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
Healthier innovation
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
Is Asia the next GLP‑1 boom market and what it means for F&B?
After a slow start, Asia’s GLP‑1 weight‑loss market is poised for explosive growth as China and India tackle obesity and food and drink brands race to become essential GLP‑1 companions
Science Shorts: Rice for weight control, functional dairy tech and more
Rice for weight control, functional dairy tech and more feature in this edition of Science Shorts
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
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.
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
SmartMilk: The creation of a new functional milk category
New Zealand firm Lullaa has developed SmartMilk, a functional dairy drink combining botanicals, synbiotics and collagen for everyday health and beauty support
Asia sustainability report: Protein sources, food safety gaps strain progress
Asia’s food industry is battling various hurdles threatening the rapid progress of sustainability agendas, with protein diversification and food safety emerging as major issues
Gulfood 2026
Hunter Foods’ spicy chips bring extra heat to Middle East chilli lovers
Snacking giant Hunter Foods has launched a range of new snacks meant for ‘true chilli lovers’ in the Middle East, bringing more bold heat and flavour to the region
From trash to toast: How sunflower oil waste could become bread’s next health upgrade
Research into sunflower oil byproducts suggests an overlooked ingredient could help bakers lift protein and fiber levels while supporting sustainability goals and easing pressure on wheat-based formulations
The hottest need states driving functional food and drink
The next wave of functional innovation is coming. Here are four key need states to watch
Otsuka Pharma beefs up POCARI SWEAT production in China
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, the owner of the electrolyte drink POCARI SWEAT, is ramping up production in China with a newly opened factory in Tianjin.
From comfort to function: How snacking is being redefined
Today’s consumers are redefining snacks, favouring products that combine nutrition, heritage, and convenience
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
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
Dole Specialty Ingredients scales upcycling amid cost pressures
Dole Specialty Ingredients says upcycling fruit side streams into functional ingredients has nutritional and economic promise, but high costs still limit adoption
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
Gulfood 2026
Farm Fresh redefines healthy snacking with matcha chicken nuggets
UAE-based Farm Fresh has taken the concept of functional snacking to a new level with its matcha-infused chicken nuggets, blending flavour and function with novelty
Fibre on the rise: Broad benefits and safety credentials drive growth
The fibre category is gaining momentum, supported by wide-ranging health benefits and reliable safety certifications that strengthen market confidence
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
3 key lessons for food brands targeting the ‘Future Consumer’
The ‘Future Consumer’ is here, and food brands need to stay ahead of their evolving tastes and expectations to survive in the long run
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
Whole grains: A functional, clean label treasure trove?
Natural, whole and ancient grains boast strong nutritional benefits and minimal processing
Why salt reduction is getting harder for food makers
Governments may be returning to salt reduction targets, but manufacturers say the era of easy reformulation wins is long over
Child obesity surge fuels push to restrict unhealthy food packaging
As obesity rates climb, experts focus on packaging as a strong influence on children’s choices – both as a risk factor and a tool to promote healthier diets
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
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Calbee, NielsenIQ, PepsiCo to present this July
Calbee, NielsenIQ and PepsiCo are some of the biggest names giving keynote presentations at this year’s Growth Asia Summit.
Plant-based failing? Here’s how to win at hybrid
Hybrid meat and dairy strategies are evolving in four key ways
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
UAE government survey flags high salt, low vitamin D in local diets
New UAE data has shown excess salt consumption and poor vitamin D levels, findings set to guide national reformulation and health initiatives
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
India focus: Here are our Top 10 India stories from the past year
From Modi’s anti-obesity campaign to regulatory news and start-up innovations, we feature the top 10 most-read India stories from the past year
Top 5 trends shaping healthy dairy snacking
From cheese bites to RTD beverages, dairy is primed for success in the healthy snacking space
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
Million‑dollar Sustainable Protein grant aims to fast‑track market entry
The new grant, powered by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Singapore government, aims to advance the development of Sustainable Protein in the region, supporting innovators to accelerate their products’ to-market entry
Healthier Choices: PepsiCo zero-sugar, Korean citrus and more
PepsiCo zero-sugar, Korean citrus and more feature in this edition of Healthier Choices
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