Is MSG still controversial?
The scientific consensus around the additive does not reflect common attitudes
Health & wellness
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Is ‘healthy enough’ the new ‘better for you?’
Winning brands balance health, indulgence and convenience
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
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?
ThaiFex-Anuga Asia 2026
Betagro turns chicken into noodles to double protein per meal
Betagro has created noodles made out of chicken breast, offering consumers a new way to double up on protein and satisfy tapping demand for high-protein innovation
Monster chases global energy drink growth with Coca-Cola distribution muscle
Monster executives say the company still has a long runway outside the US as it rolls out market-specific products, affordable brands and female-focused lines such as FLRT, while international sales climb to 45% of revenue
Snack trends: Nutrient-dense grazing hitting its stride
Snack brands are targeting fluid eating occasions with products that deliver nutrition in smaller portable formats, aligning with healthier snacking trends to suit busier lifestyles
ANZ Focus: Aussie Syrah, World Cup dairy and Brancourts
Aussie Syrah wine, World Cup dairy and Brancourts feature in this edition of ANZ Focus
ThaiFex-Anuga Asia 2026
3 make or break factors for Asian brands in the West
The western world is home to many of the world’s most established food brands, so what strategies can Asian brands use to crack desirable markets like Europe or the US?
Awareness of FFCs high but more needs to be done to raise uptake – Japan survey
Tokyo-based market research firm MyVoicecom has released results from its survey on Foods with Function Claims (FFCs), which indicate that though awareness of these products is high, more work is needed to increase consumption rate.
Could the World Cup open up a unique opportunity for alcohol-free?
With matches in Europe running late into the night, consumers will be looking for alternatives to alcohol
Is APAC finally moving towards food safety regulatory harmonisation?
Global food safety authorities claimed ‘tangible results’ were seen in the most recent Asia-Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) attended by 14 Pacific nations — but is this just talk?
Energy drink trends: US startup PHX blends hydration and energy
Florida-based functional drinks firm PHX has launched a hydration-energy drink designed to meet growing demand for multifunctional beverages
Young and sweet: Apple cider vinegar reinvented as RTD drinks
Shandong-based Lv Jie launches RTD apple cider vinegar with apple juice and prebiotics – a younger, tastier makeover to attract younger consumers
Old-school soy, new-school appeal: Oatside’s fresh soymilk take
Oatside is repositioning soymilk for younger Asian consumers with a high-protein, clean-label offering focused on taste and wellness
South Korea on ‘unfair’ online ads: Helping food firms avoid snags
The South Korean government has published an in-depth handbook on Unfair Online Advertising in a bid to further manage how food products are sold online
Middle East Focus: Turkish meat consumption, Iran conflict and K-Food
Turkish meat consumption, Iran conflict and K-Food feature in this edition of Middle East Focus
Indonesia palm oil export controls: Impacts on global food sector
Indonesia’s new strategy to centralise key commodity exports such as palm oil is set to shake up food chains worldwide in a big way – here’s why
FBIF 2026
Going for red: Ocean Spray taps health and visual appeal to localise in China
Cranberry specialist Ocean Spray is leveraging multiple health benefits and bright red red visual appeal to tailor products for China, aligning innovation with local tastes
Food for seniors: Empathy and food safety gaps hindering innovation
As populations age, companies are exploring safer and appealing dysphagia foods for the elderly, but gaps in empathy, research and awareness prove challenging
Science Shorts: Alt dairy 2.0, personalised nutrition, and smart innovation
Alt dairy 2.0, personalised nutrition, and smart innovation feature in this edition of Science Shorts
Why thinking like an AI agent matters to marketing
Generative engine optimization is reshaping how brands get discovered
聚焦中国：WALOVI 全球布局、健康中国 2030、老年营养等议题
本期内容涵盖凉茶品牌 WALOVI 的全球扩张、“健康中国 2030”战略驱动下的食品创新、针对患有吞咽障碍的老年人的营养解决方案等
WALOVI taps food-as-medicine trend to grow in Saudi and beyond
China’s WALOVI is seeking growth globally in markets from the Middle East to Africa for its traditional herbal teas
Keep it simple: Why functional beverages are in danger of overwhelming consumers
With so many choices, could consumers be put off the category entirely?
Growth Asia Summit 2026: Blackmores, Fast&Up to highlight active nutrition
Active nutrition will take the spotlight at this year’s Growth Asia Summit 2026, with Blackmores and Fast&Up taking the stage to share expert insights
ジャパン フォーカス：グリコが語るスナックのトレンド、甘酒ゼリースティック、お茶のイノベーション
今月のJapan Focus:では、スナック分野におけるグリコの成長戦略、消費者に合わせた甘酒の現代的なアレンジ、お茶のイノベーションなどについて深く掘り下げています。
From protein to prebiotics: 11 launches tapping into longevity nutrition
Brands are reformulating everyday foods with more protein, fibre and functional ingredients as consumers look to support strength, digestion and long-term wellbeing through daily eating habits
Chewable beauty: Convenience meets functionality in amazake jelly sticks
The traditional amazake drink is transformed into convenient jelly strips to boost gut and skin health for busy consumers
Tea among the stars: Space sakura and decaf drive Japan firm exports
Space sakura tea and decaffeinated teas are part of Japan GreenTea’s export push, combining novelty, aesthetics and healthier beverage options
