Dairy

NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2022: Entries open…check out previous award-winners

05-Apr-2022 By Gary Scattergood

With entries flooding in for the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards for 2022, here we look back on the pioneering brands, suppliers and researchers who took the top prizes last year.

Regulatory landmines: Frucor Suntory exec on the challenges of meeting better-for-you beverage needs in APAC

04-Apr-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

While consumers are clamouring for healthier beverages across APAC, spanning sugar reduction and the added functionality, the regulatory landscape still poses a significant challenge for brands.

Sizing down to make it big: Ulu Hye revamps size of dairy-free mylk base jars amid retail push

31-Mar-2022 By Ulu Hye revamps size of dairy-free mylk base jars amid retail push

World-first dairy-free mylk base creator Ulu Hye has launched smaller versions of its products in preparation for entry into major supermarkets as well as expansion to overseas markets.

Strategic success? How Mondelez is tapping into emerging middle-class markets in India, China

30-Mar-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Major food and beverage MNC Mondelez has revealed its strategies to tap into the India and China markets, both of which have burgeoning middle-class segments with increasing disposable incomes.

Food label fight: Australian plant-based industry lambasts ‘restrictive regulations’ proposal

29-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

Australia’s plant-based sector is seeing red over recommendations from senators to restrict the use of traditional animal product terms on packs, and there could be further policy woes for firms in the cultured meat space.

Baladna acquires stake in Egypt’s Juhayna Food Industries

28-Mar-2022 By Jim Cornall

Baladna, a Qatar Public Shareholding Company, has acquired a 5% stake in the Egyptian company Juhayna Food Industries Company, which is listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange, through several purchases of shares from the market.

Swift expansion: ASEAN sugar alternative firm developing RTE options and eyeing Europe entry

23-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore-based sugar alternative firm Swiftlet is widening its portfolio with the development of new ready-to-eat (RTE) and lower-cost options of its sugar replacement product, whilst also planning for entry into the European...

Food security innovations revealed: How tech advances are helping China strengthen its supply chains

23-Mar-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics solutions to tackle the challenges plaguing the food supply chain in China have been unveiled as the nation strives to meet soaring demand and enhance nutritional quality.

FNA DEEP DIVE: PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS

Double opportunity: Why both affordability and premiumisation are providing plant-based promise in APAC

23-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

Innovating at both ends of the price spectrum can fuel Asia’s booming plant-based sector for the long term, say regional experts, who believe that the sector is now at the tipping point of achieving sustained mainstream success.

Vigilance vital: Australian researchers warn against complacency as child food allergies dip

22-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

Australian researchers have warned against complacency over child food allergies despite a recent study finding a significant drop in anaphylaxis rates as a result of infant feeding guideline changes.

Step up to the plate: South Korea orders local authorities to implement food supply goals

22-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

South Korea’s government has instructed local authorities to play a bigger role in the nation’s food supply strategy, as well as pumping in cash for new food tech and sustainability projects.

ASEAN dairy difficulties: Lactose intolerance and supply chain challenges can be overcome - Yili

22-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

Persistent supply chain challenges and lactose intolerance in a large majority of consumers in the South East Asian region has led to difficulties for dairy firms to achieve sales or market shares as high as those in western countries, but industry leaders...

Passing the taste test: Nestle chief on strategies for success with healthy product innovation

21-Mar-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Maintaining price parity and maximising taste are two key priorities when formulating healthy and plant-based products, according to exclusive insights revealed by Nestle’s Malaysia and Singapore CEO Juan Aranols.

Fonterra reports interim results

17-Mar-2022 By Jim Cornall

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited has announced its 2022 interim results, which show the coop has delivered a half year profit after tax of NZ$364m (US$249m), a total group normalized EBIT of NZ$607m (US$416m), which is a drop of 11%, and a decision...

Probiotic yoghurt and liver disease: Researchers embark on RCT to assess impact

17-Mar-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

A new trial will assess if probiotic yoghurt can be a cost-effective answer to hinder the progress of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Cracking the grocery code: New Zealand food sector declares victory in 12-year competition battle

15-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

The New Zealand food and beverage sector has secured victory in a 12-year-long competition battle that looks set to finally see the government introduce a mandatory grocery code of conduct.

For a cleaner India: Food safety authority tightens proposals for recycled plastic packaging after pushback

14-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) has issued new, stricter standards to govern the use of recycled plastic for food packaging after facing pushback from a group of concerned scientific experts.

Investment potential: The countries ripe for foodtech and ag-tech funding in Asia, ME revealed

14-Mar-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

India, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been tipped as foodtech and ag-tech investment hotspots by regional experts, while Vietnam and the Philippines are said to be among the next wave of opportunities available.

