The rise and rise of precision-fermented lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is breaking into the mainstream as precision fermentation makes the ‘miracle molecule’ scalable, animal-free and more affordable
Health & wellness
Is MSG still controversial?
The scientific consensus around the additive does not reflect common attitudes
Summer Fancy Food Show
Can new formats reinvent the olive oil category?
Established brands are reimagining how consumers use, and think about, olive oil through wellness-focused formats and packaging innovation
International guidance on ‘may contain’ allergen labelling introduced
The guidance aims for more scientific standards
OSK makes caffeine-free tea play as it eyes US, Middle East
Japanese tea brand OSK is expanding its caffeine-free range to tap health trends and capture international growth
ThaiFex-Anuga Asia 2026
MUST RTD chicken breast protein smoothie defies category boundaries
Thailand’s MUST has launched a range of RTD protein smoothies made from chicken breast, giving 60g protein per bottle and blurring the limits of ‘acceptable’ drinkable ingredients
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
What it takes to earn a place in today’s snack cart
Economic pressure, growing health awareness and AI-powered product evaluation are making shoppers more selective, forcing snack brands to prove their value beyond price, says NielisenIQ’s Chris Costagli
General Mills embraces protein innovation and launches $3 billion savings initiative
The company outlines a four-year productivity push as it navigates inflation and invests in product innovation
Consumers stock up on GLP-1-coded protein shakes on Amazon Prime Day
Shopper satisfaction dips nine percentage points, as consumers reduce spending year over year
Nestlé to axe artificial colours worldwide in industry first
Nestlé to remove artificial food colourings from all products globally by the end of the year
5 food trends driven by lifestyle shifts around the world
Convenience, wellness and cultural identity are reshaping what people eat, driving five global food trends influencing brands today
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Retailers JD Health, Guardian, Alpro Pharmacy join major brands next week
There is still a week left until the Growth Asia Summit 2026 and we can confirm the attendance of retailers active in the region’s health and nutrition space, including Alpro Pharmacy, China’s JD Health and Guardian Singapore.
Whey boom fuels surge in protein processing expansion
From WPC80 to lactoferrin, dairy companies globally are investing in premium protein capacity to capture growth in the high-end sports nutrition and functional food space
GLP‑1 use is fueling trends already in motion
GLP‑1 adoption is scaling rapidly and the brands that win are focusing on delivering nutrition for broader appeal rather than a niche segment
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
Can regenerative agriculture become food’s next big growth story?
Kiss the Ground CEO Evan Harrison and FOND Regenerative founder Alysa Seeland explain why rising consumer awareness is attracting retailers and what must happen before regenerative products can scale
Agthia’s ‘world-first dates energy drink’ targets category shake-up
United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Agthia has entered the energy drink category with a world-first invention, attempting to appeal to a modern audience with a major regional ingredient: dates
News Bites
How CPGS are rewriting ‘better-for-you’
Cleaning up labels is no longer enough – value-driven consumers are forcing the industry to rethink the balance of price, health and convenience
Function beats fame: why big food brands are losing their edge
Consumers want their problems solved and that’s how brands can grow
Sweets & Snacks Expo
Hershey’s ‘yes, and’ innovation strategy blends better-for-you and indulgence
The confection giant is leveraging protein, zero-sugar products and cross-category brand extensions to reach new consumers and help retailers merchandise a changing snacking landscape
SWIFT reforms: India’s push for food safety and traceability
India’s recent reforms span ingredient restrictions and digital trade systems aimed at strengthening food traceability and supporting domestic and global trade
Kellanova’s latest launches reveal a new innovation strategy
As consumers become more selective about calories and spending, Kellanova is building snacks around specific occasions and need states—using protein-packed RXBAR launches and sensory-driven Cheez-It Crunch as examples of a broader innovation strategy
GLP-1 drugs aren’t killing confectionery – they’re reinventing it
GLP-1 drugs are changing how consumers snack, but confectionery sales remain strong and new opportunities are opening up
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Check out the major MNCs in our latest confirmed agenda
Exclusive insights from senior leaders in Asia’s nutra, food and beverage sectors are coming your way this July, via our Growth Asia Summit 2026
Mars’ artificial-dye-free push hits major reformulation hurdles
Mars to introduce artificial-colour-free M&M’s but reformulation challenges leave two colours out in the cold
Clean protein shakes up RTD beverages
Elmhurst 1925 extends clean-label portfolio with RTD plant protein shakes
The state of fermentation and cultivated ingredients: Where are we now?
