Our top 10 most-read F&B industry news from March 2026

Check out FoodNavigator-Asia's Top 10 stories from the last month

Check out FoodNavigator-Asia’s Top 10 stories from the last month

(Image: Getty / iStockphoto)

Check out our top 10 most-read food and beverage industry stories from March 2026, including the Iran conflict, tech-driven functional dairy, Indonesia non-halal food labels and more

Soldiers using drone for scouting
Soldiers using drone for scouting (shcherbak volodymyr/Image: Getty Images / Shcherbak Volodymyr)

Iran Conflict: What does this mean for global food sector?

The ongoing tensions in Iran could disrupt supply routes and drive volatility across key food commodities such as rice and meat.

cows on a field
Education and investment will be crucial to increase the uptake of artificial intelligence tech in dairy (Tim Robberts/Image: Getty Images / Tim Robberts)

Functional dairy booms as tech-driven innovation renew category potential

Tech driven innovation is growing the potential of functional dairy, repositioning the category as a strong player in the global functional foods space.

Southeast Asian muslim woman reading food label of a chocolate bar
Southeast Asian muslim woman reading food label of a chocolate bar (Kanawa_Studio/Image: Getty Images / Kanawa_Studio)

Indonesia to standardise non halal food labels with new regulations

New non halal labelling standards in Indonesia aim to streamline compliance in food firms and provide clearer information for consumers.

A traditional washoku meal with rice, which Japanese researchers associate with healthier, more balanced eating patterns.
A traditional washoku meal with rice, which Japanese researchers associate with healthier, more balanced eating patterns. (pain au chocolat/Image: Getty/pain au chocolat)

Japan study links eating rice to better weight control

A Japanese study suggests regular rice consumption is linked to better weight control in adults, challenging low-carb weight-loss narratives.

Recent studies found that food consumption can influence mental health.
Recent studies found that food consumption can influence mental health. (miya227/Image: Getty/Miya227)

Food and mental health in China: 2026 trends that brands should watch

China’s growing focus on mental wellness is shaping food trends, driving demand for fresh foods, dairy and lower-sugar options that balance health and indulgence.

hand holding multiple injection pens, including semaglutide-based medications for different stages of treatment, used for weight loss and diabetes management. These GLP-1 receptor agonists help regulate appetite and metabolic health.
Are GLP-1 drugs revolutionizing alcohol consumption: or simply exacerbating an existing shift? (Image: getty/camacho9999)

Is Asia the next GLP-1 boom market and what it means for FB?

After a slow start, Asia’s GLP‑1 weight‑loss market is poised for explosive growth as China and India tackle obesity and food and drink brands race to become essential GLP‑1 companions.

Yeo's drinks
Yeo’s drinks (Image: Yeo’s)

Yeo’s targets smaller packs, global export markets to drive growth

Food and beverage major Yeo’s is eyeing expanded growth via a focus on smaller pack sizes and a stronger global export push across the US and Europe.

The strongest association between UPF consumption and hyperuricemia was seen in middle-aged adults aged 45–59, followed by younger adults under 45.
The strongest association between UPF consumption and hyperuricemia was seen in middle-aged adults aged 45–59, followed by younger adults under 45. (wildpixel/Image: Getty/Wildpixel)

UPFs linked to adult uric acid risk: China study

Adults under 60 found to eat more ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), putting them at risk of getting hyperuricemia (high uric acid), leading to gout and kidney diseases.

Indian-GM-testing-Regulator-under-fire-after-canola-oil-corn-and-tofu-found-to-contain-traces.jpg
GM foods testing (CherriesJD/Image: Getty Images / CherriesJD)

South Korea pushes mandatory GM labelling for processed foods

South Korea has drafted new local regulations to effectively mandate genetically modified (GM) labelling in common processed foods such as soy sauce and oils

Daesang showcased Jongga’s traditional kimchi at SMTS 2026, highlighting growing interest in Korean fermented foods in Japan.
Daesang showcased Jongga’s traditional kimchi at SMTS 2026, highlighting growing interest in Korean fermented foods in Japan. (Image: Jongga)

Kimchi in Japan: Daesang taps fermented food demand for exports

South Korea’s Daesang Corporation is targeting Japan’s growing appetite for fermented foods as it expands exports of kimchi and gochujang.

