China’s post-pandemic food testing policy, results of the ‘Excellent Milk’ project, Haofood’s peanut plant-based innovation, and more feature in this edition of China Focus.
Here's a recap of our 10 most-read F&B stories in January 2023, including the top F&B industry trends, emerging categories to watch and regulatory policies to expect in the coming year and more.
After nearly two decades of first appearing in fast-food restaurants across the US and becoming a go-to favorite for spicy aficionados, sriracha today is not only an established flavor that many consumers love, but according to Kerry’s Taste & Nutrition...
South Korea has emerged as the latest Asian market looking at the development of food standards to govern the alternative protein products sector, proposing specific requirements to ensure food safety and quality management during manufacturing.
Mondelez is seeing markedly diverse behaviours among consumers on tight budgets, and says it is weighing up more promotions on big packs and pushing low-unit price packs.
Increasing protein intake appears to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older age, while an extreme decline in animal-based protein consumption is linked with a 48% increase, new data from a long-term China study suggests.
Trends and Innovation Opportunities Across the Life Stages
After a hugely successful debut as a face-to-face event in 2022, our Growth Asia Summit returns for 2023 this September in Singapore with a raft of new content themes.
Australian alternative-milk brand MILKLAB is pressing ahead with plans to expand across Asia with a twin strategy of e-commerce retail and partnerships with cafes.
The Philippines is looking to revamp the regulations governing salt production and processing in the country, in a bid to boost local productivity and reduce reliance on salt imports.
Minimal processing and healthier formulation is key to achieving plant-based success in Asia, where health drivers trump sustainability concerns, according to a Thai brand that is blazing a trail in the category.
Singapore firm Nurasa is seeking to drive innovation in alternative proteins and nutritional options available to the seniors on the back of an ageing population in Singapore.
Koreans who consume diets dominated by noodles, dumplings and red meat have a significantly higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to those who eat more vegetables, fish and soy products, new data from almost 45,000 people aged...
A Bangalore-based company specialising in the cultivation and development of nutraceuticals made of cordyceps is hoping to popularise the use of the medicinal mushrooms within India’s Ayurveda practitioners.
Singapore eco-friendly coffee capsule brand NO HARM DONE says its newly introduced local-inspired coffee capsules, including Gula Melaka Kopi and Choco Kopi flavours, have been a hit with the domestic market, as it now seeks regional expansion.
Brands manufacturing plant-based products in the APAC region have highlighted format innovation as a crucial factor in bringing down costs to a level that can satisfy local consumer demands in the short-to-mid term.
Major South East Asian palm oil producer countries are gearing up to retaliate against the European Union’s controversial deforestation regulation, with the situation rapidly devolving to the point that a trade war could be on the horizon.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has told food bosses to check if they sell ‘vegan ghee’ or ‘vegan butter’ products, calling branding that contains dairy terminology ‘misleading’.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has announced implementation guidelines for its National Nutrition Strategy 2022 – 2030, eyeing the ‘virtual elimination’ of trans fats in the local food supply as well as a 30% reduction in consumers’ average...
Snacking giant Mondelez believes that increased focus needs to be placed on improving the experiential and digital marketing of travel retail confectionery in the APAC region and beyond in order to boost category growth.
Singapore indoor vertical farming firm Sustenir has taken its first steps into precision agriculture by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in its kale.
The rise of new ingredients and innovations in the better-for-you confectionery space is shifting candies and other sweet treats into a guilt-free indulgence space, and has to the potential to progress further into the functional foods realm.
South Korea’s food and drug regulator says it plans to ban the use of the terms ‘CBD’ and ‘THC’ on hemp food products, including hemp seed oil supplements.
Australia recently launched a public consultation as a first step towards reviewing its Food and Grocery Code of Conduct following increasing concerns over its effectiveness and ability to resolve disputes between suppliers and retailers.
Perfect Day is teaming up with big players like Nestle and Unilever to broaden the applications of its whey protein, while leading new innovations through precision fermentation.
The alcohol sector in Dubai has warmly welcomed the authorities’ decision to scrap its 30% taxation on sales in a bid to lower prices and boost tourism, despite officials highlighting that this is not yet considered a permanent change.
Thailand-based protein multinational CP Foods is targeting the full integration of blockchain technology for all products, after a successful introduction for pork and chicken.
Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has granted a world-first regulatory approval to GOOD Meat for the use of serum-free media in the production of cultivated meat.
One in three Saudi Arabian youths consume fast food more than twice a week, sparking concerns that the nation’s rapid economic development is leading to dramatic shifts in eating habits.
Beverage firms in Singapore have highlighted support for the local government’s proposed plans to implement a container return scheme in 2024, with supermarkets, convenience stores and residential common areas most likely to be the locations of collection.
China’s national ‘Excellent Milk’ project says it is on track to implement further quality and safety advances to locally-produced dairy as it seeks to slash reliance on imports.
The French dairy giant has become the world’s first food company to make a methane-specific climate pledge - but questions remain around how this ambition could be realized.
China plant-based meat brand Haofood believes that the versatility and affordability of its peanut-based products, as well as its clean labels, are key to attracting domestic consumers to the category.
