Asia sustainability report: Protein sources, food safety gaps strain progress
Asia’s food industry is battling various hurdles threatening the rapid progress of sustainability agendas, with protein diversification and food safety emerging as major issues
With sustainability and ESG initiatives shaping the narrative for many food and beverage companies in Asia, progress in this space is moving more quickly than ever before in the region.
That said, a new report released by Asia Research and Engagement (ARE) in February 2026 assessing sustainable sourcing in the food industry has found that this progress is moving forward in a skewed manner, with some areas gaining much more attention than others.
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
The chocolate giant officially opened its Callebaut Global Innovation Center (GIC) on February 10 in Singapore, a country recognised for its focus on food innovation and AI to bolster food security.
While climate change is putting an unprecedented squeeze on cocoa supply, consumers remain uncompromising in their expectations for taste, texture and mouthfeel – creating demand for more cost-effective chocolate solutions.
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
Blended protein, fermentation, and mushrooms are promising alt-protein drivers valued for their versatility and cost-effectiveness – factors that consumers and businesses increasingly prioritise over sustainability.
“Consumers have three major concerns – price, flavour and mouthfeel, and perception of plant-based foods being highly processed,” said Thai Future Food Trade Association President Dr Visit Limlurcha at a panel discussion on The Future of Alternative Proteins.
Alt Protein Watch: Blended proteins, mushrooms and sustainability
Blended proteins, mushrooms, Asia sustainability report and more feature in this edition of Alt Protein Watch
Why Mars is powering up M&M’s as it reshapes its global growth strategy
As Mars expands through mega‑deals, sustainability pushes and portfolio diversification, the company is placing a bigger strategic bet on M&M’s to anchor growth and relevance in a changing global snacking landscape
Victoria B Mars, a member of the family who is on the board of directors says: “As a family we are passionate about having a positive impact on the world and we believe the best way to do that is through our business. That’s why we reinvest more than 90% of profits back into Mars Inc. This allows us to deliver against our ambitions to have a positive impact on the planet, society and the communities in which we operate.”