Seafood

Must all food innovation be high-tech? More ‘immediate’ changes needed beyond alternative proteins – expert panel

19-Dec-2023 By Pearly Neo

The food and beverage sector will need to focus on making more ‘immediate’ changes beyond just creating a novel protein supply in order to address sustainability and overall supply chain challenges, according to industry experts.

Countering counterfeits: Japan establishes first physical facility to find fake food ‘exports’ in Thailand

18-Dec-2023 By Pearly Neo

Japan has set up a physical anti-counterfeit consultation desk in Thailand to fight against a rising number of food and agriculture products claiming to be of Japanese origin.

COVID-19 and Japan's seafood prices: New analysis could help stabilise market in future pandemics

06-Dec-2023 By Pearly Neo

Insights from Tokyo Toyosu Wholesale Market have helped form a comprehensive study on how COVID-19 affected seafood prices in Japan, providing implications for future policies during a pandemic.

Tackling food fraud: Urgent need for ‘real-time’ global monitoring – Thai experts

05-Dec-2023 By Shali S.

There is an urgent need for real-time global monitoring of food fraud in order to protect public health and the global economy, say experts in Thailand.

Italian gov't bans cultivated meat, restricts plant-based meat labelling

21-Nov-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Italy’s government has announced the passing of a bill banning the production and marketing of cultivated meat. The measures, which also restrict labelling for plant-based products, aim to protect Italy’s traditional food culture.

It’s a date: Agthia plans to strengthen digitalisation and snacking innovation amid strong nine-month performance

16-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

Middle Eastern food and beverage heavyweight Agthia has pledged to focus more investment into the digitalisation of its business as well as the creation of new snacking innovations in order to sustain the positive growth and profitability seen in the...

Going local: India’s new local language food safety platform hoped to boost compliance among domestic food firms

15-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) has launched a new version of its food safety platform in the local Hindi language in an effort to increase domestic food firm understanding and compliance of local regulations.

Beyond product innovation: Affordability and accessibility take centre stage in meeting Asia’s nutritional needs

14-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

Affordability and accessibility are just as important as product innovation if food firms are going to help meets Asia’s nutritional needs, in a region that is still beset by childhood stunting and rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

Food waste reduction: Japan believes it is ‘close’ to achieving awareness and action goals – government data

13-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

New Japanese government data has revealed that the country could be close to achieving its goal of having 80% of the population simultaneously aware of, and taking action against, food waste.

‘Create first, compete later’: APAC precision fermentation sector needs to shift focus from tech to commercialisation

13-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

Precision fermentation firms in the Asia Pacific region need to move beyond a technology focus to prioritise scaling up and commercialisation or risk facing major ‘bottleneck’ challenges when demand increases.

Magic marination: World-first liquid shio koji brand hopes to ride ASEAN umami and health trends

07-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

World-first liquid shio koji brand Hanamaruki has big plans to ride on the growing umami and wellness trends in South East Asia, after seeing success in western and East Asian markets.

E-commerce conversion: Singapore consumers’ purchasing decisions increasingly driven by health and sustainability - RedMart

07-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

Grocery e-commerce platform giant RedMart is seeing health and sustainability trends increasingly driving the purchasing decisions of consumers in Singapore, inspiring the firm to focus its own in-house product innovations on these factors.

Hola to Hallyu foods: South Korea sets sights on Latin America as next major export market

06-Nov-2023 By Pearly Neo

The South Korean government has set its sights on partnerships with the ministries of multiple Latin American countries to establish the region as its next major trade partner in terms of food exports.

Plant-based products and health: Study reveals nutritional shortfalls, but saturated fat benefits

01-Nov-2023 By Shali S.

The nutritional value of plant-based meats is limited by lack of key micronutrients, although they contain significantly less saturated fat, indicates an assessment of products on the Hong Kong market.

Big Food likely to miss plastic targets, while ‘large part’ of industry yet to take action

31-Oct-2023 By Flora Southey

Although efforts show progress on plastic pollution is possible, the world is ‘not on course’ to eliminating plastic waste and pollution, stresses the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

The ‘and’ consumer: Affordable nutrition trend gains further traction in APAC amidst dairy and RTE category growth

31-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Asia Pacific consumers are increasingly demanding a combination of affordability, health and tastiness when making their food and beverage purchasing decisions, driving the rise of what is known as the ‘and’ consumer.

‘Nervous and confused’: Japan nuclear wastewater release ramps up challenges for APAC seafood sector

30-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Japan’s decision to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear disaster could have far-reaching impacts for the APAC seafood sector, especially in terms of negative consumer perception and overall confusion.

