Sugar and starches

Playing to strengths: Japan’s Tastable hopes texture expertise will help grow Nikuvege plant-based brand

04-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Japanese plant-based meat firm Tastable hopes its experience in texture modification will help it successfully commercialise and grow its new Nikuvege brand.

Food manufacturing in Saudi Arabia: National targets and ‘gender inclusivity’ propelling industry to new heights

26-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

National government support of food manufacturing localisation targets as well as the gradual rise of female leadership roles in the industry are serving as key factors behind Saudi Arabia’s rapid food industry growth in the Middle Eastern region, claim...

Sweet complexities: ANZ ministers want clearer definition of ‘added sugars’ ahead of labelling policy changes

18-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

Australian and New Zealand ministers responsible for the region’s food industry have called for clearer definitions for the term ‘added sugars’.

‘Too big a gamble’: EastRoc pledges continued use of sugar in energy drinks despite cost hikes and market trends

04-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

China energy beverage giant EastRoc will continue to use sugar as a primary ingredient in its best-selling products despite rising costs and a rapidly growing sugar-free trend in major cities.

Country-specific context: India reiterates no-go stance on sweetener use for weight management

30-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) has stressed that existing local guidelines do not endorse the replacement of sugar with sweeteners for weight loss, while joining calls for more localised research to be conducted on its impacts.

Easing customs congestion: Thai FDA launches express digital service to accelerate processing of F&B imports

01-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

Thailand is the latest Asian market to establish a fully digitalised express customs processing service, which is hoped to greatly accelerate food and beverage import operations at its checkpoints in line with the national Thailand 4.0 strategy.

A ‘momentous’ occasion: New Zealand food sector urges swift grocery code of conduct implementation following commissioner appointment

24-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

The New Zealand food and grocery industry has urged for the swift establishment of its own local grocery code of conduct to hasten the improvement of competition and fair business conditions, whilst also lauding the appointment of industry veteran Pierre...

No short-term success: Slashing sugary drink intake yields limited metabolic health benefits across 12 weeks

07-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Switching from sugary drinks to ‘diet’ drinks or water showed little short-term effects on metabolic or cognitive health outcomes across 12 weeks, a new study has shown.

Healthier but scarier: Over half of Chinese consumers doubtful about safety of sweeteners– national survey

15-May-2023 By Pearly Neo

Over half of all Chinese consumer still harbour doubts over the safety of both natural and artificial sweeteners on a regular basis, according to a recent nationwide survey.

‘Samples Only’: Philippines FDA sets strict import guidelines for unregistered food products used for R&D

10-May-2023 By Pearly Neo

The Philippines Food and Drug Administration is implementing new strict import guidelines for food and beverage items that manufacturers want to use for R&D.

Salt and sugar reduction: Kraft Heinz says China, Indonesia plans key part of APAC ESG commitments

09-May-2023 By Pearly Neo

Global food giant Kraft Heinz has revealed salt and sugar reduction projects for major markets such as China and Indonesia, with the firm stating its nutritional strategy is a key part of its regional sustainability commitments.

Making sugar reduction mainstream: Swiftlet sees snacking format as gateway to mass market

22-Feb-2023 By Pearly Neo

Swiftlet believes that developing everyday sugar-reduced food products such as snacks are a key gateway to integrate sugar reduction into APAC consumers’ daily diets.

Nutritional navigation: UAE eyes ‘virtual elimination’ of trans fats and sets ambitious salt reduction targets

26-Jan-2023 By Pearly Neo

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...

FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRAILBLAZERS PODCAST EP 38

Innocent innovation: How better-for-you confectionery is shifting candies out of the ‘guilty’ indulgence space

25-Jan-2023 By Pearly Neo

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.

Low sugar, higher calcium: Demand for tasty, healthier treats inspire chocolate innovation at Tatgu

12-Jan-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Singapore chocolate firm Tatgu used the pandemic to press ahead with innovation across its low-sugar and -GI, and high-calcium product ranges, as it seeks to meet soaring demand for better-for-you treats.

Taking control: Indonesian government aims to dominate sugar sector in same way as palm oil

07-Nov-2022 By Pearly Neo

The Indonesian government is to establish what will become the nation’s largest sugar company by 2028, aiming to seize control of the local sugar market in the same way it dominates the palm oil sector.

Limited access: Indonesia drafts new risk-based rules for imported processed foods

02-Nov-2022 By Pearly Neo

Indonesia has decided to push ahead with plans to tighten regulations governing imported processed foods by introducing a risk-based assessment system.

