Trend Watch: APAC Food & Beverage Innovation

Sugar reduction at the forefront of health and wellness concerns

Health and wellness is a top concern for APAC consumers, with more than 87% focused on reducing their sugar consumption.1 In response, product developers are turning to natural sweeteners to create low/no sugar beverage, confectionery and dairy products. Fruit ingredients are trending across categories, as consumers look for healthier options that offer a hint of sweetness, authentic flavor and nutritional benefits.

Plant-based ingredients to grow in popularity because of environmental concerns

Already an important market driver in the West, environmental concerns are starting to play a greater role in consumers’ purchasing decisions in the APAC market. According to Mintel, 47% of plant-based dairy products recently launched in the APAC market include a sustainability claim, indicating that sustainable innovation is a growing opportunity for brands.2 By adding plant-based ingredients to existing product lines, or creating plant-based alternatives, product developers can capture interest from consumers who are starting to make changes to their diet because of environmental concerns.

Demand for simpler labels drives innovation with fruits and vegetables

According to recent survey, 70% of consumers in the APAC market say it is important for them to know how their food is handled and how ingredients are manufactured, prepared, and sourced.3 To meet demand for plant-based, all-natural and traceable ingredients, product developers are innovating more often with fruits and vegetables. Not only are fruits and vegetables recognizable on the label, they are also powerful vehicles for flavor, texture and nutrition.