The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is improving the recognition of foreign halal certification bodies by adding on-pack QR codes and new training, moves that come in the wake of a high-profile meat scandal.
Coca-Cola Amatil does not expect any major changes to its recently-published 20-year sustainability plan even if its takeover transaction with Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) plays out as planned and ownership of the firm changes.
A clinical trial has found that supplementation with a women’s health nutraceutical from Max Biocare for 12 weeks could improve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, and sweating, while improving sleep quality and mood.
Malaysian palm oil is expected to see a rise in demand from India and China this year as economies gradually open up and local stocks diminish, but the industry must improve logistics and digital reach to effectively capitalise, according to industry...
Malaysian bak kwa company Oloiya (Chinese:我来也) is banking on flavour innovation to capture the younger market, as it bids to disrupt the century-old industry.
Malaysian healthy snacks firm Signature Market has ambitious hopes to launch of four to six new healthy snacks a week as it pursues its mission to become the Trader Joe’s of South East Asia.
Carlsberg Malaysia is ramping-up its digital and retail strategies after suffering a 44% annual slump in sales after COVID-19 lockdowns decimated large parts of its on-trade business.
Austrian energy drink brand Dark Dog has established its Asia headquarters in Singapore as it looks to expand regional distribution of its organic product range.
A Singapore food tech firm that upcycles barley into healthier noodles wants to partner with major brewers and beverage brands to put their by-products to better use.
Indonesia’s first homegrown plant-based meat firm Green Butcher is banking on its localised flavours and spices focus to pique the interest of the nation’s consumers and grow the domestic category.
The Philippines government is currently studying plans to loosen its national COVID-19 lockdown as well as officially hunting down and punishing food product profiteers in an effort to tackle rising rates of food insecurity and poverty in the country.
Singapore's first locally-made meat-free brand ALTN, manufactured by Tee Yih Jia (TYJ) Food Manufacturing, is eyeing exports to Asia, EU, Oceania and US by Q2 of this year, as well as launching in its domestic retail market.
Nestle Indonesia has revealed plans to search for ‘mutually beneficial’ collaborations with start-ups that can complement its local tech, consumer and environment ambitions, citing the importance of innovation and continued learning to sustain strong...
Plant-based firm and social impact venture Green Monday has recently made major strides into the South East Asian market with product and retail debuts in Singapore and Malaysia, and is now eyeing opportunities to reduce its prices in order to sustain...
The ingredient arm of Thai Union Group is exploring further new product development (NPD) opportunities from tuna as it seeks to expand its functional protein offering by emulating the success of the dairy industry in moving into high-value ingredients.
Singapore F&B heavyweight Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo’s) is making plans to reformulate as many products as it can within its beverage portfolio to both keep up with consumer trends, as well as fall in line with upcoming government standards.
Thai Union’s head of global innovation reveals why the firm has taken an interest in and invested multiple insect protein firms, as well as the importance of this to diversify and manage its product portfolio for the future.
Consumption of an omega-3 supplement produced by Australian health company Max Biocare is clearly linked to socio-demographic status among adults residing in China, Thailand and Vietnam, according to new research.
Asian seafood giant Thai Union has revealed plans to launch a range of plant-based products comprising both seafood and non-seafood items this year in response to high consumer demand - and believes its longstanding seafood expertise will give it an edge...
In this episode of our Food and Beverage Trailblazers podcast, we speak to the CEO of Singapore-based sugar innovation firm Nutrition Innovation Matthew Godfrey about the challenges he faced when moving from an MNC to a start-up, and why he believes sugar...
Thailand-based Tera Food and Beverage Company Limited, which manufactures the curcumin drink QminC, has set a target of selling 20 million bottles this year, following its foray into the market in 2020.
Bakery heavyweight Julie’s has forecasted a positive outlook for the biscuits market in South East Asia, amidst its complete brand makeover efforts and plans to dive deeper into various existing markets.
Nestle Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols has revealed the firm’s strong export focus is key for growth, but believes that it will ‘live or die’ by ensuring its products are competitive domestically and win the hearts of local consumers.