Growth Asia Summit 2022

Proof and pride: Science-backed ingredients and sensitive marketing key for healthy ageing success in Asia

02-Nov-2022 By Pearly Neo

The scientific validation of ingredients and sensitive marketing strategies are key for brands to drive repeat purchases in Asia’s thriving healthy ageing category, according to an expert panel at our Growth Asia Summit 2022.

F&B TRAILBLAZERS PODCAST EPISODE 36

Hitting the sweet spot: How sugar-replacement start-up will maintain brand focus after conglomerate merger

26-Oct-2022 By Pearly Neo

Ensuring that brand focus is maintained after joining a larger company is crucial to sustain and boost growth, according to sugar replacement start-up Swiftlet which has become part of Vietnamese conglomerate Senix Health Group.

Resistance and reticence: Japanese reluctant to ride plant-based protein wave – CEO

26-Oct-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Global and regional plant-based protein brands should be prepared to face a reticent crowd should they plan to enter Japan at this juncture, according to the CEO and co-founder of alternative egg firm UMAMI United, Hiroto Yamazaki.

‘E-commerce not a luxury’: Alibaba and Dubai government project looks to boost Middle East F&B exports

19-Oct-2022 By Pearly Neo

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is establishing Dubai’s first e-commerce pavilion on its platform with the backing of local trade authority Dubai Industries and Exports, urging Middle Eastern food firms to hop on board and boost exports to China and...

Still sweet on sugar reduction: Suntory urges beverage firms to be ‘forward-looking’ to thwart tax threats

19-Oct-2022 By Pearly Neo

Beverage giant Suntory believes that a focus on ‘forward-looking’ sugar reduction will remain crucial for firms to overcome the risk of sugar taxes and achieve significant, long-term growth in the region over the coming few years.

Spread bet: Singapore nut butter brand EATNUF aims for China, Malaysia markets in 2023

03-Oct-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Singapore natural nut butter brand EATNUF aims to enter China and Malaysia, besides diversifying its product portfolio, in 2023.

APAC stevia trends: Dairy, traditional snacks providing growth alongside beverages

28-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Reformulation and new production development of dairy products, dried foods, bakery and snacks, along with beverages, are driving stevia growth in China and the wider Asia Pacific region, claims global ingredient firm Tate & Lyle.

Self-sufficiency scramble: South Korea turns to rice flour as wheat hit by inflation and supply chain challenges

28-Sep-2022 By Pearly Neo

South Korea has announced new plans to utilise rice flour as a substitute for wheat flour where possible to combat rising inflation and supply chain challenges.

Cementing success: New plant will see Indian oil giant B. L. Agro Industries vastly boost output

27-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

India’s edible oils and food giant B. L. Agro Industries is gearing up for a rapid increase in production as it seeks to cement its position in the domestic market.

Maintain status quo: Vitamin B1 does not improve glycaemic outcomes for Type 2 diabetics – Review

19-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Consuming vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplementation, specifically at doses of 100 to 900mg daily for up to three months, does not improve glycaemic outcomes among Type 2 diabetes patients, according to a recent review.

Fruit without frills: No added sugar trend and affordability push driving Middle East juice growth

19-Sep-2022 By Pearly Neo

The juice industry in the Middle East is being driven by demands for no added sugar products in the wake of rising health consciousness and government ‘sin taxes’, along with major brand efforts to make them affordable to the mass market.

Tapping potential: Indian nutra firm Diabliss to develop 10 new herbal water products

13-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Chennai-based nutraceutical and food firm Diabliss Consumer Products is developing another 10 herbal water supplements – on top of its five existing products – to tap the lucrative potential of the general wellness market in the country.

‘Beyond peanuts’: Olam seeks to improve low consumer awareness of alternative nut butters

12-Sep-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Olam says it is on a mission to improve low consumer awareness of ‘natural and sustainable’ alternative nut butters in Asia in a bid to open up new product development opportunities for the entire category.

FNA DEEP DIVE: SPREADS

Spreading wellness: Free-from and flavour localisation driving cross-category spreads growth in APAC

07-Sep-2022 By Pearly Neo and Nurul Ain Razali

Firms across the Asia Pacific spreads industry have highlighted free-from ingredient labels and flavour localisation as key growth drivers, regardless of the category of spreads they are in, from nut butter to fruit jams to cheese spreads.

Sweet success: Turkish honey brand Polenkoy achieves 30% growth in India, Australia, eyes wider-Asia

24-Aug-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Turkey’s honey brand Polenkoy is targeting a deeper reach into the Asian market after achieving 30% growth year-on-year through its partners in India and Australia.

