IFF wants to accelerate speed to market for food manufacturers in the Middle East and Africa, after its Creation and Design Center in Turkey was officially recognised as a key innovation centre by the country’s Ministry of Industry and Technology (MoIT).
Current trending solutions to the cocoa price crisis such as lab-grown or cocoa-free chocolate technologies may provide a niche alternative to the lack of cocoa bean supply, but are unlikely to replace the role of authentic cocoa in the food system, according...
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.
Singapore-based manufacturer and distributor Siam Coconut is actively exploring new products and categories to add to its portfolio, as coconut-based products experience a slowdown in growth.
The meteoric rise of FIX Dessert Chocolatier’s chunky chocolate bars can be attributed to the growing influence of social media on purchasing decisions, exclusivity, and unique regional flavours, says an analyst.
Singapore-based Hey! Chips says that its switch in business strategy from overseas expansion to building presence in the local market has enabled it to gain a foothold in the healthy snacking category and a spurt in brand awareness.
Singapore-based HaruPlate aims to fill gaps in the better-for-you snacks category, targeting children’s nutrition needs and parents’ pain points through reformulation of existing products and development of fortified treats.
Singapore-headquartered OATSIDE attributes its meteoric rise in Asia to a marketing strategy encompassing targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships, and constant innovation of flavours to satisfy myriad consumer preferences.
Spain-headquartered edible oils firm Aceites Naturales Del Sur (ANDS) is looking to set foot into China, where avocado oil is gaining interest from the younger population despite a lack of product awareness and availability in the market.
Chinese dairy brand Shiny Meadow has launched an upgraded version of its fresh milk product, which contains higher protein and calcium content, to meet evolving consumer needs.
Chinese coffee company Saturnbird, which entered Singapore and Malaysia earlier this year, is looking to attract young consumers with cafe-quality instant coffee that is convenient and wallet-friendly.
Sydney-based firm Vow is targeting premium consumers in Singapore through the launch of its cell-cultured meat at high-end restaurants, which it says is the first step towards wider acceptance and adoption of such products.
Dubai-based healthy snack brand Freakin’ Healthy is leveraging Agthia Group’s resources and doubling down on consumer-driven product innovation to stand out in an increasingly crowded category.
Singapore-based tea company Pétale Tea is capitalising on the booming self-care trend by creating a range of Wellness Teas targeting areas including sleep and beauty-from-within.
South Korean brand Harim seeks to meet growing consumer demand for protein-rich products in the country with a new cookie range and ready-to-heat chicken breasts seasoned with popular local flavours.
CJ CheilJedang’s food brand bibigo recently introduced its frozen rice rolls in supermarket chain Woolworths in Australia, a market where the firm is reaping significant sales growth.
Kirin has released a spoon that uses electricity to intensify the umami taste of food to address the issue of excessive salt intake among the Japanese population.
US-based SAMBAZON is looking to expand uptake of açaí products in the Middle East, where the firm says awareness about the superfruit still has much room for growth.
The Brooklyn Creamery has launched a range of protein ice cream bars in its domestic market and the UAE, where it is leveraging its partnership with a quick-commerce platform to meet growing consumer demand for protein-rich desserts.
An increasing number of consumers in Asia-Pacific desire an all-round experience when it comes to chocolate and confectionery, including rich flavours like caramel, visually appealing products, and “healthy indulgent” formats, says Cargill.
Indonesia-based Mamame says that its tempeh chips are made without soybean and seed oils to overcome allergy concerns and taste issues of the traditional snack, in the hope of catering to consumers worldwide.
Singapore-based IRVINS is looking to diversify its product flavours and formats beyond its best-known salted egg snacks, to further market expansion and business growth.
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.
Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS) says that it is actively addressing the complex needs of the new generation of beer consumers through strategic investments and portfolio diversification.
Singapore-based Gold Kili has launched a new product format for its coffee range and expanded into the thriving healthier beverage category, as part of the firm’s growth strategy.
Singapore start-up Jiro-Meat is scaling up production of its plant-based meat made from upcycled soy pulp, with the aim of commercialisation within the next six months.
