Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from March 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 March 2026, including the Iran conflict, tech-driven functional dairy, Indonesia non-halal food labels and more

Soldiers using drone for scouting
Soldiers using drone for scouting (shcherbak volodymyr/Image: Getty Images / Shcherbak Volodymyr)

Iran Conflict: What does this mean for global food sector?

The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat.

cows on a field
Education and investment will be crucial to increase the uptake of artificial intelligence tech in dairy (Tim Robberts/Image: Getty Images / Tim Robberts)

Functional dairy booms as tech-driven innovation renew category potential

Tech driven innovation is growing the potential of functional dairy, repositioning the category as a strong player in the global functional foods space.

Southeast Asian muslim woman reading food label of a chocolate bar
Southeast Asian muslim woman reading food label of a chocolate bar (Kanawa_Studio/Image: Getty Images / Kanawa_Studio)

Indonesia to standardise non halal food labels with new regulations

New non halal labelling standards in Indonesia aim to streamline compliance in food firms and provide clearer information for consumers.

A traditional washoku meal with rice, which Japanese researchers associate with healthier, more balanced eating patterns.
A traditional washoku meal with rice, which Japanese researchers associate with healthier, more balanced eating patterns. (pain au chocolat/Image: Getty/pain au chocolat)

Japan study links eating rice to better weight control

A Japanese study suggests regular rice consumption is linked to better weight control in adults, challenging low-carb weight-loss narratives.

Recent studies found that food consumption can influence mental health.
Recent studies found that food consumption can influence mental health. (miya227/Image: Getty/Miya227)

Food and mental health in China: 2026 trends that brands should watch

China’s growing focus on mental wellness is shaping food trends, driving demand for fresh foods, dairy and lower-sugar options that balance health and indulgence.

hand holding multiple injection pens, including semaglutide-based medications for different stages of treatment, used for weight loss and diabetes management. These GLP-1 receptor agonists help regulate appetite and metabolic health.
Are GLP-1 drugs revolutionizing alcohol consumption: or simply exacerbating an existing shift? (Image: getty/camacho9999)

Is Asia the next GLP-1 boom market and what it means for FB?

After a slow start, Asia’s GLP‑1 weight‑loss market is poised for explosive growth as China and India tackle obesity and food and drink brands race to become essential GLP‑1 companions.

Yeo's drinks
Yeo's drinks (Image: Yeo's)

Yeo’s targets smaller packs, global export markets to drive growth

Food and beverage major Yeo’s is eyeing expanded growth via a focus on smaller pack sizes and a stronger global export push across the US and Europe.

The strongest association between UPF consumption and hyperuricemia was seen in middle-aged adults aged 45–59, followed by younger adults under 45.
The strongest association between UPF consumption and hyperuricemia was seen in middle-aged adults aged 45–59, followed by younger adults under 45. (wildpixel/Image: Getty/Wildpixel)

UPFs linked to adult uric acid risk: China study

Adults under 60 found to eat more ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), putting them at risk of getting hyperuricemia (high uric acid), leading to gout and kidney diseases.

Indian-GM-testing-Regulator-under-fire-after-canola-oil-corn-and-tofu-found-to-contain-traces.jpg
GM foods testing (CherriesJD/Image: Getty Images / CherriesJD)

South Korea pushes mandatory GM labelling for processed foods

South Korea has drafted new local regulations to effectively mandate genetically modified (GM) labelling in common processed foods such as soy sauce and oils

Daesang showcased Jongga’s traditional kimchi at SMTS 2026, highlighting growing interest in Korean fermented foods in Japan.
Daesang showcased Jongga’s traditional kimchi at SMTS 2026, highlighting growing interest in Korean fermented foods in Japan. (Image: Jongga)

Kimchi in Japan: Daesang taps fermented food demand for exports

South Korea’s Daesang Corporation is targeting Japan’s growing appetite for fermented foods as it expands exports of kimchi and gochujang.