From Japan to Asia: Silkworm protein firm taps health and familiarity
Japan’s Morus Inc is betting on demand for functional products and cultural familiarity with silkworms to drive expansion in Asia
Asian tastes
Localised and functional: Asia energy drinks tap health demand
Energy drinks in Asia are evolving beyond caffeine as consumers seek added health benefits, opening opportunities for functional, better-for-you innovation
FIC 2026
Next-gen beancurd: Reinventing traditional protein for functional convenience
One of China’s most traditional proteins has been reimagined in a functional, convenient format, driving modern food industry growth
China Focus: Chinese brand appeal, tighter transport rules, mental health trends, and more
This edition explores the rising appeal of Chinese food brands, tighter transport rules for edible oils, alcohol and syrups, mental health trends, and more
Food and mental health in China: 2026 trends that brands should watch
China’s growing focus on mental wellness is shaping food trends, driving demand for fresh foods, dairy and lower-sugar options that balance health and indulgence
China appeal: Chinese food brands eye global growth via Singapore
Chinese food brands are using Singapore as a launchpad for overseas growth, partnering retailers such as Scarlett Supermarket to test international demand
UPFs linked to adult uric acid risk: China study
Adults under 60 found to eat more ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), putting them at risk of getting hyperuricemia (high uric acid), leading to gout and kidney diseases
Kimchi in Japan: Daesang taps fermented food demand for exports
South Korea’s Daesang Corporation is targeting Japan’s growing appetite for fermented foods as it expands exports of kimchi and gochujang
Diageo’s cocktail focus: A shift to moderation and wellness
Diageo’s World Class Cocktail Festival presents traditional spirits through lighter serves and localisation amid growing health and moderation trends
Trade war impact: China’s health foods exports to the US slides 14.7% in 2025
The United States is China’s largest health foods export destination; however, exports were down 14.7% last year partly due to U.S. trade tariffs and changing trade policies.
Japan study links eating rice to better weight control
A Japanese study suggests regular rice consumption is linked to better weight control in adults, challenging low-carb weight-loss narratives
Healthier Choices: Top functional ingredients, trehalose and SmartMilk
Top functional ingredients, trehalose and SmartMilk feature in this edition of Healthier Choices
Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from Feb 2026
Check out our top 10 most-read food and beverage industry stories from February 2026, including GLP-1 foods in Asia, India alcohol regulations, matcha chicken nuggets and more
Flavour feature: Scallion in the spotlight for ‘modern savoury’ appeal
Ingredients giant Kerry has spotlighted scallion as a ‘hero’ flavour amid strong focus on wellness and tradition in its 2026 Taste Charts
Crunch appeal: Japanese snack brand revamps karinto for overseas growth
Heritage snack firm Asahi Seika reimagines traditional karinto with longer shelf life and trending flavours while retaining its signature crunch and sweetness
Why familiarity drives texture acceptance in food and drink
Consumers are more receptive to new food and drink products when textures reflect familiar eating experiences
From comfort to function: How snacking is being redefined
Today’s consumers are redefining snacks, favouring products that combine nutrition, heritage, and convenience
China cracks down on food live-streaming with strict new regulations
In a world-first move, China has introduced specific regulations to govern live-streamers and related companies dealing in food products
Top functional ingredients shaping food & drink in 2026
Protein, fibre, nootropics and antioxidants are emerging as key functional ingredients shaping food and drink innovation as wellness continues to steer buying decisions
聚焦日本：麒麟控股增长计划、食品过敏原管控、姜糖浆健康产品趋势及更多动态
本期聚焦麒麟研发战略、日本加强食品过敏原监管、冲绳姜糖浆健康产品出海，以及更多行业动态。
Mengniu steps up health and nutrition push at 2026 Winter Olympics
Mengniu will supply dairy products to athletes and fans during the 2026 Winter Olympics, linking the move to its health and nutrition strategy
Why Sake is on a runway for global growth
The traditional Japanese beverage taps into top consumer demands for premium drinks with authenticity and craftsmanship; as well as offering a versatile lower alcohol option as a base for cocktails and more
Cocoa costs and climate risks: What drives new Barry Callebaut AI hub
Barry Callebaut’s new Global Innovation Center in Singapore combines cacao coatings expertise and AI to address rising cocoa costs and climate pressures
Could blended protein and mushrooms revive alt-protein in Asia?