Precise staples: China’s MOODLES believes 3D printing staple foods with precise nutrients is the way forward

25-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Chinese 3D food printing firm MOODLES believes that this technology needs to be efficiently incorporated into the production of personalised nutrient-rich staple foods that consumers will eat on a daily basis if the sector wants to grow locally.

Hybrid innovation and affordability: How food firms can meet Asia’s evolving protein demands

24-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Hybrid innovation with meat and plant-based ingredients, affordability and a focus on the needs of flexitarians is needed to boost the protein sector in APAC over the long-term.

Time to comply: China issues guide for food firms to meet ‘excessive packaging’ rules

23-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

The Chinese government has published guide for food firms trying to meet its new excessive packaging regulations, urging industry players to ensure they are fully compliant in the next six months.

User-friendly guidelines: Opportunity for industry to help Indonesian consumers fulfil breakfast needs

19-Oct-2023 By Shali S.

Further research is needed to translate nutrient-based breakfast guidelines into more user-friendly, food-based recommendations that consumers can easily understand and implement in their daily lives, says a study conducted in Indonesia.

‘Glocalisation is over’: Microlocality and domestic production chain increasingly important for APAC consumers

18-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Food and beverage brands that are able to convey microlocal tastes and tap into consumer pride with a strong domestic production chain are best-placed for success in the APAC region, according to Kerry.

Price is primary: APAC seafood sector must address affordability before sustainability can take centre stage - MSC

11-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Consumer concerns over the rising price of seafood needs to be addressed by the industry before sustainability as a purchase driver play a bigger role.

Growth Asia Summit 2023

‘It’s not too late’: Singapore Chinese Health Study lead investigator reveals protective impacts of diet on cognition

11-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

Data from the large-scale Singapore Chinese Health Study has shown that all consumers can reduce their risk of later cognitive impairment by switching to a healthier diet at any age, as revealed by the study’s principal investigator at the recent Growth...

FIT-ter KIDS: Fortified products key to addressing APAC micronutrient gaps – Nestle at Growth Asia Summit

04-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

New Nestle data has revealed the major micronutrient gaps faced by many toddlers and school-age children in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the important role that fortified foods and beverages can play in addressing these needs.

Autumn apprehensions: South Korea issues food safety warnings for fresh foods and rice rolls in ‘high-risk’ fall season

03-Oct-2023 By Pearly Neo

The South Korean government has issued food safety warnings for the consumption of fresh foods and rice rolls (gimbap) amidst the ‘high-risk’ autumn season between September to November, citing traditionally high counts of food poisoning cases occurring...

Organic ownership: India food authority orders upgrades for all state labs to boost exports

27-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

The Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) is attempting to balance plans for boost organic food exports with ongoing food safety concerns by mandating all state-authorised laboratories to adopt organic testing capabilities.

Food manufacturing in Saudi Arabia: National targets and ‘gender inclusivity’ propelling industry to new heights

26-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

National government support of food manufacturing localisation targets as well as the gradual rise of female leadership roles in the industry are serving as key factors behind Saudi Arabia’s rapid food industry growth in the Middle Eastern region, claim...

Rising tide: Food safety and convenience driving pre-packaged seafood growth in APAC supermarkets

26-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

Heightened consumer awareness of food safety as well as increased demands for convenience in food preparation are driving demand for packaged seafood in the post-pandemic market.

Seizing the senses: Diversification and hybrid innovation key to boosting APAC plant-based sector

25-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

The plant-based industry in Asia Pacific will need to further boost product diversification and hybrid innovation strategies it is to continue to grow amid a slowdown in the West.

Start-up up hails 3D food printing 'the tech of the future' after ‘world first’ salmon filet launch

12-Sep-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Austrian food-tech startup Revo Foods has unveiled what it claims is the first 3D printed product available in a supermarket worldwide.

‘Long-awaited’ result: New Zealand food sector welcomes new Grocery Code but devil is in the detail

06-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

The New Zealand food trade body has welcomed the government’s new Grocery Code of Conduct, calling it a ‘long-awaited’ result – but stressed that a thorough examination of the details and industry education are now key to ensure it fulfils its purpose.

Thailand prepackaged food labelling: New rules proposed for expiry dates and allergen warnings

04-Sep-2023 By Pearly Neo

Thailand could be set to revamp its rules around expiration dates and allergen warnings after regulator Thai Food and Drug Association (FDA) issued draft proposals for prepackaged foods

‘Unpuzzling’ Asia’s food trends: Twin demands for health and affordability key for success

31-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

Food and beverage brands looking to make inroads into Asia need to tread the line between growing health consciousness and increasing consumer concerns over costs.