Al Rawabi to set up $177m dairy production facility in KIZAD

10-Mar-2022 By Jim Cornall

KIZAD, part of AD Ports Group’s Economic Cities & Free Zones (EC&FZ) cluster, has announced the signing of a lease agreement with UAE dairy and juice producer Al Rawabi to establish a dairy production facility in Abu Dhabi designed to meet growing...

Consumers more accepting of biocides in ‘environmentally friendly’ dairy drinks: China-NZ study

10-Mar-2022 By Maria Fortune

Consumers tend to be more accepting of biocide labelling on dairy beverages if the term ‘environmentally friendly’ is also used on the packaging, according to researchers in China and New Zealand.

Era of processed foods: South Korea government survey reveals rise in consumer purchases

09-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

A recent South Korean government survey has revealed a significant boost in processed food sales over the past year, with both the number of purchases and frequency on the rise.

Funding ‘massive impact’: Plant-based, cell-cultured and fermentation tech sectors to benefit from new APAC fund

02-Mar-2022 By Pearly Neo

A new APAC-focused investment fund says it can create a ‘massive impact’ by supporting firms targeting large-scale animal-based industries, including plant-based, cell-cultured and fermentation outfits.

South Korea export stars: Kimchi and premium fruit exports see record growth in 2021

28-Feb-2022 By Pearly Neo

South Korea’s kimchi and premium fruits including strawberries and grapes have experienced record growth numbers in 2021 due to evolving post-COVID-19 consumer trends, according to recent government reports.

‘Economic sabotage’: Philippines sugar dispute grinds on as producers demand import plan is scrapped

28-Feb-2022 By Maria Fortune

Controversy continues to surround the Philippines’ Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) efforts to import 200,000 metric tonnes of premium refined sugar into the country, with the domestic industry securing a temporary halt to the measures.

Socially responsible price hikes? Nestle promises APAC rises only if ‘non-compensable’ costs increase

28-Feb-2022 By Pearly Neo

Nestle has promised APAC consumers that any unavoidable price hikes as a result of ‘non-compensable’ cost increases will be passed on to consumers in a ‘socially responsible’ manner, after announcing positive organic growth in its Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan...

‘Doubtful practicality’: Concerns over Indonesia’s new trade licensing policy following pilot launch with five food commodities

21-Feb-2022 By Pearly Neo

Food industry and policy experts have voiced doubts about the practical benefits of Indonesia’s new trade licensing policy, the Neraca Komoditas, which is kicking off this year for five major food commodities.

Meiji’s market insights: Functional yogurt sales continue to slide, but sports nutrition on a surge

16-Feb-2022 By Tingmin Koe

Meiji’s sales of functional yogurt in Japan have been declining due to the levelling of demand and an intensifying market competition, but sports nutrition is on the up, the firm has revealed.

Change is in the wind: Nestle Australia highlights plant-based portfolio and 100% renewable energy switch

14-Feb-2022 By Pearly Neo

Nestle Australia has highlighted its switch to 100% renewable energy for all operations as well as its rapidly broadening plant-based product portfolio as key initiatives that will help the firm to reach its 2050 net zero emissions goal.

Targeting non-vegans: UAE’s Freakin’ Healthy expands into ready-to-eat category with clean label vegan cheese spread

09-Feb-2022 By Guan Yu Lim

UAE-based snack company Freakin’ Healthy is further expanding its better-for-you product range with the launch of a new plant-based cheese spread.

‘Richer and sweeter’: Yili reveals growth strategy to conquer SEA dairy market following Indonesian factory launch

07-Feb-2022 By Pearly Neo

Chinese dairy giant Yili has revealed its growth strategy for the South East Asian dairy market, claiming that products need to have a richer and sweeter taste profile to entice consumers.

Dairy divide: South Korea urges local industry to ‘clarify their misconceptions’ about new policy

02-Feb-2022 By Pearly Neo

The South Korean government’s grand plans to overhaul local dairy policies and pricing systems have been met with major pushback from industry groups and confusion from farmers, with the ministry in charge calling on detractors to ‘clarify their misconceptions’...

Safety assured: Australian food supply not contaminated by chemicals in foam used to fight bushfires

31-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has confirmed that the Australian food supply has not been contaminated by chemicals from firefighting foam used to tackle bushfires.

Collaborating with competitors: Nestle, Coca-Cola and Unilever among major brands uniting to boost recycling in Malaysia

31-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

Major brands such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, Mondelez, F&N and Unilever are joining forces to drive the sustainability agenda in Malaysia, via a new alliance that will tackle plastic food and beverage packaging concerns.

