Nestlé backs filtered brews as next major coffee trend
Nestlé predicts filtered coffee will see a surge that reflects rising consumer demand for cleaner flavours and innovative brews, especially in APAC
“What we have seen most recently is a rise in demand for filtered coffee compared to espresso-style coffee, especially among consumers who also fancy themselves as coffee aficionados as filtered coffee offers a lot more character and clearer flavour of the beans,” Nestle Professional Senior Brand Manager Jing Wen Foo told FoodNavigator.
“Espresso is still going to remain a core product for the near future for many consumers, but those who are a bit more savvy and attuned to trends are looking for filter brews in order to round out their coffee experiences during the week.”
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
Seaweed snack brand TaoKaeNoi is positioning itself in the healthy snack category through two strategies – hyperlocalisation (adapting products to local tastes and behaviours) and cultural synergy (building meaningful connections through globally relevant ambassadors).
“The partnership with Chen Zheyuan represents more than a collaboration – it reflects a shared vision. His dedication, passion, and positive energy closely mirror TaoKaeNoi’s brand DNA … This alignment marks a step forward in evolving TaoKaeNoi from a beloved snack brand into a Global Lifestyle Brand,” TaoKaeNoi said via a formal statement.
Açai leader SAMBAZON eyes Japan, Middle East to drive next growth phase
World’s largest açaí brand SAMBAZON is building on rapid growth in Japan and the Middle East to establish açaí as a lifestyle in the region
The price of açaí remains at a premium level as this needs to be handpicked and processed quickly to avoid spoilage and wastage, leading to many unresolved supply chain and logistics challenges.
“Açaí is a wild crop that grows in the middle of the jungle, and apart from needing to be handpicked by climbing up 20-metre tall trees, it is also very sensitive to temperature changes and needs to be processed within 48 hours or less,” SAMBAZON Senior Business Director of Global Business Development Maira Wong told us at the recent Gulfood 2026 show in Dubai.
Inside Häagen‑Dazs’ global manufacturing hub
General Mills’ Arras ice‑cream plant plays a central role in the company’s sustainability strategy. Here’s what goes on behind the scenes
“We need to have constant and stable quality, on fat extract and dry extract, to have the perfect ice cream all year,” said Nicolas Cayeux, director of the Häagen-Dazs plant in Arras.
“The weather over here is good for grass growth – it’s the sweet spot between the UK and the Southern France climate. The rain is consistent with standard deviation on fat extract specifically in the cream. Even colour, even taste; so it’s very important for us.”
PepsiCo proves new playbook works as price cuts and innovation drive sales
Price cuts, cleaner ingredients and bold flavors drove Q1 gains for PepsiCo as consumers seek affordability, function and comfort
Bolder flavors and better-for-you benefits are boosting PepsiCo’s beverage business, while lower prices and a brand refresh highlighting “simple, quality ingredients” lifted snack sales in the company’s first quarter.
The gains bucked downward sales and unit trends dragging down other CPG companies amid rising concerns about prices and ultra-processed foods, and underscored what consumers currently care about most: affordability, healthier options and comforting, convenient products that support their emotional wellbeing.