Packaging Happenings: Bite-Sized Butters, Japan Nutrition Labels and More
Belgian dairy innovator Plaquette earned a Gulfood award for its bite‑sized, sustainably packaged butter spreads, while Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency rolled out new front‑of‑pack nutrition labels aimed at cutting sodium. Yeo’s reported an 11% revenue decline to US$230 m and is refocusing on smaller packs and export growth. South Korea is drafting mandatory GM‑labelling for processed foods, and McCormick’s steady sales are now overshadowed by a potential Unilever merger. The recent Iran‑Israel‑US cease‑fire offers limited relief to global food supply chains, but uncertainty remains.
The Evolution of the Energy Drink Category
The energy‑drink category is evolving from high‑caffeine, male‑focused products to healthier, niche‑oriented offerings. Functional beverage consumption is now mainstream, with 34% of U.S. adults and 53% of Gen Z drinking energy drinks at least every two weeks. Brands such as Celsius,...
Bite-Sized Dairy: Award-Winning Belgian Candy Butter Eyes Global Stage
Plaquette’s bite‑sized “candy” butters won the Gulfood Innovation Award at the 2026 Dubai show, praised for their waste‑free packaging and sustainability. The hand‑packed portions are produced by workers, including those with disabilities, creating social impact. The line spans sweet and...
Animal-Plant Mince Key to Revive APAC Alt-Protein Push: NECTAR Study
A NECTAR‑led sensory study of 116 APAC consumers found a blended chicken‑soy mince (70% chicken, 30% soy) outperformed a 100% chicken mince in a blind taste test. The research evaluated 20 blended products across ten categories, revealing that appearance and...
Japan Focus: Sodium Labelling Shift, Asahi Cyberattack, Silkworm Protein, and More
Japan has updated its nutrition label guidelines to emphasize sodium control, nudging manufacturers toward lower‑salt formulations. Asahi Group suffered a September 2025 ransomware attack, refusing the ransom and reporting a profit dip in the subsequent quarter. Energy shocks linked to the...
Safety First: China Liquid Transport Controls, Cyberattacks and More
China has introduced stricter transport regulations for edible oils, alcohol and syrups after a PR crisis, while the food‑and‑beverage sector faces rising cyber‑threats that could cripple operations. Regulators across APAC are tightening scrutiny of e‑commerce product claims, prompting brands to...
Middle East Focus: Hunter Foods Spicy Chips, Gulf Exports and Matcha Nuggets
Hunter Foods rolled out ultra‑spicy premium chips aimed at true chilli lovers across the Middle East, while UAE‑based Farm Fresh introduced matcha‑infused chicken nuggets, signaling a push toward bold, functional snacking. Estonia is leveraging its ‘Northern Standard’ brand to meet...
Silkworm Protein Firm Taps Health and Familiarity for Regional Growth
Morus, a silkworm‑protein company, is expanding across ASEAN by marketing DNJ capsules, protein powders and SilkMatcha as food‑as‑medicine solutions for metabolic health. The firm leverages silkworms’ glucose‑modulating DNJ, vitamins and minerals to address blood‑sugar, hypertension and gut‑health concerns. Its strategy...