Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from Jan 2026

Check out FoodNavigator-Asia's Top 10 stories from the last month
Check out FoodNavigator-Asia's Top 10 stories from the last month (Image: Getty / iStockphoto)

Check out our top 10 most-read food and beverage industry stories from January 2026, including key 2026 trends and regulations, PepsiCo zero-sugar push, snacking trends and more

Flipping of 2025 to 2026 on wooden block cube
Flipping of 2025 to 2026 on wooden block cube (Dilok Klaisataporn/Getty Images)

5 key APAC food & beverage trends to watch in 2026

We take a look at five of the most crucial APAC food & beverage trends redefining the industry in 2026, from localisation and AI driven-growth to new innovation directions.

Flipping cube block for change 2025 to 2026
Flipping cube block for change 2025 to 2026 (SmileStudioAP/Getty Images)

5 need-to-know regulations set to impact APAC food & beverage in 2026

From Indonesia’s all-out halal regulations to sodium policies spurring rapid reformulation and taxation changes affecting food company strategies, these are five regulatory and policy updates that are expected to have a major impact on the F&B sector in 2026.

Year 2025-2026
Year 2025-2026 (bin kontan/Image: Getty / Bin Kontan)

3 must-watch emerging food & drink categories for growth in 2026

Amid the many uncertainties and changes seen by the food industry, we believe these three emerging categories have the potential to drive major change in the coming year.

Zootopia characters Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Gary, and Nibbles feature on PepsiCo’s limited-edition cans.
Zootopia characters Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Gary, and Nibbles feature on PepsiCo’s limited-edition cans. (PepsiCo)

PepsiCo doubles down on zero-sugar push with Disney cans in China

Pepsico launches zero-sugar beverages in limited edition Zootopia cans across China, after claiming victory over zero-sugar Coke in the 2025 Pepsi Challenge

Sentimentality and health are increasingly influencing consumer snack choices.
Sentimentality and health are increasingly influencing consumer snack choices. (tbralnina/Getty/tbralnina)

Mondelez, Uncle Saba’s: Nostalgia and mindfulness shaping snack trends

Sentimentality and health are increasingly influencing consumer snack choices, as they seek comfort, tradition and emotional connection in their purchases

In 2024, 79% of chocolate confectionery in Asia Pacific was sold in the 0–50g size range, significantly higher than the 55% global average – Euromonitor International.
In 2024, 79% of chocolate confectionery in Asia Pacific was sold in the 0–50g size range, significantly higher than the 55% global average – Euromonitor International. (Davizro/Getty Images)

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.

High-protein diets remain in demand, with 58–70% of consumers looking to increase protein content in their meals.
High-protein diets remain in demand, with 58–70% of consumers looking to increase protein content in their meals. (fcafotodigital/Getty Images)

Million-dollar Sustainable Protein grant aims to fast-track market entry

The new grant, powered by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Singapore government, aims to advance the development of Sustainable Protein in the region, supporting innovators to accelerate their products’ to-market entry.

Mercian’s YATSU shochu flavour range includes rice, black sesame, sweet potato, and barley.
Mercian’s YATSU shochu flavour range includes rice, black sesame, sweet potato, and barley. (Kirin)

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

Canada sees growth potential in the Indo-Pacific plant-based market amid US tariff threats.
Canada sees growth potential in the Indo-Pacific plant-based market amid US tariff threats. (William Reed)

Canada eyes APAC plant-based growth in push to diversify non-US trade

Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and Singapore’s Nurasa are working to grow Canadian plant-based exports in APAC to diversify trade beyond the United States.

Bowl of natural salt crystals
Bowl of natural salt crystals (yulka3ice/Image: Getty / Yulka3ice)

UAE government survey flags high salt, low vitamin D in local diets

New UAE data has shown excess salt consumption and poor vitamin D levels, findings set to guide national reformulation and health initiatives.