Will Iraq become PepsiCo’s next Middle East manufacturing hub?
Despite ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, PepsiCo is doubling down on expanding its regional production, with Iraq emerging as a strong focus market
On the surface, the draw of this market is clear, due to its geographical advantages, large young population, and high access to locally produced food ingredients — according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), these include many staple crops as well as dates, fruits, tomatoes, potatoes and animal protein.
“As one of the region’s historic farming heartlands, we want to support Iraq’s agricultural potential and industrial capacity to become a hub for food exports,” PepsiCo CEO of Foods, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan Ahmed Elsheikh said during the recent US-Iraq High Level Business Summit.
Kirin’s big biotic drinks bet pays off in Asia
Beverage giant Kirin went in big as of the first in the market to turn its own postbiotic ingredient into a commercial drink, and is reaping the rewards today
“2026 is an exciting year for iMUSE as it will be seeing a refresh in Vietnam and entering several new Asian markets,” Kirin President of Health Science Business Division Toru Yoshimura said during the firm’s recent Investors’ Day.
“We are promoting a multi-category strategy for this brand that builds awareness of its ingredients, and hope to expand our customer base in the [functional] beverage category to drive future growth.”
Coca-Cola doubles down on localisation in China as sales grow
Coca-Cola taps on localised product innovation, digital engagement and community initiatives to strengthen consumer connections in China
Coca-Cola is leaning into local consumer insights in China, expanding its beverage portfolio, creating culturally relevant experiences and strengthening community ties as the global beverage giant looks to deepen engagement in one of its key markets.
Why China should matter to every alt protein company
Despite the geopolitical tensions, all alternative protein companies globally need to factor China in their production strategy to scale, compete and reduce costs. Here’s why
“China’s novel food transformation is underpinned by two main factors: Economic and Strategic. Economically, it already produces much of the world’s fermented industrial and pharmaceutical products but [various factors] have created price pressures for these products,” biotechnology and geopolitical expert Dr. Dirk van der Kley stated in his new report on China’s Biomanufacturing Boom published via the Good Food Institute.
“Strategically, China is driven by the belief that large-scale biomanufacturing, including for alt proteins, will become central to global manufacturing and contribute to addressing food security concerns.”
‘Plus and minus’: Why clean-label success goes beyond removing ingredients
Markets across Asia Pacific are increasingly shaping clean-label innovation – what can European and US markets learn from the region?
Although clean-label priorities differ across Asia Pacific, one common trend has emerged across the region.
Manufacturers are simultaneously reformulating products by removing less desirable ingredients while adding nutrients consumers perceive as healthier – a dual “plus and minus” trend, according to Cara Zhuang, Senior Marketing Manager, APAC at Tate & Lyle.
