‘Zero trend’: Brewguru reformulates hit RTD highball with less sugar, alcohol content
South Korean firm Brewguru has reformulated its popular ready-to-drink (RTD) highball product and released a new version with lower sugar and alcohol content, capitalising on the flourishing “zero trend” in the country.
In recent years, there have been a surge of “zero-sugar” food and beverage product launches, spanning carbonated drinks, beers, snacks and more, in the local market.
This trend is reportedly driven by the growing demand for healthier options, such as products with sugar-free or zero-calorie labels, among Korean consumers.
In response to the needs of consumers who are concerned about sugar intake, Brewguru has reformulated its hit product, Fresh Lemon Highball, to contain 79% less sugar.
Compared to the original version that has an ABV of 8.3%, the alcohol content in the new product, called Fresh Lemon Highball Lite, has been cut by more than half to 4.0%.
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.
Narichan’s specialisation in kimchi has thus far been focused on more traditional products such as fresh kimchi, canned kimchi, low-salt kimchi and kimchi powder.
But with the trend for RTD beverages taking off both in Korea and other markets, the firm believes that its RTD kimchi beverage brand Kimchi Me also has significant potential to grow in the beverages sector.
“Kimchi Me is squeezed kimchi juice that contains all the natural goodness of kimchi, containing no sugar and no gluten as it is made with just the fermentation of vegetables and some stevia,” Narichan Strategic Purchasing General Manager Heesu Moon told FoodNavigator-Asia.
‘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.
Pernod Ricard is home to more than 240 brands, including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet, which are distributed in over 160 countries and have direct presence in 75 markets.
Specifically for the whiskey category, the company has observed that consumption habits have significantly evolved over the years, with Asia displaying the most important growth.
“Scotch whisky consumption in Asia has grown so much that it has overtaken Europe. In Singapore, in particular, we have witnessed a remarkable shift towards the premium end of the whiskey spectrum. As consumers become more knowledgeable and discerning, they are showing a greater willingness to invest in high-quality whiskeys for appreciation, gifting, and collection.
“We are seeing an increased demand for prestige spirits, reflecting a ‘quality over quantity’ mindset — people may be drinking less, but they are choosing better. These present more opportunities for brands to tap on, with consumption spikes during various festive occasions such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali etc., on top of functions like weddings and business conventions,” Alex Liu, Pernod Ricard Singapore Country Manager, told FoodNavigator-Asia.
‘Curious and health conscious’: Desire for novelty and wellness drive interest in Japanese products – JETRO Singapore
As consumer demand for novelty and health-focused offerings continues to grow, Japanese brands are finding renewed optimism to bring authentic and innovative products into the Asia Pacific market.
That’s according to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Singapore.
The three main categories highlighted at the recent Food Japan 2024 event in Singapore were health products, alcoholic beverages, and ready-to-eat/drink offerings.
This year’s showcase reflects the increasing variety of products being introduced across Asia-Pacific, driven by curiosity and a rising interest in wellness, said Hideto Aonuma, senior director of business development & PR at JETRO Singapore.
Lucky gods in a box: Tokyo confectioner eyes Asian expansion, taps on feel-good factor with iconic ‘baked dolls’
Japanese confectioner Tachibana Tenshinan hopes to meet on global demand for unique cultural foods, with its iconic ningyo-yaki as a star product that embodies good fortune, longevity, and happiness.
Ningyo-yaki, meaning “baked dolls”, embodies positive symbols that resonate with many Asian consumers. As wanderlust and interest in Japanese culture grow across the region, Tokyo-based confectioner Tachibana Tenshinan hopes these historically significant treats will captivate new audiences.
The appeal of ningyo-yaki goes beyond taste – Tachibana Tenshinan is capitalising on the feel-good factor of foods with cultural significance and positive symbolism, which resonate with consumers seeking authentic experiences.
As Tohru explained, the goal is to create tasty treats that are steeped in Japan’s rich traditions, which serve as a form of edible nostalgia for consumers.
This emotional connection gives the confection a unique edge, blending cultural authenticity with the universal appeal of products that evoke well-being and nostalgia – a strategy aligned with the food industry’s broader trend toward offerings that satisfy both sensory enjoyment and emotional fulfilment.
