News & Analysis on Food & Beverage Development & Technology
FHA 2026
South East Asia has all the parts in place to emerge as the key halal growth market for food amid the Middle East conflict — but will the region be able to grasp this opportunity?
今月のJapan Focus:では、スナック分野におけるグリコの成長戦略、消費者に合わせた甘酒の現代的なアレンジ、お茶のイノベーションなどについて深く掘り下げています。
FBIF 2026
With the concept of Food As Medicine growing rapidly in Asia, ginseng specialist firm Herbal Player is making the most of its nanotech to make affordable, market-first products
As demand grows for lighter, food-friendly reds, Taylors Wines is entering the category with a Syrah targeted for Asian cuisine
In this edition of Japan Focus, we dive into Glico’s strategy for growth in the snack category, modernising amazake for consumers, tea innovations, and more
Up the food chain
Yukio Kimura, COO of Glico Asia Pacific, says understanding “genba” – the field where operations and consumer interactions take place – is key to keeping brands relevant in diverse markets
Snack brand Hananomi transforms traditional amazake drink into convenient jelly strips to boost gut and skin health for busy consumers
Space sakura tea and decaffeinated teas are part of Japan GreenTea’s export push, combining novelty, aesthetics and healthier beverage options
Food Ingredients China 2026
Food companies pivot to plant-based additives and health-forward messaging to meet consumer demand and align with the Healthy China 2030 Blueprint
As societies age rapidly, a pressing question emerges: how can we better support seniors with dysphagia, a condition many may one day face?
FHA 2026
Taiwan’s halal brands are leveraging health messaging and cultural appeal to attract overseas consumers from Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Tee Yih Jia is betting on Asian-Western fusion to grow its ALTN plant-based range, diverging from Western-style formats amid slowdown in the plant-based category
This edition features TaoKaeNoi’s new brand ambassador Chen Zheyuan, a rethink of processed food additives, rising demand for natural gut health products in China and more
FIC 2026
Leveraging weight loss, gut and dental health trends, Chinese firms are increasingly creative in reframing artificial sweeteners as a health aligned choice
Food Ingredients China 2026
Chinese consumers are driving demand for natural, gut-friendly and plant-based ingredients, mirroring global trends and boosting innovation in functional products
Thailand’s TaoKaeNoi has appointed Chinese celeb Chen Zheyuan as its global ambassador, tapping rising demand for Asian snacks and building a healthy positioning
Nestlé predicts filtered coffee will see a surge that reflects rising consumer demand for cleaner flavours and innovative brews, especially in APAC
FIC 2026
Top Chinese food science leaders have urged consumers and industry to make fairer judgements of processed foods and additives, calling the sector badly misunderstood
The concepts of shared identity messaging and hybrid meat show potential to increase alt protein uptake
Blended chicken-plant mince has outperformed real meat in APAC taste tests, though gaps remain across the category in flavour, appearance and compositional balance
This edition covers Japan’s sodium labelling shift, Asahi’s profit dip post-cyberattack, silkworm protein for health, and more
Consumer demand for indulgence — and feeling good about it — is increasingly driving food innovation strategies. Here are six key drivers powering this change.
Gen Zs are leaning into lighter, natural flavours to support lifestyle habits, from prolonged screen time to gaming and studying
Growth Asia Summit 2026 takes place from July 8 to 10 in Singapore, and childhood nutrition is one of the main themes to be covered on the first day of the summit.
The probiotic cultured milk brand refocuses on gut health and collagen, riding on the beauty food revolution that has swept across food and wellness categories in Asia
Japan’s Morus Inc is betting on demand for functional products and cultural familiarity with silkworms to drive expansion in Asia
Energy drinks in Asia are evolving beyond caffeine as consumers seek added health benefits, opening opportunities for functional, better-for-you innovation
FIC 2026
One of China’s most traditional proteins has been reimagined in a functional, convenient format, driving modern food industry growth
This edition explores the rising appeal of Chinese food brands, tighter transport rules for edible oils, alcohol and syrups, mental health trends, and more
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
Chinese food brands are using Singapore as a launchpad for overseas growth, partnering retailers such as Scarlett Supermarket to test international demand
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
South Korea’s Daesang Corporation is targeting Japan’s growing appetite for fermented foods as it expands exports of kimchi and gochujang
Diageo’s World Class Cocktail Festival presents traditional spirits through lighter serves and localisation amid growing health and moderation trends
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.
A Japanese study suggests regular rice consumption is linked to better weight control in adults, challenging low-carb weight-loss narratives
Top functional ingredients, trehalose and SmartMilk feature in this edition of Healthier Choices
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
Ingredients giant Kerry has spotlighted scallion as a ‘hero’ flavour amid strong focus on wellness and tradition in its 2026 Taste Charts
Heritage snack firm Asahi Seika reimagines traditional karinto with longer shelf life and trending flavours while retaining its signature crunch and sweetness
Consumers are more receptive to new food and drink products when textures reflect familiar eating experiences
Today’s consumers are redefining snacks, favouring products that combine nutrition, heritage, and convenience
In a world-first move, China has introduced specific regulations to govern live-streamers and related companies dealing in food products
Protein, fibre, nootropics and antioxidants are emerging as key functional ingredients shaping food and drink innovation as wellness continues to steer buying decisions
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 will supply dairy products to athletes and fans during the 2026 Winter Olympics, linking the move to its health and nutrition strategy
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
Barry Callebaut’s new Global Innovation Center in Singapore combines cacao coatings expertise and AI to address rising cocoa costs and climate pressures
Experts say blended protein, fermentation, and mushrooms could revive Asia’s alt-protein market with better nutrition and affordability
The market for GLP 1 companion foods in Asia faces some major challenges – but big opportunities also await if played right