Adhering to Japan’s strict organic standards and requirements is the biggest hurdle for overseas firms trying to get a foothold in the nation’s fledgling sector, which is now being tipped for a growth spurt.
Plant-based food pioneers Impossible Foods has underlined the importance of Asian growth on the back of entering its third market after Hong Kong and Macau – Singapore.
Chinese consumers still prefer premium products as opposed to those making sustainability claims, in contrast to many other markets worldwide, according to analysis from insights provider Lumina Intelligence.
From ice cream on a roll, to high-cocoa content chocolate, here are four trends currently shaping Japan’s confectionery and dessert categories as seen at the recent FoodEx Japan show
Korean ramen giant Samyang Foods is emphasising focus on overseas expansion, with its first foreign sales unit in Japan, and a new halal ramen plant in Malaysia.
Health concerns are overtaking flavour preferences in China — where dishes are traditionally prepared with substantial amounts of seasonings and spices — and food companies are increasingly using this trend to their advantage.
Four Japanese food firms, Nippon Ham, House Foods, Otafuku, and Nagatanien, have partnered to launch allergen-free food recipes, the first collaboration of such in the food industry.
From recycled PET bottles to paper packaging, more Japanese firms are exploring or have launched environmentally-friendly food and beverage packaging to reduce the reliance on plastic.
Tianjin based food processing machine manufacturer, Saint Ngong Tat Machinery, is making preparations for market entry once sanctions against North Korea is lifted.
Market research agency Mintel has identified six new consumer trends that are shaping the Chinese and North Asian consumer landscapes. Within these, health, experience and plastic use are some important key points for food companies to take note of.
DSM Hydrocolloids, the specialty hydrocolloids arm of Royal DSM, has unveiled new branding for its gellan gum and xanthan gum portfolios, with the firm targeting new opportunities in ‘cross-segment’ applications.
Japan dairy giant Megmilk Snow Brand will be investing US$35mn (JPY4bn) into consolidating the production functions of its existing plants with an eye on efficiency and optimisation.