Experts say blended protein, fermentation, and mushrooms could revive Asia’s alt-protein market with better nutrition and affordability
GLP-1 foods in Asia: State of the market and key challenges
The market for GLP 1 companion foods in Asia faces some major challenges – but big opportunities also await if played right
Balanced meals may matter more than protein alone: Japan study
New data shows than balanced meals, rather than focusing on one nutrient such as protein, are more closely linked to kids’ healthier weight development
Ginger syrup taps food-as-medicine trend to expand Europe, Asia appeal
An Okinawa-based ginger syrup firm is expanding into Europe and Asia, betting on rising demand for traditional food-as-medicine solutions linked to health and beauty
Kirin doubling down on beer innovation and R&D to fuel global growth
Beer giant Kirin is ramping up focus on its beer and R&D businesses to drive international growth, boosting the use of new technology and localisation
ASEAN watch: Our Top 10 ASEAN stories from the past year
We reveal the top 10 ASEAN food and beverage stories of 2025, spanning trade and regulatory developments, supply chain challenges and emerging innovation across the region
Gut-muscle axis: Soy protein intake improves muscle health in seniors
The supplementation of soy protein has been shown to improve muscle health and modulate the gut microbiome – findings that a group of Chinese researchers say would support the gut–muscle axis hypothesis.
Sustainability spotlight: Our Top 10 Sustainability stories from the past year
Here are our top 10 sustainability stories of 2025, spanning corporate strategy, upcycling innovation and the practical challenges facing the food and beverage industry
Healthy, familiar, accessible: Making alternative protein more scalable
From mung bean snacks to microalgae desserts, familiar and healthier formats are emerging as key levers to help alternative protein firms scale
Alt protein spotlight: Our Top 10 Alternative Protein stories from the past year
We reveal the top 10 most popular alt protein stories from this year, from leaf-powered protein to cultivated seafood and more
Youth engagement and gamification drive APAC & ME packaging trends
Brands are embracing connected packaging, using youth-focused, gamified strategies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Thai firm revives superfood wolffia, blending heritage and nutrition
Thai brand Flo turns local superfood wolffia into protein drinks and flavour enhancers, tapping global demand for convenient, healthy foods
3 must-watch emerging food & drink categories for growth in 2026
Amid the many uncertainties and changes seen by the food industry, we believe these three emerging categories have the potential to drive major change in the coming year
China taps tourism and e-commerce to boost rural tea and oranges
China promotes tea and navel oranges in its latest round of belt and road initiatives to boost rural economies in days leading up to the festive season
Mondelez, Uncle Saba’s: Nostalgia and mindfulness shaping snack trends
Sentimentality and health are increasingly influencing consumer snack choices, as they seek comfort, tradition and emotional connection in their purchases
Nippon focus: Our Top 10 Japan stories from the previous year
Here are our top 10 most popular stories from the Land of the Rising Sun, including big brand innovations, regulatory changes, regional food trade initiatives, and more
PepsiCo doubles down on zero-sugar push with Disney cans in China
Pepsico launches zero-sugar beverages in limited edition Zootopia cans across China, after claiming victory over zero-sugar Coke in the 2025 Pepsi Challenge
Science spotlight: Our Top 10 science, research and tech stories in 2025
See our top 10 most-read science, research and technology stories from this year, featuring ‘Nobel Prize-worthy’ theabrownin, Meiji protein study, cell-cultured coffee and more
5 need-to-know regulations set to impact APAC food & beverage in 2026
From Indonesia’s all-out halal regulations to sodium policies spurring rapid reformulation and taxation changes affecting food company strategies, these are five regulatory and policy updates that are expected to have a major impact on the F&B sector in 2026
ブランニュー：PepsiCo GHAC、2025年トップ10ビッグブランドニュース、 Amazon
今回のBrand Newでは、PepsiCo GHAC、2025年トップ10ブランドニュース、Amazonなど、大手企業を特集しています。
ジャパン フォーカス：キリンのグローバル展開、食事関連健康リスク
今回はキリンの拡大計画、果物・野菜摂取不足に伴う健康リスクなどを取り上げています。
Korean firm expands citrus products in Japan as wellness demand grows
Korean ingredients firm Suchang is expanding its citrus-based business into Japan, developing mandarin peel products to tap rising wellness demand
Packaging in focus: Our Top 10 Packaging stories from 2025
Here are our top 10 packaging stories featuring thermal strips on wine bottles, regulatory updates, sustainability challenges, and more
US, Thailand drive Kirin’s craft gin and shochu push
Kirin’s Mercian is expanding into the US and Thailand with craft gin and shochu, citing strong demand for Japanese spirits and growing interest in Japanese cuisine
How Asahi got Japan hooked on yeast-based milk
The maker of Asahi Super Dry released a unique plant-based drink – and took the Japanese market by storm
China highlights: Our top 10 China stories from 2025
We highlight our top 10 most-read China stories from 2025, covering policy shifts, product innovation, and changing consumer demands
How affordable indulgence is driving APAC snack market
We explore how consumers are engaging in mindful spending and drawn to flavour innovations that balance taste and value