Dairy opportunities in Asia abundant for foreseeable future – expert insights
There is a wealth of opportunities for the dairy sector in Asia to grow and innovate particularly China and South East Asia, say experts.
East Asia
Plant-based diet, mental health interventions may help improve older adult sleep
There may be a positive correlation between nutrient-rich plant-based diets and improved sleep health among older adults, according to a study by researchers in China.
Frequent fast food linked to higher depression, anxiety risk in young adults: HK study
Frequent consumption of certain fast food items may increase the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in young adults, say researchers in Hong Kong.
South Korea launches 19 government-backed reduced-sodium and sugar products
The South Korean government has collaborated with industry to launch 19 reduced-sodium and sugar food and beverage products as it seeks to meet national targets.
a2 Milk taps on senior nutrition in a move to maximise China’s market potential
The a2 Milk Company is doubling down on its senior nutrition business in China as it explores different ways to maximise the market’s potential.
Peasup taps chickpea versatility and nutrition to push superfood status
China-based Peasup is looking to push chickpea-based products as the next national superfood, banking on the legumes’ wide all-rounded profile and versatility across various preparation methods.
Gummy growth: Japan candy company Kanro seeks to hit JPY50bn sales by 2030
The CEO of Japan’s biggest candy company Kanro has revealed how it hopes to drive sales to JPY50bn (US323m) by 2030.
Japan candy company Kanro seeks to hit JPY50bn sales by 2030
The CEO of Japan’s biggest candy company, Kanro, has revealed how it hopes to drive sales to JPY50bn (US323m) by 2030.
Probiotics, botanicals dominating packaged foods
Recent research findings by Euromonitor International highlight the prominence of probiotic and botanical ingredients in packaged foods in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which also underscores innovation opportunities for wider application and variation.
South Korea RTE kimchi sales soar amid rising vegetable costs
Retail companies in South Korea are banking on the increasing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) packaged kimchi that has resulted from the surge in cabbage prices and shifting consumer preferences.
Whey-derived peptide lowers self-perceived stress levels – Six-week Kirin study
The supplementation of a whey-derived peptide has been shown to lower self-perceived levels of stress among middle-aged adults, according to a six-week study conducted by Kirin Holdings.
Local sensibilities: CJ CheilJedang seeks to accelerate expansion in Thailand through new tempeh snack
South Korean food giant CJ CheilJedang has launched a range of tempeh chips pandering to local consumer preferences in Thailand, with the aim of spurring its growth in the market.
Traditional ties: Chinese firms tapping strong cultural heritage of lotus and beans to develop unique plant-based business focus
Chinese firms are looking beyond common plant-based ingredients such as soybeans and oats to develop their own take on the alternative proteins sector, based on much deeper traditional and cultural heritage.
Blackmores boost: Strong sales reduce losses for Kirin’s health science business
Blackmores’ strong sales performance in Q3 FY2024 has helped parent company Kirin reduce the operating loss coming from its health science business.
‘Thirst for knowledge’, new money and greater accessibility driving rapid growth of wine market in SEA
London-based Berry Bros. & Rudd says that the increased accessibility, spending power, and “thirst for knowledge” about wine among South East Asian (SEA) consumers have contributed to the company’s growth in the region.
Meiji expands snack range made with bitter-reducing, nutrient-retaining ‘cacao granules’
Meiji is launching a new product under its WELLCACAO range, which is made with the company’s proprietary cacao-based ingredient that claims to be less bitter and better retain nutrients such as polyphenols.
Trump’s tariff threat: China botanical extracts suppliers look to SEA to mitigate economic impact
There are plans among China botanical extracts suppliers to build operations in South East Asia in a bid to bypass potential tariffs hikes under the new Trump administration.
Flavours and colours 2025: Personalised wellness and bold, fruity profiles set to shape food trends – ADM
ADM has identified four key trends that will influence the food and beverage industry, focusing on personalised wellness and bold, fruity flavours.
‘Quality over quantity’: Pernod Ricard prioritises ultra-prestige portfolio to satisfy growing appetite for premium and niche spirits
Alcohol major Pernod Ricard is focusing on increasing awareness and availability of its prestige brands in burgeoning markets and channels, while expanding its premium craft spirits portfolio to meet growing interest for niche products.