‘Seafood still safe’: South Korea launches national campaign amid impending Fukushima wastewater release

16-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

The South Korean government has launched a national campaign to reassure consumers that the national seafood supply will not be impacted by neighbouring Japan’s impending release of wastewater from Fukushima.

Flavour forward: Food Onwards looks to revamp fish skin snack category with localisation and new frying tech

10-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

Thailand-based snacks firm Food Onwards believes it has a strong shot at revitalising the fish skin snack category via a localised take on its product manufacturing process and flavour selection.

Mitigating supply chain risks: Alternative sourcing and top-level food sector commitment key to boost resilience – Nestle, Rabobank

09-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

Food and beverage business leaders in Asia need to issue clear and committed directives for supply chain resilience and secure alternative sourcing regimes to mitigate future disruption risks.

Easing customs congestion: Thai FDA launches express digital service to accelerate processing of F&B imports

01-Aug-2023 By Pearly Neo

Thailand is the latest Asian market to establish a fully digitalised express customs processing service, which is hoped to greatly accelerate food and beverage import operations at its checkpoints in line with the national Thailand 4.0 strategy.

China a ‘trap’ for F&B brands? Why practicality and sustainability need to be top of mind to thrive – expert panel

25-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

Food and beverage firms in China need to ensure that practicality and business sustainability are kept at the top of their agenda in order to avoid the ‘trap’ of easy brand building in the world’s most populous market.

A ‘momentous’ occasion: New Zealand food sector urges swift grocery code of conduct implementation following commissioner appointment

24-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

The New Zealand food and grocery industry has urged for the swift establishment of its own local grocery code of conduct to hasten the improvement of competition and fair business conditions, whilst also lauding the appointment of industry veteran Pierre...

Upgrading umami understanding: Ajinomoto lauds new Japanese study on amino acid potential to reduce consumer salt intake

18-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

Amino acid specialist firm Ajinomoto has lauded the findings of a new Japanese study which highlighted the potential of umami ingredients, such as the various glutamate-based substances, to reduce consumer salt intake and improve public health.

High ranks, low scores? India State Food Safety Index data reveals lack of compliance even in top performing states

17-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

Date from India’s latest State Food Safety Index (SFSI) conducted annually by the Food Safety and Standards Authority India (FSSAI) has revealed that many states still perform poorly across the assessment criteria, even amongst its top scoring states.

Enhancing efficiency: South Korea further refines imported food regulations to speed up customs processing

11-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

The South Korean government has implemented further refinements to its regulations governing imported food products an effort to speed up processing at customs, particularly for bulk imports. well as to boost its international trade.

Will AI make human roles obsolete? Three major concerns about the use of AI in food production

10-Jul-2023 By Pearly Neo

There are three major concerns about the use of AI in the food industry, with the majority of benefits at present related to market research and advertising strategies – as evidenced by Coca-Cola – according to an industry expert.

‘Capable of mass production’: Industry collaboration key to scaling cultivated meat – Malaysia’s Cell AgriTech

28-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Cultivated meat company Cell AgriTech says it is benefitting from Malaysia’s advantage as a cost-competitive manufacturing hub as it outlines plans to roll out its first cultivated meat product by 2025.

Food supply safety: Australia sees lowest rate of allergen-related product recalls in close to a decade – government data

26-Jun-2023 By Pearly Neo

A new Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) report has revealed that food and beverage products recalled from shelves in Australia last year due to allergen concerns have reached the lowest rate the country has seen in almost a decade.

Country-of-origin labelling: South Korea seeks public opinion on standardising label requirements for food products

13-Jun-2023 By Pearly Neo

South Korea is looking to standardise the regulations governing country-of-origin information mandatory to be displayed food and beverages both produced locally and imported into the country, in an attempt to ease high cost burdens highlighted by manufacturers.

Algae prodigy: Philippines’ WTH Foods eyes Europe and ASEAN with clean label plant-based seafood line

12-Jun-2023 By Pearly Neo

Philippines-based plant-based firm WTH Foods is in the process of expanding into both the European and South East Asian markets with its new low-sodium, clean label plant-based seafood products.

Strengthening supplies: Japan looks to international food trade collaborations in latest bid to beef up food security

05-Jun-2023 By Pearly Neo

Japan recently inked several new food trade agreements with the governments of Bangladesh and Canada as it seeks to improve food security in the wake of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

FNA InnovATE

Sea-food from sea-plants: Thai Union sees next stage of alt-protein growth coming from the ocean

24-May-2023 By Pearly Neo

The next stage of evolution for the plant-based seafood sector in APAC is likely to come from the sea itself, in the form of proteins from marine-based plants such as seaweed and kelp, according to seafood giant Thai Union.