Australian kombucha specialist firm Bucha of Byron is looking beyond its traditional health conscious clientele to also target consumers seeking alcoholic beverages with a better-for-you twist.
Singapore plant-based meat start-up Shandi Global is preparing to launch five plant-based chicken products using its unique protein isolation method to convert amino acids into flavour, at a price point said to be one quarter of many competitors.
Seafood giant Thai Union has revealed how it is looking to broaden its healthier products portfolio including ready-to-eat (RTE) meals, on the back of significant investment in Singapore low-GI firm Alchemy Foodtech.
The Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association (MADSA) says its brand members are being disadvantaged by ‘unauthorised’ online retailers selling their products at lower prices – and is calling on the government to clampdown on the situation.
Singapore-based ice cream firm Kelato Dolce plans to first build up its market with health-conscious dessert lovers, before expanding to cater to more niche areas with products offering more functional benefits.
To increase its regional technical footprint, IMCD, a distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients, has launched an ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization laboratory in Jakarta, Indonesia.
A recent study led by the Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST) revealed that suspected COVID-19 patients administered with virgin coconut oil (VCO) had reduced symptoms and a faster recovery phase compared to the control group.
Nestle Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols has outlined the production and marketing strategies for the firm’s venture into the plant-based arena, although he believes it ‘will take time’ for the sector to reach its full potential in Asia.
Indonesian dairy company Greenfields is planning to expand its stirred yoghurt range containing live bacteria cultures across South East Asia, after a successful launch in Singapore at the end of 2020.
Singapore firm Silverconnect will focus on expanding its snacks and breakfast options for dysphagia patients for this year, including a pureed pineapple tart in time for the Chinese New Year.
Indonesia and China have been highlighted by experts as major opportunity markets for halal F&B brands looking to internationalise their products post-COVID-19, banking on rising purchasing power and government support in both countries – though some...
Nestle Malaysia’s CEO Juan Aranols has revealed the firm’s priority is to keep its products available and affordable for consumers, even as the firm deals with the impacts of a second COVID-19 lockdown.
Singapore-based foodtech firm Nutrition Innovation is bringing its sugar reduction technology Nucane Life to Malaysia in partnership with local sugar giant CSR, offering local food manufacturers a clean label option for reformulation with added functional...
The palm oil industry in Malaysia needs to prepare itself for an uncertain year ahead with expected price volatility, production decrease and policy changes in the west, with the government attempting to shift to more value-added products in hopes of...
Australian organic camel milk producer QCamel is targeting Singapore as the first export market for its milk, smoothie, feta cheese, dried powder and chocolate products.
Consumers are opting to buy ‘No Palm Oil’ labelled products in places where these are available due to the sense of ‘emotional protection’ this confers versus any real scientific knowledge, an expert panel has claimed whilst recommending better social...
The implementation of a salt tax in Thailand is still expected to take place sometime in 2021, and this may have cost implications for food manufacturers whose reformulation efforts have not yet caught up, according to a local food industry expert.
Thailand-based Sesamilk Foods is eyeing China and Taiwan as part of its global expansion strategy to increase export business from 30% to 80% in just two years.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has advised cell-based meat firms looking to get regulatory approval for their products to start the application process as early as possible, and always prioritise food safety to maximise their chances of success.
In this episode of our Food and Beverage Trailblazers podcast, we speak to the CEO of Malaysian insect-based food firm Ento Kevin Wu about his massive career shift from law to food entrepreneurship as well as how he is tackling consumer fears over insect...
Philippines-based craft distillery Full Circle Distillers says it is ready to tap into post-COVID-19 growth banking on its localised offerings and new sales channels established during the pandemic.
Despite the many challenges COVID-19 pandemic has brought for the food and beverage industry in 2020, growth has remained top-of-mind for most food firms. Here we bring you some of the 2021 market priorities for three major brands…
A Thai energy drink brand is introducing healthier versions of its products as it enters the domestic market, including less sugar and a higher nutrient content, to attract the growing skilled work force in the country.
Malaysia-based halal ready-to-eat (RTE) giant Brahim’s boss has emphasised the importance of keeping up with technology and product innovation in order to secure returning consumers and grow brand loyalty.