Fermentation finds its footing even as food-tech funding cools
Startups producing colors, proteins, sweeteners and specialty ingredients through fermentation are attracting investment, regulatory approvals and commercial partnerships as manufacturers seek alternatives to constrained conventional supply chains
The state of fermentation and cultivated ingredients: Where are we now?
Walmart, Target rollout fuels animal-free egg white boom at Every Company
Precision fermentation player scales OvoPro production, with 550% growth in first four months of 2026
Danone strengthens beverages portfolio with Asia-Pacific acquisition
Danone has ramped up its portfolio of functional beverages with the agreement to purchase Australia-based Made Group.
How are Nestlé, Danone and Muscle Milk rethinking reformulation?
Additives and artificial colors and flavors continue to be axed from formulas as the industry balances a meeting consumers’ health goals with nutrition policy
Danone to acquire Made Group
The French company aims to boost APAC expansion with major new acquisition
聚焦中国：功能性食品创新、KitKat 本土化战略、中国品牌在东南亚的崛起等
本期探讨本土化、功能创新与高端化如何助力品牌赢得亚洲各地消费者
China Focus: Functional food innovations, KitKat’s localisation strategy, and the rise of Chinese brands in SEA
This edition examines how localisation, functional innovation and premiumisation are helping brands win consumers across Asia
Do GLP-1 users like artificial sweeteners?
Users perceive sweeteners differently to sugar
Functional snacks on social media aren’t replacing indulgence, they’re justifying it
If functional snacks are booming, the ingredients powering them show a category in transition
Danone deepens consumer trust in Danimals with reformulation and education strategy
As parents seek foods with multiple health benefits, Danone is updating its iconic kids yogurt brand with a reformulated recipe, refreshed identity and educational summer campaign
How much fibre is too much?
In the fibremaxxing boom, expert warn that overconsumption of the nutrient can be harmful to consumers
Is ‘healthy enough’ the new ‘better for you?’
Winning brands balance health, indulgence and convenience
GLP-1 users are cutting food and drink spend – and here’s why
British households with GLP-1 users have knocked £780m off their annual grocery bills
Kennedy signals new course for food labels as FDA nears definition for ultra-processed food
A forthcoming federal definition for ultra-processed foods could influence front-of-pack nutrition labeling requirements, product reformulation efforts and compliance timelines across the food industry
Walmart’s Aloha reset highlights how snack bars are overtaking center store
The move reflects a broader industry shift as protein bars – and better-for-you snacking – continue to move into the mainstream
Iran-US peace deal: What it means for food
The deal includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
4 ways food brands can win in China’s ‘conscious indulgence’ era
Chinese consumers are among the most discerning in the world, and guilt-free indulgence is leading local innovation trends. Here are four ways food firms can capitalise
Nestlé USA eliminates artificial colors as part of broader reformulation overhaul
While Nestlé has reached this particular milestone ahead of schedule, it positions the achievement as one step in a longer-term strategy focused on cleaner labels, product innovation and greater consumer trust
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
What happens when apple growers spend more on labor than their crop is worth?
That question, and concerns about nutrition programs, food safety oversight and packaging mandates, was at the center of the produce industry’s lobbying push on Capitol Hill last week
Beech-Nut bets on the overlooked preschool snacking market
US rollout aims to fill gap between toddler food and traditional snacks for kids 4 years-plus
Fed Up! campaign takes aim at UPFs, but the science debate persists
A new campaign on ultra processed food education highlights systemic nutrition barriers, while food science experts stress the need to define the polarizing term before linking it to health outcomes
Japan Focus: KitKat’s localisation strategy, food security, Glico at Growth Asia Summit, and FFC trends
This edition explores how KitKat became a Japanese icon, efforts to strengthen food security, Glico in Growth Asia Summit, and FFC consumption trends
Can Ebola disrupt coffee prices and stocks?
The border closure between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns over potential disruption to coffee trade - but is there a risk to global coffee prices?
6 ways to keep microplastics out of food and drink
Microplastic contamination poses significant risks for consumers