‘Sunburnt and discoloured’: Japan steps up efforts to mitigate global warming impact on food security and quality
Japan is seeking to alleviate the impact of global warming on its domestic food supply chain after new data showed how rising temperatures are hitting crops and increasing food loss.
Kimchi in a can: South Korea’s Narichan launches new RTD drink to move beyond tradition and boost exports
South Korean kimchi-focused company Narichan has launched a new ready-to-drink (RTD) kimchi drink in a bid to move beyond the traditional concepts of the product and consumption boost exports.
Safe food, safe kids: South Korea eyes legislation-led improvements in rural Children’s Diet Safety Index
South Korea is looking to improve the Children’s Diet Safety Index in its rural areas, after seeing poorer results compared to urban cities and the national average.
Taking a ‘dip’ dive: Kraft Heinz China highlights convenience and multi-level localisation as crucial condiment market drivers
Condiments market leader Kraft Heinz has identified convenience and localisation as particularly important drivers for the market in China, particularly when it comes to format and taste innovation.
Saudi Arabia’s Vlinder Chocolate enters South Korea amid relentless ‘Dubai chocolate’ craze
Saudi Arabia’s Vlinder Chocolate recently debuted its “Dubai chocolate-style” products in South Korea, on the back of the viral food trend that has taken the market by storm over the past year.
Meiji invests USD28m to boost production capacity of Hello Panda in US, catapult overseas sales
Japanese dairy giant Meiji will invest USD28m into its US subsidiary to increase production capacity of its hero brand Hello Panda, aiming to raise overseas sales ratio to 10% or more by 2026.
Risk minimisation: South Korean ministries urge national information-sharing collaboration to combat illegal food trade
South Korean ministries have signed a formal data-sharing agreement with local organisations in order to formulate more timely responses to illegal food and beverage trade at its borders, in response to a reported rise in such cases.
Guava goodness: Taiwan’s Han-Sient taps patented extraction tech for guava leaves to target ASEAN diabetic and weight loss markets
Taiwan-based Han-Sient believes it has struck gold with its patented technology to produce guava leaf extract for blood sugar control and fat-burning, eyeing the diabetic and weight loss markets in South East Asia as its next major expansion step.
Breaking tradition: YEBISU accelerating expansion of creative range to catalyse new appeal for beer
Sapporo-owned YEBISU has been actively adding new beer flavours to its “creative range” over the past year, in a bid to stimulate new appeal for the alcoholic beverage.
'Pure craftsmanship': Mongolian spirits firm looks to break onto international stage with premium base and distillation process
Mongolian spirits firm Chinggis Khan has its eye firmly on the international stage with its premium vodka, believing that its premium base ingredients and specialised distillation process will give it an edge over the competition.
Sweet move? China may allow chocolates, candies, jellies, beverages for health foods filing
China may allow health foods in the form of chocolates, candies, jellies, and beverages to go through the official health foods filing process.
New Australian supplements data part 1: China set to be first billion dollar export market in 2024
Australian supplements exports to China are forecast to exceed US$1bn for the first time this year, with the key Asian market set to continue to account for a staggering three-quarters of all products shipped overseas.
Vitafoods Asia 2024
Powder power: South Korean women’s wellness and beauty specialist NGT eyes Asian expansion with Active Enzyme sticks
South Korea’s Natural Good Things (NGT) is eyeing an expansion across Asia with its Active Enzyme sticks after successfully making a name for itself in the domestic women’s beauty and wellness market.
‘Positive progress’: Japan rejoices over Taiwan’s relaxing of restrictions on food exports affected by Fukushima nuclear disaster
The Japanese government has warmly welcomed Taiwan’s long-awaited decision to relax import restrictions on food exports affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, dubbing this as ‘positive progress’ towards full trade recovery.
Japanese researchers develop nutrient profiling model to spur healthier food options
A group of Japanese researchers have developed a nutrient profiling model (NPM) adapted to the local food culture and health policies, in the hope of establishing an official system to promote healthier product formulation and better food choices.
