The local government of Shanghai, China has launched a pilot traffic light labelling scheme for sugar-sweetened beverages, with grades to be implemented based on not only sugar but also saturated and trans-fat content.
Fonterra’s performance in China, dairy industry leaders on key drivers, Taiwan’s Blossom Tea eyeing Greater China region, and latest research findings feature in this edition of China Focus.
China liquor heavyweight Yanghe Distillery is looking to establish itself more firmly in international markets, banking on the expansion of its baijiu portfolio with mid-to-premium ranges as well as its trademark ‘mellow’ flavour.
Traditional China tea brands believe that bottled, ready-to-drink product formats are the industry’s gateway into international markets and appealing to younger consumers – but faces major hurdles in terms of pricing and competition.
Product innovation, technology and data alone are no longer sufficient to make strides in the China beverage sector with consumers increasingly wanting ‘emotion and culture’ alongside their drinks, claims Coca-Cola.
China dairy giant Mengniu believes that the direction for domestic dairy growth lies in the development of localised protein product innovation, especially in the form of ready-to-drink beverage formats.
China energy beverage giant EastRoc will continue to use sugar as a primary ingredient in its best-selling products despite rising costs and a rapidly growing sugar-free trend in major cities.
Energy drink giant EastRoc Beverages has set its sights on South East Asia as a key export destination after having established itself as one of the largest brands in China, planning to retain its original best-selling recipe for its initial entry.
Larger than expected harvests in Europe helped balance out the impact of drought and heat waves, with 2022 worldwide wine production dipping 1% compared to the year before.
An increasing number of young consumers are looking for novel alcoholic drinks in low or zero ABV formats, and are willing to pay a premium for the pleasure, say industry experts.
China has published new draft regulations for wine labelling standards in the country, with an emphasis on protecting domestic firms’ trade and formulation secrets while maintaining strict food safety standards.
Recent data from Japanese brewery giant Kirin has revealed that China has topped global rankings for beer consumption and shown significant growth even amidst a general downturn in consumption in many Asian markets.
Female consumers have been acknowledged as one of the next big target demographics for the alcohol industry in China, with many firms increasing their innovation focus on flavour variety expansion and ingredient localisation in hopes of tapping this relatively...
Reformulation and new production development of dairy products, dried foods, bakery and snacks, along with beverages, are driving stevia growth in China and the wider Asia Pacific region, claims global ingredient firm Tate & Lyle.
China will implement stricter food safety and quality regulations for non-alcoholic beverages and dairy products, citing strict standards and requirements over areas such as sensory characteristics and ‘real’ product content.
China’s first homegrown hard seltzer brand ZEYA has big plans to expand its production and distribution both in and out of its home market after closing its seed funding round led by multinational luxury cognac brand Camus Cognac.
China’s first hard seltzer company, ZEYA, has turned the attention to supermarkets and on-trade channels, after pivoting from e-commerce which accounted for the majority of sales over the last few pandemic-stricken years.
Many consumers are maintaining the habits they formed at the onset of the global pandemic nearly two years ago, including a sustained preference for at-home dining and e-commerce, notes market research intelligence firm Acosta, which says retailers and...
A brewery-backed online platform providing information, ratings and reviews on craft beer in China is on a mission to grow the category, which currently accounts for just 1.5% of brews sold in the country.
Singapore-based company U-Group Holdings is eyeing exports of its instant beverages and sauces in Central Asia and ASEAN, following its launch in China and Uzbekistan last year, with profits used to aid its charity endeavours at home.
UAE speciality coffee roastery Emirati Coffee a is switching to a 50-50 strategy combining retail and food service on the back of strong online sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The China authorities have proposed a set of regulations to better distinguish so-called ‘solid beverages’ from infant formula and Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs).
Chinese beverage company Genki Forest is set to launch eight sparkling flavoured water in canned versions in Singapore and US, following its PET bottled drinks.
Indonesia-based cooperative Alko Sumatra Kopi (ALKO) intends to export 100 tonnes of specialty-grade Arabica Kerinci coffee to China this year, paired with its blockchain technology.
LINGYA (零呀), the company which produced China’s first locally made hard seltzer has rebranded to ZEYA, in line with a new local and regional strategic plan.
China’s beverage giant, Hangzhou Wahaha Group has seen an increase in sales of its sugar-free soda and alkaline water products this year, as consumers continue to seek healthier and more innovative beverages.
China’s ‘milk bars’ have been issued with new guidelines that place them under stricter regulatory control, with a stronger focus on maintaining the freshness and safety of products as dairy consumption in the country grows.
Fruit and vegetable juice firm China Huiyuan is ploughing resources into its e-commerce business as it seeks to hold on to its number one ranking in the China Brand Power Index
PepsiCo is putting local culture and comfort at the heart of its NPD strategy in China with the launch of its first domestic market-inspired launch – an Osmanthus-flavoured soft drink.
UK-based wine packaging and wholesaler Garçon Wines is eyeing Asia-Pacific, specially Australia, New Zealand and China with its flat PET wine bottles that can fit through a letterbox.
Nestle is conducting consumer testing with a view to expanding its customisable 'superfood' drink product, nesQino, to more APAC markets, after an initial launch in China via e-commerce platform Tmall.
Chinese’s premium baijiu brand Rong Tai He Moutai (RTH) Maotaijiu is planning to expand into Japan, South Korea, ASEAN and the US with its high-end spirit this year.
Sales of alcohol and fresh foods on e-commerce in China have surged during the COVID-19 epidemic, with market analysts predicting that the changes in consumer buying habits are here to stay.
The outlook for wine e-commerce in China remains optimistic despite the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country, according to a leading expert.
The dominance of red wine in China can be attributed to the cultural symbolism of auspiciousness and prosperity associated with the colour, according to a local industry expert.
INX International, which produces inks and coatings for commercial packaging and digital applications, has spoken out about the impact of COVID-19 coronavirus, saying 'the potential supply chain impact of this pandemic is immense and unpredictable’.
Chinese tea brand, Nayuki is betting on consumers’ increasing health awareness to drive the sales of its ‘healthier’ sugar-free and fruit tea series in China.
AIPIA, the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry Association has announced it is postponing its China Summit, due to be held in Shanghai in April, due to concerns about Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China and many other regions.
Ask AB InBev chief executive Carlos Alves de Brito what was the best thing his company did to boost the world’s biggest alcohol group’s beer dominance, and he will probably tell you that it was to invest in the premium side of the market.
Pernod Ricard has signed a strategic partnership with one of China’s largest baijiu producers, Wuliangye International (HK) Limited: as both parties aim to accelerate their development in the Asian and global spirits markets.
The EU and China have concluded negotiations on a bilateral agreement to protect 100 European Geographical Indications in China; and 100 Chinese Geographical Indications in the EU.
Spirits brands should not rely on China's massive population alone as the key to success in the country. Building a brand is about playing the long game: with an investment in time and money.
