The dairy sector in Australia has highlighted concerns of ‘yet another blow’ to the industry as a result of Fonterra’s recent strategy change that includes plans to divest its consumer brands.
The Philippines government has launched a new digital ‘pre-border’ verification and payment system for food and other product imports to improve efficiency, with the scheme to be headed by a multi-ministry committee.
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.
Biscuits heavyweight Lotte believes that it needs to increase its focus on markets out of its comfort zone in order to accelerate growth, particularly in Asia where the market for baked products is becoming increasingly saturated.
Plant-based industry experts APAc are divided on the future direction of the sector, with some believing that it is likely to be integrated into local culture and others still hoping for a more radical takeover.
The Indonesian government has announced a two-year postponement of its mandate for all food and beverage enterprises to be halal certified, originally set for this year, in view of governance changes and the slow progress being made.
Nestle China has launched an upcycled cascara beverage line that offers consumers a dual ‘coffee meets tea’ drinking experience, tapping on the strong local demand for teas and rapid new product innovation.
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.
The Thai government has published draft regulations on governance over the alternative proteins industry starting with the plant-based sector, and has suggested banning certain animal-related terms but allowing others.
The Indonesian government has published new regulations mandating that all water bottles made with polycarbonate packaging that contains the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) must now attach a sign to warn consumers of potential leaching.
The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formalised new regulations requiring food firms to obtain a new specific ‘Samples Only’ import permit for all products meant for research use after a year of deliberations.
The South Korean food authorities have highlighted that public health and potential food safety concerns will be its top priorities when developing the upcoming regulations to govern cultivated meat in the country.
An investor letter issued earlier this month by non-profit Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ) has called out international chocolate companies to end what it described as “exploitative purchasing practices,” mainly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Major brands from Kirin to Yili believe that there is an increasing need for the APAC beverage sector to innovate with added functional and convenience benefits for consumers, especially in a time when the industry is seen as increasingly costly.
Snacking giant Mondelez International believes that baked snacks are set to play a major role in propelling the APAC market , underscoring this belief with the launch of its new US$5mn bakery-focused facility in Singapore.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical reported an “extraordinary loss” of nearly US$25m (JPY$3.86bn) in its Q1 results due to the recall of its contaminated red yeast rice products, raw materials, and compensation of medical expenses.
Cultivated meat brand GOOD Meat’s recent retail launch of a new chicken product in Singapore has divided experts across the food industry as to whether this is a step forward for the sector or simply a means to cut costs amidst the firm’s financial struggles.
Egg industry leaders in China have highlighted a need to develop better traceability technology to ensure cage-free eggs reaching consumers are authentic, in order for the sector to reach the next phase of development.
World Food Prize winner Dr Shakunthala Thilsted believes that all-inclusive food system transformation will require a greater focus on combining big data and traditional knowledge as well as better recognition of aquatic food potential and consumer diversity.
How can India's spice sector bounce back from two high profile contamination scandals? We ask experts in the country to weigh in with their recommendations.
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.
The South Korean government’s national food export strategy will see experiential marketing and support for food firms to export to second-line cities worldwide become major areas of focus, amid its bid to hit an 80% overseas favourability rating by 2027.
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.
Join us today at 3pm SGT for our free exclusive Healthy Ageing APAC webinar where we drill down the latest developments, research and innovations in this crucial category.
The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is implementing stricter food safety requirements when importing animal-based products into the country.
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.
Palm oil industry experts have criticised a new EU-backed analysis that identified ‘shortcomings’ in Malaysia’s national sustainability certification scheme that prevent it from being fully accepted under the new EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
Brewery giant Carlsberg Malaysia has pledged to pour in additional investments to boost select parts of its SAIL business strategy, with priority given to areas such as premium and zero-alcohol innovation, digitalisation and supply chain efficiency improvement.
South Korea has seen a leap in ramen exports across its key export destinations in the first quarter of the year, led primarily by growth in the United States, South East Asia and European markets.
The UK Government plans to take a ‘light touch’ approach to post-Brexit checks on food in a bid to avoid red tape and bureaucracy, according to the exports minister.
Singaporean supplements firm Sainhall is making a comeback venture into the healthy snacking category with its DeeFruit fruit snacks range, looking to tap on the rising demands for convenience and wellness in the region.
Close to 90% of municipalities in Japan need to improve accessibility to food for elderly consumers amid the country’s shift to an ageing population, according to new government data.
South Korean tea brand Osulloc believes that the future of the tea category lies in blended teas that can bring out ‘optimal combinations’ of scent and flavour as opposed to traditional single-variety teas.
Malaysia is looking to China’s national cage-free eggs strategy as a model for its own egg supply chain following new data revealing a rapid rise in consumer demand.
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.
More than 110 health hazards involving 18 Foods with Function Claims (FFC) products were declared by FFC businesses over the past two weeks, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) said.
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.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is facing major pushback from ministers and trade organisations within Europe, alongside continued pressure from palm oil producer nations in Asia, casting doubt on hopes for a smooth implementation.
Kirin wine brand Mercian is partnering with Chilean wine giant Concha y Toro to launch a series of premium products including Japanese wines with a globalised flavour profile to improve its worldwide reach.
China regulators are considering subjecting the local ready-to-cook (RTC) foods category to additional mandatory standards and regulations in response to general public concerns over the food safety and quality.
Fruit intake in APAC remains well-below the recommended levels, despite around 90% of consumers being aware of its health benefits, says kiwi firm Zespri.
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.
Singapore-based Lion Brewery has launched its pioneering nitrogen-infused stout in a canned format to cater to easier at-home consumption, as it looks to give market leader Guinness a run for its money.
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 cultivated meat sector looks to be in for a long term of funding and growth uncertainty amidst a global ‘funding winter’, even in Singapore which many start-ups in the industry considered ‘the place to be’ from a regulatory and financial.
Taiwan-based Blossom Tea has developed a range of granulated tea crystals which it believes will help it to tap on both convenience and health trends in markets across the Greater China region.
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.
