The South Korean government has refined its new expiration dates system with the launch of a new database that is equipped with a search function and specific guidance on ‘use-by’ timeframes for processed foods.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is undergoing further pressure – this time from within its own Parliament – to postpone implementation as an ‘urgent’ matter, with concerns looming over key trade commodities such as palm oil and cocoa.
The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced new, stricter regulations governing food product labelling, specifically prohibiting links to various types of herbal medicines and other health or nutritional claims.
Malaysia-based yoghurt brand Sunglo is looking to expand overseas after leading the category in its domestic market for the past 40 years, with South East Asian countries being its main target markets.
Fruit-based product innovation and consumption formats in APAC are evolving far beyond conventional use, with innovation spanning bakery products to alternative seafood, according to industry experts.
US-based SAMBAZON is looking to expand uptake of açaí products in the Middle East, where the firm says awareness about the superfruit still has much room for growth.
The Brooklyn Creamery has launched a range of protein ice cream bars in its domestic market and the UAE, where it is leveraging its partnership with a quick-commerce platform to meet growing consumer demand for protein-rich desserts.
An increasing number of consumers in Asia-Pacific desire an all-round experience when it comes to chocolate and confectionery, including rich flavours like caramel, visually appealing products, and “healthy indulgent” formats, says Cargill.
Food firms in Australia and New Zealand have been told that that if current 70% Health Star Rating uptake targets are not hit by November next year, it is likely to lead to mandatory implementation.
The South Korean government is expanding its successful ‘healthy food corner’ project from major metropolitan areas to convenience stores nationwide in order to reach more young consumers.
Global food corporation Cargill is leveraging its cocoa-sourcing networks in Asia and other business units to support customers in overcoming the cocoa supply shortage, and ensure consumers continue to have access to chocolate products.
Chocolate is a favored ingredient in everything from cakes to donuts – and even in sweets snacks like energy bars and popcorn – so bakers are undoubtedly feeling the impact of rising cocoa prices.
Hint: The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is less to do with glossy marketing campaigns and packaging visuals and more about uncovering the mystery of algorithms and getting a better handle on supply chain data.
The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has introduced new distribution guidelines in an effort to protect food manufacturers from retailer practices and prevent food product wastage.
Thailand-based plant-based specialist firm Buono believes that the success of its business can be credited to its portfolio variety which focuses on more unique products as opposed to meat replacements.
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has launched a new public-private collaborative project focusing on food exports, aiming to boost progress towards the national JPY5tn (US$31.7bn) by 2030 target.
The Japanese government has clarified that the final responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of food packaging lies with food manufacturer producing the end-product that will reach consumers.
The China State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has announced new regulatory standards for pre-packaged food labels, urging food and beverage companies to comply in order to boost clarity for consumers.
The South Korean government’s launch of its national ‘Adventurous Table’ global food export strategy will be led by foods and beverages from the fermented and convenience categories, a senior minister has told FoodNavigator-Asia.
China dairy giant Yili believes that cold chain advances and new distribution models have transformed the sector in the country, but advises that reduced sugar products are ‘basic but crucial’ to maintain growth
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is seeking public comment on draft regulations for the newly-coined ‘defined foods’ category, which will cover novel foods, genetically modified foods and insect-related foods.
Singapore food businesses looking to expand reach to the Middle East must be prepared with next-level persistence and a longer-than-average financial plan to succeed - but the returns can be tenfold, according to industry experts.
Consumer-facing food and beverage brands play a ‘critical role’ in moving the Asia Pacific agrifood system towards digitalisation, organisation and long-term sustainability by influencing consumer purchasing decisions, say experts.
Vietnam has completed and recently launched its new digital food safety management system which was developed in partnership with South Korea, with a particular focus on food poisoning outbreak monitoring across the country.
New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has predicted a volatile year ahead despite stellar performances from its China business and consumer product portfolios in the first half of the year, especially with milk prices expected to rise in the next few months.
The Japanese government is cracking down on counterfeit agri-food product exports protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) scheme with the use of digital monitoring technology.
The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will establish a new electronic recall system for pre-packaged processed food products found to be in violation of domestic food safety regulations.
Taiwan has finalised the labelling requirements when making nutrition claims for prepackaged foods, after completing two public consultations across more than two years of deliberation.
Japan-headquartered Aiya is looking to seize growth opportunities in the Middle East, where the matcha market is still in its infancy and has significant room for expansion.
Members of the Philippines government are calling for regulations that would officially ban manufacturers from using added sugar as an ingredient in foods for young children aged three and below.
Developing markets in Asia and Africa risk being sidelined in the efforts to create a more sustainable food system, unless inclusion and affordability are placed front and centre to improve nutrition.
South Korea is expanding its AI-based screening system SAFE-i24 to include processed food imports, in a bid to maintain food safety and quality while maximising efficiency particularly during peak seasons.
The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has launched a new food allergen labelling guidebook targeted at food and beverage manufacturers, importers and retailers to ease companies into newly-enforced regulatory requirements.
Mainstream food and beverage firms flouting Taiwan advertising rules and regulations will now be subject to harsher punishments, with repeat offenders warned their businesses could be closed down.
The South Korean government has plans to significantly boost the level of food safety assurance in the local food system by investing into facility and technological improvements for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) advancement.
Indian dairy brand Epigamia believes that its new single-serve, ready-to-eat (RTE) desserts range will tap on rising local consumer demand for choice and individual preferences when it comes to sweet treats.
Global food and beverage giant Nestle has its eye on expanding its premium and healthy ageing product portfolios as it seeks to return to ‘normalised’ growth.
Dubai-based frozen desserts brand House of Pops has identified three key drivers to propel its next stage of growth, namely expansion of product line-up, increasing market presence, and offering of private label services.
Food and beverage major Nestlé Professional claims there is a need to move away from marketing keywords such as “plant-based” and focus on elevating the taste of alternative protein products to boost “natural” uptake and sector growth.
The Chinese government’s new draft regulations governing the labelling of pre-packaged foods and beverages contains stricter guidelines, including mandating manufacturers to include clearer information on compound ingredients as well as more country of...
Thailand is the latest market in South East Asia to implement new nutritional labelling policies for the food industry, with the authorities also issuing more stringent ‘science-based’ guidelines for on-pack health claims.
The Indonesian government is revising food packaging regulations in response to consumer and academic concerns over the presence of dangerous chemicals entering the food supply chain.
Vietnam has started to enforce its new nutrition labelling regulations, which will see some 40% of domestic manufacturers making on-pack changes over the next two years.
Chinese dairy giant Yili believes that artificial intelligence (AI) in product innovation lies in formulation and efficiency improvements, but stresses it is no silver bullet to create good end-product results.
Brands in South Korea have been compelled to submit product nutritional information, which the government has used to update its national food database for processed goods.
China’s recent removal of tariffs on all dairy products from New Zealand, including milk powder used for both general consumption and processing to infant formula, could spell huge potential for brands that have a strong focus on quality and sustainability.
The Smart Cube’s senior commodity specialist examines the fluctuating commodity market and how things are shaping up this year, as he warns oil, gold and sugar costs are set to rise.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has formally gazetted the definition of ‘added sugars’ to be used as part of its upcoming ‘no added sugars’ labelling policy, and has allowed for a longer transition time based on proposals from the food and...
Major Japanese brands Ajinomoto and Meiji have highlighted how efficient inventory management will be key to reduce food waste throughout their supply chains, as part of their commitment to the national Food Loss Reduction Declaration.
South Korea’s renewed expiration dates system for food and beverage items has been widely adopted by industry and achieved high consumer awareness, says the country’s regulator.
