The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has launched a Sugar and Health campaign and corresponding website as it seeks to stop ‘blind attacks’ on the commodity and encourage localised research – sparking widespread public criticism.
Philippines MNC Century Pacific is adopting parallel B2B/B2C retail plans for its new plant-based brand unMEAT, with a focus on simplicity and affordability as it eyes international markets from ASEAN to the Middle East.
The Swiss flavours and fragrances company is launching a digital sensory tool to help crowdsource preference for ‘flavour first’ products, whereby the aroma from flavour helps to drive purchasing decision, Rahul Siva, research investigator, Taste &...
Japanese brewery giants Asahi and Kirin are reacting cautiously to the government’s push to include alcoholic content by gramme on product labels, though both will be implementing changes which experts believe will be emulated by the rest of the industry...
South Korea is making upgrades to its mandatory on-pack recycling symbols for food and beverage packaging as it seeks to enhance waste ‘self maintenance’ – not least because several countries have blocked imports of rubbish.
A number of Thai companies, including CP Foods and DOD Biotech, have stated their intentions in developing new food, supplement and beverages containing hemp, as new regulatory developments unfold in the country.
Australia’s healthy foods and supplement manufacturer Jatcorp is expanding its product line with the launch of a low glycemic index (GI) formula suitable for diabetic patients. It is targeting to launch the product in over 100 pharmacies in Australia.
UAE-based healthy snacks brand Freakin’ Healthy is kicking off its international expansion plan with a launch in US, and has the Europe market in its sight later this year.
Turkish organic and natural foods firm Polenkoy, which focuses on healthier food products such as spreads, honey and oils, has its eye on solidifying business expansion in the Asia Pacific region by mirroring its success in offline channels in the digital...
South Korea has published a list of almost 3,000 food and beverage products which are banned from being sold on school grounds for being too high in calories and low in nutritional value, or high in caffeine in the government’s latest attempt to ensure...
Japanese supermarkets need to rapidly embrace contactless transactions and other measures to limit physical contact and maximise COVID-19 prevention, with consumers increasingly factoring in such services when choosing where to shop, say industry insiders...
India-based Rage Coffee, maker of vitamin-infused instant coffee, is targeting a tripling of revenue from US$2m to US$5.5m/6m by the end of 2021 – just three years after launching.
Early life nutrition is of vital importance to the healthy development of children – and the first 1000 days can influence health outcomes for a lifetime. But young children ‘are not mini adults’ and nutritional strategies have to be tailored to their...
East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the parent company of KINOKUNIYA supermarket chain in Japan, is exploring overseas expansion in the wake of slow domestic sales due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Juice firms in Australia have been advised to turn to blending their products with lower fructose fruits or vegetables in order to raise health star ratings (HSR), after a damaging ministerial decision to reduce the health rating of juices.
Singapore-based 3D food printing firm Anrich3D has revealed its plans to go commercial and bring 3D printed foods with personalised nutritional profiles to the market for both consumers and businesses later this year.
Upcoming hemp regulations set by the Food Safety and Security Authority of India (FSSAI) will be a crucial turning point for the local hemp and cannabis sector, unlocking its potential for use in the ‘next wave’ food and beverage products.
Kirin Group is set to roll out four functional foods and dietary supplements containing its proprietary ingredient beta-lactolin (β-lactolin) to support memory health.
Middle Eastern food and beverage heavyweight Agthia has urged F&B firms in the region to look beyond formulation and refomulation, and create new products based on consumer and geographical segmentation.
The New Zealand dairy industry is now in a ‘place of responsibility’ to help the global industry achieve sustainable operations after being named as having the world’s lowest carbon footprint, and now is the time to improve further and not be complacent,...
Coca-Cola Amatil (Amatil) is putting its sale to Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) to the vote next month, and the company has told shareholders the deal is as good as it gets, warning that share prices could fall if it doesn’t go ahead.
The rate of growth for Ausnutria’s Goat milk brand Kabrita slowed significantly in China throughout 2020, with the firm citing reduced promotion and marketing activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spreads industry in the Asia Pacific region has highlighted a boost in consumer demand for healthier, natural options, especially in the peanut butter and jam sectors which are a household staple in much of the region.
Nestlé has announced news of a 100% cocoa fruit chocolate bar made under its Les Recettes de L’Atelier brand, available for now in France and the Netherlands with other European markets to follow.
FrieslandCampina International Holding B.V. and the Arabian Food industries Company (Domty) have signed a joint venture agreement to focus on the export of cheese to Africa and the Middle East.
About 65% of Japanese snacks and 76% of South Korean snacks have hard textures, according to a study assessing new snack food ideas from existing products.
Ingredient suppliers are innovating in the delivery of mouthfeel and texture in plant-based products such as milk, snacks and meat, as interest in flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets continue to grow across APAC.
Plant-based foods formulated with more wheat gluten was found to exhibit softer and less chewy texture compared to commercial tofu, mock meat and animal meat products.
The South Korean government has just announced its food and agriculture business plan for 2021, where technology, food security and sustainability have been highlighted as key focal areas to achieve growth this year.
Suppliers offering colouring foods are optimistic of growth in India, in part due to enhanced regulations, but also the broader consumer move towards clean label preferences.
Taiwanese food firms have stepped up their food innovation efforts to utilise the local pineapple supply after China instituted a ban on Taiwanese imports, developing beers, sandwiches, appetisers and more from the fruit.
Japanese health supplement, personal care and beauty product retailer Welcia-BHG is on track to expand its offline presence in Singapore, with five new stores planned for this year, despite concerns on how COVID-19 could affect foot traffic.
New Zealand dairy brand Taupo Pure is bringing Maori values to life in its operations and product innovation, developing what it calls the ‘thinking person’s milk’ with an emphasis on quality, nutrition and long-term consciousness.
Brands in the Middle East need to look past conventional product and marketing development to focus on agility, connectivity and trust to drive successful innovation in today’s F&B market, according to General Mills’ AMEA head.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is targeting seafood production improvements in the Asia Pacific region to keep prices affordable and prevent sustainability crises similar to those seen in land agriculture.
Processed fruit products and wines topped the list of food and beverage imports into South Korea last year, whereas past star performers beer and imported kimchi numbers suffered severe drops as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippines company Growrich Manufacturing is planning to expand the market for its virgin coconut oil (VCO) capsules due to the growing demand for immune-health supplements, and rising consumer interest piqued by government-backed studies into the ingredient.
Australian F&B brands and retailers will need to ensure their business strategy encompasses sustainability, affordability and the identification of a right niche if they wish to achieve growth in what looks to be a ‘tough year ahead’, according to...
Japan’s supermarkets need to offer a better range of fresh foods and embrace business sustainability in their operations in order to avoid becoming obsolete in the face of challenges posed by COVID-19 and e-commerce, insist experts at the National Supermarket...
Australia company Anatara Lifesciences is trialling the use of a bromelain-containing supplement in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Despite rapidly growing consumer demand, the quality of plant-based milk products very often underwhelms. The solution? More consistent testing at R&D stage.
Singapore popcorn specialist firm The Kettle Gourmet is pushing e-commerce as its main retail strategy - including becoming the first local firm to sign up on the new AirAsia food platform – but has also taken steps to ensure it stands out on-shelf in...
Nestle Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is striving to create more innovative products for the region, following the launch of Quality Street dates, while also pledging to double down on its sustainability efforts.
UK’s plant-based firm VBites – owned by media personality and activist Heather Mills – is hoping to launch micro factories in the Middle East on the back of its regional expansion.
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.