Read More

Latest

Moore Park South Unveils New Park, 12-Hole Golf Course | Mirage News

NSW Gov Mums, dads and young people from across Sydney are a step closer to being able to enjoy a brand-new park with sports fields, courts, outdoor fitness equipment, a nature playground, shaded picnic spaces with barbecues and more. The Minns Labor Government has today released the final plan for the new 20-hectare park and

HDB resale prices and transactions ease slightly in April 2026, Money News

April 2026 brings a clearer view of how the HDB resale market is evolving. While headline figures show slight changes in both prices and activity, the underlying trends point to a shift in buyer behaviour and market dynamics. HDB resale prices ease slightly in April 2026 In April 2026, the HDB resale market showed signs

Big Breakthrough In Suvendu Aide Chandrakanth’s Murder Probe: Fake Number Plate, Live Rounds, Fired Cartridges Recovered; Vehicle Seized

Updated 7 May 2026 at 10:30 IST On Wednesday, Suvendu Adhikari's PA was allegedly shot at and succumbed to his injuries at a hospital near Madhyamgram. Big Breakthrough In Suvendu Aide Chandranath’s Murder Probe: Fake Number Plate, Live Rounds, Fired Cartridges Recovered; Vehicle Seized | Image: Republic Madhyamgram: West Bengal Police on Thursday seized a

Berkshire-owned distribution giant to deploy driverless big rigs across U.S. Sun Belt

Berkshire Hathaway's McLane, with autonomous trucking company Aurora Innovation, is planning new autonomous freight routes between its distribution centers and restaurants across the U.S. Sun Belt by year-end. Aurora Innovation Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary McLane is planning to deploy self-driving trucking technology from Aurora Innovation on routes in Texas and across the U.S. Sun Belt by

Newsletter

Don't miss

Moore Park South Unveils New Park, 12-Hole Golf Course | Mirage News

NSW Gov Mums, dads and young people from across Sydney are a step closer to being able to enjoy a brand-new park with sports fields, courts, outdoor fitness equipment, a nature playground, shaded picnic spaces with barbecues and more. The Minns Labor Government has today released the final plan for the new 20-hectare park and

HDB resale prices and transactions ease slightly in April 2026, Money News

April 2026 brings a clearer view of how the HDB resale market is evolving. While headline figures show slight changes in both prices and activity, the underlying trends point to a shift in buyer behaviour and market dynamics. HDB resale prices ease slightly in April 2026 In April 2026, the HDB resale market showed signs

Big Breakthrough In Suvendu Aide Chandrakanth’s Murder Probe: Fake Number Plate, Live Rounds, Fired Cartridges Recovered; Vehicle Seized

Updated 7 May 2026 at 10:30 IST On Wednesday, Suvendu Adhikari's PA was allegedly shot at and succumbed to his injuries at a hospital near Madhyamgram. Big Breakthrough In Suvendu Aide Chandranath’s Murder Probe: Fake Number Plate, Live Rounds, Fired Cartridges Recovered; Vehicle Seized | Image: Republic Madhyamgram: West Bengal Police on Thursday seized a

Berkshire-owned distribution giant to deploy driverless big rigs across U.S. Sun Belt

Berkshire Hathaway's McLane, with autonomous trucking company Aurora Innovation, is planning new autonomous freight routes between its distribution centers and restaurants across the U.S. Sun Belt by year-end. Aurora Innovation Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary McLane is planning to deploy self-driving trucking technology from Aurora Innovation on routes in Texas and across the U.S. Sun Belt by

New members for Registration Board | Local Business | trinidadexpress.com

THE Government has appointed new members to the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board (RRCB). The appointments were formalised during a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Labour on April 10 at the ministry’s head office, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain. In a release from the ministry, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste said the RRCB plays

Your business texts could look like scam messages from July 1 if you don’t act now

From July 1, any branded SMS your business sends without a registered sender ID will be labelled “Unverified” and grouped with scam messages.  What’s happening: From 1 July 2026, any business or organisation that sends SMS using a branded name, such as “MyShop” or “AcmeServices”, instead of a phone number, must have that sender ID

Business groups are fighting Labor’s CGT changes. Here is where SMEs stand

Labor’s most contested tax reform in a generation cleared its first formal hurdle on Thursday and immediately ran into organised resistance. Treasurer Jim Chalmers introduced the government’s tax reform legislation to the House of Representatives on 28 May, bundling together four budget measures: the capital gains tax overhaul, new limits on negative gearing, a $250

Meet the most influential business owners from Southwest Nigeria

This article spotlights the most influential business owners from Southwest Nigeria, adjudged by their dominance in their respective sectors of the economy where they operate. The post Meet the most influential business owners from Southwest Nigeria appeared first on Nairametrics...