Start-ups need to be helped to act faster to drive returns, while MNC's need assistance to overcome the challenges of carrying out disruptive innovation in-house, says the CEO of Nurasa, which recently launched a new food innovation facility in Singapore...
Malaysia-based food manufacturer A1 has reformulated and repackaged one of its hero products to appeal to the taste preferences of consumers in the UK, as the firm looks to broaden its reach in Europe.
Dubai-based snacks firm SMITHS is pursuing a bigger share of the Asian market by banking on its long brand history, and introducing products that are cleaner and tapping on evolving flavour trends.
Thai-based spice and seasonings specialist firm Nithi Foods hopes to tap the dual rising consumer demand for authentic Asian flavours and at-home snacking to grow its new range Kitchen Kitchen.
UAE conglomerate Gulf Marketing Group (GMG)’s frozen foods brand Farm Fresh has unveiled its latest growth strategy by shifting its focus to healthy snacks, specifically targeting “older Gen Zs and younger millennials”.
South Korea is expanding its AI-based screening system SAFE-i24 to include processed food imports, in a bid to maintain food safety and quality while maximising efficiency particularly during peak seasons.
The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has launched a new food allergen labelling guidebook targeted at food and beverage manufacturers, importers and retailers to ease companies into newly-enforced regulatory requirements.
The South Korean government has plans to significantly boost the level of food safety assurance in the local food system by investing into facility and technological improvements for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) advancement.
Dubai-based Wise Monkey Rum is actively expanding into new markets across the globe through both retail and on-trade channels, as it seeks to fill the gap in the mid-range rum category.
Dubai-based frozen desserts brand House of Pops has identified three key drivers to propel its next stage of growth, namely expansion of product line-up, increasing market presence, and offering of private label services.
Middle Eastern snacks firm Hunter Foods has expanded its product range and repackaged its best-sellers amid booming consumer demand, in a bid to stay ahead of rising competition in the category.
Food and beverage major Nestlé Professional claims there is a need to move away from marketing keywords such as “plant-based” and focus on elevating the taste of alternative protein products to boost “natural” uptake and sector growth.
Sri Lankan and UK beverage firm English Tea Shop has utilised its expertise in cold brew tea production for a gin botanicals range designed to make at-home cocktail preparation more convenient.
Ingredients firm Kalsec Inc. shortens its supply chain and diversifies raw materials sourcing via its new Finishing and Distribution Centre in Singapore.
New Zealand-founded hard seltzer brand Everyday Weekend is aiming to seize growth opportunities in the ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages category across Asia through affordable pricing and community marketing strategies.
Singapore-based OATSIDE has recently expanded its product line-up to include a range of ice creams as part of its growth strategy, on the back of burgeoning popularity of its oat milk products across Asia.
Food and beverage products with tea bases and botanical-infused flavours or aromas are seeing a surge in popularity amongst consumers in APAC, with more and more people seeking out ‘refreshing’ sensations.
‘Imported’ flavours that are traditionally more western in origin have been rapidly gaining popularity in the APAC chocolate sector because consumers associate these with indulgence and adventure.
Singapore-based Gryphon Tea Company has updated its cold-brewed tea range with “no added sugar” formulations, which the firm says has helped it keep up with the better-for-you trend and reach out to a bigger pool of health-conscious consumers.
Cargill-owned Aalst Chocolate is putting “substantial investment” into insights-driven R&D, customised products, and strengthening of its bean-to-bar supply chain to push growth in Asia and beyond.
Singapore-based start-up Noce Nuts says that consumers are willing to pay a premium for nut butters that are customised to their preferred taste and texture, including reduced sugar and salt options.
The use of MSG as a flavouring agent should be reduced, according to researchers who have also emphasised the need for further research into the long-term biochemical effects of human consumption.
Auckland-based nut butter producer Forty Thieves is investing in social media content creation and influencer marketing to target online consumers, whom it says have increasingly shorter attention spans.
The nutritional value of plant-based meats is limited by lack of key micronutrients, although they contain significantly less saturated fat, indicates an assessment of products on the Hong Kong market.
