Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from Aug 2026

Pea protein is among the alternative protein sources being explored as part of the future food landscape. (WALTER ZERLA/Image: Getty / Walter Zerla)

China puts alternative proteins at heart of future food strategy

China’s future food roadmap puts alternative proteins at the centre of efforts to strengthen food security, nutrition and sustainability.

Smiling teenager sitting on sofa holding bottle (Mariia Vitkovska/Image: Getty Images / Mariia Vitkovska)

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.

Dosing pen for subcutaneous injection of anti-diabetic medication or anti-obesity medication hovering over a blue background. — GLP-1s have been linked to more than 150 deaths in the UK. (Image: Getty/Munro)

GLP-1s could be linked to more than 150 deaths

Data on the drugs’ side-effects has highlighted potential risks.

Why Nestlé’s factory closure could be first of many

Nestlé’s chocolate factory closure could be a sign of what’s to come for global confectionery production, as manufacturers prioritise scale, flexibility and efficiency.

Close up of a teenage girl drinking a high caffeine energy drink from a can while her friend sitting in the background on a bike. — The energy drink market is evolving (millann/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

5 trends shaping global energy drink recipes

From GLP-1 to naturalness, the evolution of energy drinks worldwide is being driven by a variety of different trends.

Chocolate truffles on factory conveyor belt. — Food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly turning to contract manufacturing to cut costs and build agility. (slowmotiongli/Image: Getty/SlowMotionGLI)

From Nestlé to Mars: Why Big Food is embracing contract manufacturing

Outsourcing becomes a priority as CPGs seek greater flexibility, speed and resilience.

Coca-Cola introduced the Prebiotic Soda in Sichuan, China, earlier this year. The launch reflects a broader industry shift toward beverages that combine flavour with functional benefits. (The Coca-Cola Company)

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.

Tea drink droplet as background — Unilever will remain a part of the joint venture that owns Lipton Ice Tea. (Image: Getty/iStockphoto/Taffplx)

Unilever is offloading its food businesses – but keeping ice tea

Lipton Ice Tea will continue to be owned in a joint venture between Unilever and PepsiCo.

Australia is looking into alleged food fraud involving supermarket products, raising questions about how health claims can influence consumer perceptions. (RapidEye/Image: Getty / RapidEye)

‘Damning results’: Australia investigates alleged food fraud in supermarkets

Australia’s consumer watchdog is looking into alleged food fraud after forensic tests flagged misleading origin claims and possible adulteration in supermarket products.