Drink risk: Higher intake of sweetened beverages linked to increased CVD mortality in younger adults – Study

22-Aug-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Daily consumption of two or more servings of sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to a 50% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality among younger adults aged 20 to 39.

Got your back: APAC consumers increasingly turning to ingredient lists first - ofi

18-Aug-2022 By Pearly Neo

Asia Pacific consumers are increasingly turning to the back of food packaging to check ingredient lists, before considering any front-of-pack health claims, with interest in clean label products seemingly gathering pace.

Scrapping ‘melting pot’ mentality: Flavour innovation in APAC food firms increasingly driven by culture and localisation

21-Jul-2022 By Pearly Neo

The flavour innovation process for brands in the APAC region is being increasingly driven by culture and localisation, with many of the region’s bigger food firms already grasping the importance of this trend.

Novel entry: Singapore white honey brand Al Honey targets South East Asia, Australia after Saudi backing

11-Jul-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Singapore brand Al Honey is planning its expansion in South East Asia and Australia over the next two years with its novel white honey product.

Not cherry picking: NZ hopes cherry functional health benefits can help boost exports

29-Jun-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

New Zealand is pumping in cash to boost its cherry-growing industry by funding research to assess the nutritional value of the stone fruit that has been purported to reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure and improve sleep among many.

Millet consumption reduces cholesterol, cuts risk of hyperlipidaemia and obesity – Study

28-Jun-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

The consumption of millets reduces total cholesterol and lowers body mass index (BMI), compared to other staples such as rice, wheat and quinoa.

Slashing spoilage: Indian bioactive sachet innovation could boost fresh produce shelf life

27-Jun-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Chennai-based start-up Greenpod Labs has invented bioactive sachets that claim to reduce the spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sweet savings: Sugar reduction an effective cost-cutting solution to overcome Middle East inflation challenges

22-Jun-2022 By Pearly Neo

Sugar reduction strategies can be an effective tool to cut production costs and lower prices whilst also satisfying Middle East consumer and government demand for healthier products, according to Tate & Lyle.

Green is gold: Mondelez on why sustainability leads to economic profitability for food industry

21-Jun-2022 By Pearly Neo

Global snacking giant Mondelez says sustainability in business operations is much more important to food and beverage companies to achieve economic profitability than popular opinion currently dictates, urging firms to think in the long-term.

Deficiency dilemma: Long-term gluten-free diets for celiac women leads to nutrition shortfall – Study

09-Jun-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Women with celiac disease following a strict, long-term gluten-free diet could face major deficiencies in major nutrients, including vitamin D, folate, calcium and iron, according to a new study.

Manufacturers pay? Foodstuffs NZ cuts prices to win consumer favour but industry says brands could count the cost

07-Jun-2022 By Pearly Neo

New Zealand’s food and grocery sector says manufacturers could end up footing bill after one of the nation’s largest chains Foodstuffs cuts prices to win back consumer – and likely government – favour.

Claims caution: Middle East manufacturers warned over off-pack claims as more governments take note

25-May-2022 By Pearly Neo

Food and beverage manufacturers in the Middle East have been urged to stop toeing the line in terms of making any off-pack claims for their products, given increasing awareness and warnings raised by governments in the region.

Tech revolution: Intense Chinese uptake of digitalisation, robotics propelling food, ag sector

24-May-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

The rapid adoption of digitalisation and robotics is making serious waves to amplify China’s status in the food and agtech sectors, claims a leading regional investment expert.

Local flavour, global appeal: Singapore’s Melvados aims to expand with fusion snack offerings

16-May-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Consumers are increasingly demanding more information about ingredients and traceability in the booming East-West fusion food category, that spans everything from pandan nuts to kaya ice cream.

Securing Singapore? Scale of city state’s food security 2030 challenge underlined by new data

04-May-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

The scale of Singapore’s challenge to achieve 30% food self-sufficiency by 2030 has been underlined by new data released by the city state’s national food agency.

Low calories beverages viable water alternatives to sweetened drinks in overweight, obese adults - Study

07-Apr-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

Drinking low- and no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSBs), as a substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) leads to small improvements in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors, according to a new study.

Tax attack? Aussie beverage sector fights back against government threat of price hikes

06-Apr-2022 By Nurul Ain Razali

The Australian beverage sector has hit out at veiled warnings of price increases and tax hikes for soft drinks detailed in the country’s latest obesity strategy, claiming that such policy measures are ineffective.

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.