Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from Feb 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 February 2026, including GLP-1 foods in Asia, India alcohol regulations, matcha chicken nuggets and more

New data from the Hartman Group, combined with insights from PV&COHO’s Sean Bisceglia, reveal why reformulation may matter more than “GLP-1 friendly” badges.
GLP-1 companion foods in Asia face some major challenges (Svitlana Pietukhova/Image: Getty/Svitlana Pietukhova)

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.

India's new alcohol regulations will be enforced by July 1 this year.
India's new alcohol regulations will be enforced by July 1 this year. (5PH/Image: Getty/5PH)

Clearer and more flexible: India’s 2026 alcohol regulations

India’s new alcohol regulations include mandatory labelling and expanded category definitions, signalling greater consumer transparency and flexibility for producers.

Matcha is being used in more than just beverages
Matcha is being used in more than just beverages (leolintang/Image: Getty / Leolintang)

Farm Fresh redefines healthy snacking with matcha chicken nuggets

UAE-based Farm Fresh has taken the concept of functional snacking to a new level with its matcha-infused chicken nuggets, blending flavour and function with novelty.

Buyer deciding about purchases in a big store
The Future Consumer has rapidly evolving demands (nicoletaionescu/Getty Images)

3 key lessons for food brands targeting the ‘Future Consumer’

The ‘Future Consumer’ is here, and food brands need to stay ahead of their evolving tastes and expectations to survive in the long run.

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Kirin is looking to R&D for global growth (Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Image: Getty / Jose Luis Pelaez)

Kirin doubling down on beer innovation and R&D to fuel global growth

Beer giant Kirin is ramping up focus on its beer and R&D businesses to drive international growth, boosting the use of new technology and localisation.

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Beer consumption is growing (Dan Gold / EyeEm/Image: Getty /EyeEm)

Global beer consumption rises on growth in India, Russia and Thailand – Kirin

Beer consumption increased a marginal 0.5% globally, narrowly avoiding decline thanks to sharp gains in key emerging markets, according to Kirin.

Regularly eating balanced meals is associated with lower overweight and obesity risk than focusing on individual nutrients or food groups.
Regularly eating balanced meals is associated with lower overweight and obesity risk than focusing on individual nutrients or food groups. (yamasan/Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Balanced meals may matter more than protein alone: Japan study

New data shows than balanced meals, rather than focusing on one nutrient such as protein, are more closely linked to kids’ healthier weight development.

Blended protein, fermentation, and mushrooms could revive Asia’s alt-protein market.
Blended protein, fermentation, and mushrooms could revive Asia’s alt-protein market. (Marko Jan/Getty Images)

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.

Wellness-led demand is driving the use of functional ingredients in food and drink innovation.
Wellness-led demand is driving the use of functional ingredients in food and drink innovation. (Davizro/Image: Getty/Davizro)

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.

The launch of Callebaut Global Innovation Center was graced by Ms Gan Siow Huang (third from right), Singapore’s Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The launch of Callebaut Global Innovation Center was graced by Ms Gan Siow Huang (third from right), Singapore’s Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry. (Image: Barry Callebaut)

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.