foods with improved nutritional value.
“Cocoa bean shells have been reported to contain beneficial phenolic compounds, such as catechins also found in tea. Using them in lager production can transfer these compounds into the beer,” Mottainai co-founder Daryl Pek told FoodNavigator.
Vietnam to tighten dairy, alcohol rules to advance food safety goals
Vietnam plans to update dairy and alcohol regulations in line with ongoing national goals to improve local food safety compliance and public health
The Vietnamese government is looking to add to its ongoing series of food safety management initiatives over the past few years with a specific focus on local dairy and alcohol regulations.
This includes plans for new, stricter technical standards for liquid milk and alcoholic beverages that are produced, traded or imported into the country.
Thai firm revives superfood wolffia, blending heritage and nutrition
Thai brand Flo turns local superfood wolffia into protein drinks and flavour enhancers, tapping global demand for convenient, healthy foods
The firm highlights wolffia’s versatility, offering it as matcha- and vanilla-flavoured protein drinks and as a dessert enhancer for yoghurt and cakes.
According to Flo’s chief technologist Dr Metha Meetam, the “agreeable taste” of wolffia makes it a convenient and nutritious addition to daily staples.
How affordable indulgence is driving APAC snack market
We explore how consumers are engaging in mindful spending and drawn to flavour innovations that balance taste and value
The rise of “affordable premium” products – positioned between mass-market and luxury segments – has been a major growth driver, offering consumers enhanced taste at accessible price points.
After a dip in 2022 driven by rising ingredient costs, Asia Pacific’s snack market is rebounding on the back of “affordable premium” products that balance taste and value, according to data analytics company Euromonitor International.