Kerry Group opens new facility in Saudi Arabia

26-Jan-2022 By Jim Cornall

Taste and nutrition company Kerry has officially opened a new 21,500-square-foot facility at its Jeddah operation in Saudi Arabia.

Illegal preservatives: Banned substances found in small number of yoghurt drinks sold in Iran - Study

26-Jan-2022 By Guan Yu Lim

Banned preservatives sodium benzoate and natamycin have been detected in some commercial yoghurt drinks sold in Iran, although researchers said there is no serious public health concern.

Anti-monopoly measures: Japan publishes ‘fair transaction’ guidelines to improve food and retail trade

26-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

The Japanese government has published a new set of ‘fair transaction’ guidelines for the food manufacturing and retail sectors as it seeks to promote proper trading practices and prevent monopolies in the supply chain.

Clear of nuclear? Japanese government urges support for UK’s proposed lift of Fukushima import restrictions

19-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

Japan is hopeful that the United Kingdom will lift bans on food imports from Fukushima following a positive risk assessment report, citing the benefits of reduced trade barriers and lower costs for the food sector.

Japan 2021 supermarket survey: Retailers see RTE and private label as key to maximising profits

11-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

Japanese retailers aim to increase the number of ready-to-eat (RTE) and private label products on the shelves after identifying them as key categories to maximise profits.

Cross-border caution: South Korea expands food safety guidelines to include e-commerce sales

11-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

South Korea has expanded its food safety and monitoring guidelines to tighten control over food and beverage products that are directly purchased by consumers from foreign countries, with implications for items bought via e-commerce.

Mondelez, Nestle, Calbee and Ayam Brand on five top trends set to shape the APAC food industry in 2022

05-Jan-2022 By Pearly Neo

We are speak to experts from major brands to assess the five top trends that look set to shape the Asia Pacific food and beverage industry in 2022, including top post-COVID-19 developments, pricing and taste importance in the plant-based sector, the rise...

Five need-to-know regulations on the agenda to impact the APAC food industry in 2022

31-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

From new hemp regulations in India, to Singapore’s sugary beverage control policy, and plant-based labelling in multiple countries, we bring you five must-know policies and regulations that look set to have a significant impact on the Asia Pacific food...

What duopoly? NZ’s Foodstuffs promises positive reforms as it slates ‘factual inaccuracies’ in national supermarket study

22-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

New Zealand’s Foodstuffs is fighting back against what it has deemed ‘factual inaccuracies’ in the national Commerce Commission’s recent finding that there is supermarket duopoly in the country, and has also promised to make several positive reforms.

‘A peach is not just a peach’: IFF highlights importance of flavour localisation within APAC

20-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

Ingredients and flavours specialist IFF has stressed the importance of localising flavour profiles - even for the same food item - depending on the geographical market of focus within APAC.

Permission to enter: Indonesia looks to tighten processed food import controls

15-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

Indonesia is looking to introduce new trade controls on imported processed foods including a revised application process subject to government approval as well as stricter mandatory shelf-life requirements.

Calling to the heart: How Nestle and Yeo’s ‘emotional’ digital strategies secured success

15-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

Branding experts spearheading successful Nestle and Yeo’s marketing campaigns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance for food and beverage brands to fulfil consumers’ emotional needs via digital strategies in order to ensure continued...

Spilt milk? South Korea dairy sector divided over new pricing system to improve self-sufficiency

14-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

The dairy industry in South Korea appears to have split opinions about the local government’s plans to implement a new pricing system for milk in order to improve profitability and boost the sector’s slumping self-sustainability.

Be a ‘good ancestor’: Why tech alone won’t help Asia achieve food supply chain sustainability – APEC expert panel

08-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

New technology alone is not enough to improve APAC’s food supply chain, and sustainable solutions will only be found if both micro and small businesses, as well as ‘marginalised communities’ across the region, are brought into the fold.

Nourish-ing the South: Indian edible oils firm reveals grand plans to grow new packaged foods portfolio to 400 SKUs

07-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

One of the largest edible oil firms in North India BL Agro has turned its attention to growing its packaged food products portfolio from the current 70-plus SKUs to 400 within the next five years, revealing South India as a crucial target market for this...

‘Curbing an unhealthy trend’: China steps up anti-waste drive by turning attention to food firms as well as consumers

06-Dec-2021 By Pearly Neo

The Chinese government has stepped up its anti-waste agenda with firms across the supply chain being required to prevent food waste and conserve food through its so-called ‘Food Conservation Action Plan’.

Increased consumption of low-fat dairy associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes among prediabetics – study

01-Dec-2021 By Guan Yu Lim

Increasing the intake of low-fat dairy by more than 0.5 servings per day was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among people with prediabetes in Iran.