Embracing ‘genba’: Glico on balancing global trends with localisation
Yukio Kimura, COO of Glico Asia Pacific, talks about how to ensure the snack giant’s purpose remains relevant to the consumers of today.
He shares insights on how the snacking landscape has shifted meaningfully over the past few years. Consumers – particularly younger ones – are no longer choosing between enjoyment and health. They want both, and they want it without compromise.
Kimura also touches on the common mistake FMCG companies make when entering the region is assuming that what works globally will work locally.
Japan snack firm turns amazake into gut and skin health jelly sticks
Japan-based snack firm Hananomi has transformed traditional fermented rice drink amazake into portable jelly sticks, targeting time-poor consumers seeking convenient health support.
The product is positioned for gut health and “beauty from within”, offering a gentle energy boost in an easy, on-the-go format suited to irregular eating habits. By condensing amazake into a shelf-stable format, Hananomi aims to modernise a historically popular ingredient for today’s fast-paced lifestyles.
Tea among the stars: Space sakura and decaf drive Japan firm exports
Japan GreenTea Co is leveraging traditional and citrus-forward flavours to drive export growth, with sakura and yuzu teas emerging as key demand drivers across international markets.
The firm’s long-standing sakura tea – featuring a rapidly blooming flower infusion – remains a bestseller, while yuzu-based green and black teas are gaining traction on the back of health and flavour trends.
Calbee, AMILI bring personalized nutrition to Singapore
Japanese food, snacks and nutrition company Calbee is partnering with the Singapore microbiome firm AMILI in bringing personalized nutrition to the country.
The service was first introduced in Japan in April 2023 and is said to have been used by more than 50,000 people to date.
“Gut microbiomes vary from person to person, even among healthy people. That means the same foods and habits may not affect everyone in the same way. We believe a personalized approach to the gut microbiome can help support health and wellness in a way that better suits each individual,” said Masae Nakano, chief technology officer at Calbee, Inc.
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Enjoy 20% discount on tickets until May 17
Growth Asia Summit 2026 is returning to Singapore from July 8 to 10, and there is a two-week-long 20% special discount on delegate tickets until May 17.
In view of the upcoming Mother’s Day in many APAC countries on May 10, enjoy a 20% special discount for summit tickets using the code “MOTHERSD20“. Book your tickets here.
The summit will explore major topics in the Asia Pacific’s health and nutrition sector, including maternal and infant health, women’s health, active nutrition, weight management and healthy longevity.