Beyond cosmetics: K-beauty brand Clio debuts beauty-from-within supplements in Japan
South Korean firm Clio has debuted its ingestible beauty brand, TRUE RX, in drugstores across Japan, underlining its expansion endeavours in this market beyond the cosmetics sector.
Enhancing enjoyment: Hanamaruki looks to tap sodium reduction and affordability demands in ASEAN with new koji powder
Japan-based Hanamaruki believes that its newly launched flavour-enhancing koji powder is in a prime position to cater to product innovation in South East Asia that fulfils both sodium reduction and affordability requirements.
South Korean convenience chain GS25 building on Netflix collaboration to pursue new cross-industry partnerships
South Korean convenience store chain GS25 is looking to build on the “successful cross-industry partnership model” that it claims to have established after achieving strong sales of food products launched in collaboration with Netflix.
Cell Biotech’s DUOLAC to capitalise on entry into Taiwan’s Costco for further expansion in Chinese-speaking markets
Cell Biotech-owned supplement brand DUOLAC expects its recent entry into Taiwan’s major supermarket chain to accelerate expansion in the greater China region, amid strong efforts to promote Korean probiotics globally.
Silver dollars: 'Affordability and comfort' key for Asia's ageing population, with electrolytes and prebiotics trending
Key influencers of consumer behaviour among Asia’s ageing population include affordability and familiar flavours, with electrolyte and prebiotic products proving popular, says market intelligence firm GlobalData.
Fatigue, anxiety, bad skin top health concerns among Japanese aged 18 to 34 – Suntory survey
A new consumer survey conducted by Suntory found that fatigue, anxiety, and bad skin conditions were the most common health issues for Japanese aged 18 to 34.
Shrimp producer Grupo Aquamar aims to strengthen brand awareness in Singapore, Hong Kong while extending presence in Asia
Nicaragua-based Grupo Aquamar is looking to strengthen brand awareness in Singapore and Hong Kong, while aiming to attract more consumers in Asia for its premium produce.
Protection push: China opens anti-subsidy investigation into EU-imported dairy products after industry demands
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has agreed to local dairy industry demands for an anti-subsidy investigation to be conducted on certain dairy products imported from the European Union (EU).
Peranakan delights: Health, heritage, and convenience sell – O’nya
Health, heritage, and convenience are increasingly important to consumers, says Singapore’s food start-up O’nya as it plans strategic expansion with authentic peranakan pastes.
Aloe appreciation: South Korea’s SUUL SUUP taps Jeju Island repute to make premium soju launch
South Korean distilled soju brand SUUL SUUP has launched what it claims to be the first premium aloe vera soju, tapping on its use of ingredients from the renowned Jeju Island.
BYHEALTH focusing on NPD for women’s health to fulfil demand in China – Growth Asia Summit
Dietary supplement giant BYHEALTH is channelling efforts to developing and launching products to meet the evolving needs of Chinese female consumers, which constitute a major portion of vitamin and dietary supplement (VDS) users in the country.
Halal horizons: Japan eyes Middle East as next major emerging export market with new UAE platform
Japan has earmarked the Middle East as its next major emerging market for exports with the establishment of a specialised export platform in the UAE, banking on the rising interest in Japanese food in the region.
Handwashing not optional: South Korea concerned over rise in food poisoning cases after pandemic period
The South Korean government has issued a warning about food poisoning in the country, highlighting concerns that incidences have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
New territories: CJ CheilJedang extending footprint in Oceania, Europe propelled by bibigo’s sales spike
South Korean food giant CJ CheilJedang is accelerating the expansion of its Oceania and European business led by its “bibigo K-food strategy”, following a surge in sales and positive consumer reception.
Broader horizons: China’s EastRoc on shift from energy drink specialisation to multi-beverage portfolio
China energy drink heavyweight EastRoc is moving to a multi-beverage portfolio, hoping to establish itself as a leader in the wider beverage industry and not just the energy category.
Hot ingredients in Japan’s FFCs: GABA remains in top spot, HMPA is fast-rising
GABA remains prominent the most popular ingredient used within Japan's Foods with Function Claims (FFC) market, rice bran-derived 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) propionic acid (HMPA) moving up to second place, exclusive new data reveals.