Japan Focus: Glico on snack trends, amazake jelly sticks, tea innovation and more
In this edition of Japan Focus, we dive into Glico’s strategy for growth in the snack category, modernising amazake for consumers, tea innovations, and more
All stories
Up The Food Chain
Embracing ‘genba’: Glico on balancing global trends with localisation
Yukio Kimura, COO of Glico Asia Pacific, says understanding ‘genba’ – the field where operations and consumer interactions take place – is key to keeping brands relevant in diverse markets
Chewable beauty: Convenience meets functionality in amazake jelly sticks
Snack brand Hananomi transforms the traditional amazake drink into convenient jelly strips to boost gut and skin health for busy consumers
Dignified food for seniors: Closing gaps in an ageing world
As societies age rapidly, a pressing question emerges: how can we better support seniors with dysphagia, a condition many may one day face?
FIC 2026
Flashy and sweet: Brands tap health trends in artificial sweetener push
Leveraging weight loss, gut and dental health trends, Chinese firms are increasingly creative in reframing artificial sweeteners as a health aligned choice
Food Ingredients China 2026
Gut health, clean label foods surge in China market
Chinese consumers are driving demand for natural, gut-friendly and plant-based ingredients, mirroring global trends and boosting innovation in functional products
TaoKaeNoi taps Chinese celebrity star power to boost seaweed snack growth
Thailand’s TaoKaeNoi has appointed Chinese celeb Chen Zheyuan as its global ambassador, tapping rising demand for Asian snacks and building a healthy positioning
From comfort to function: How snacking is being redefined
Today’s consumers are redefining snacks, favouring products that combine nutrition, heritage, and convenience
How affordable indulgence is driving APAC snack market
We explore how consumers are engaging in mindful spending and drawn to flavour innovations that balance taste and value
Kaya Rebel: Singapore brand bucks tradition with healthier fusion coconut jams
Kaya Rebel, a Singapore start-up, makes lower-sugar, higher-protein coconut jams infused with global flavours as it eyes growth in tourism retail