Coca-Cola doubles down on localisation in China as sales grow
Coca-Cola taps on localised product innovation, digital engagement and community initiatives to strengthen consumer connections in China, as the beverage giant posted 8% unit case volume growth across Asia Pacific in Q2.
The beverage giant’s investment in China extends beyond product development and commercial growth. For example, its “Clean Water 24 Hours” emergency response initiative was launched to support communities during times of crisis.
China puts alternative proteins at heart of future food strategy
China is positioning alternative proteins within a wider future food system spanning food security, nutrition, sustainability and consumer needs, according to Prof Li Zhaofeng, vice president of Jiangnan University.
This aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s earlier directives to seek nutrition beyond traditional agricultural sources. Xi said that developing biological science and technology and bio-industries, China can obtain calories and protein from plants, animals and microorganisms.
Roasted edamame taps high-protein, clean-label snack demand
China is the world’s major importer and consumer of soybeans, which are widely used in traditional foods and modern plant-based product markets.
Zenko, a Singapore-based functional snack brand, taps into Suzhou’s extensive edamame production to transform a traditional soy product into a contemporary snack for protein needs.
4 Asian markets that beat cultural barriers to cut food waste
Consumer attitudes to food waste are tied to culture, but Asian markets show this can be overcome to support sustainability targets.
In China, the Clean Your Plate campaign rides on the back of traditional respect for food, a deeply held cultural value. On the other hand it wrestles with other deeply held cultural norms that equate abundant food with hospitality and generosity.
Nonetheless, the country has implemented an anti-food waste law, where catering service providers are required to remind customers to avoid excessive ordering and can charge a disposal fee for large amounts of leftovers.
Unbalanced intake, inadequate supply spur protein innovation in China – Angel Yeast
Forty-five percent of Chinese adults do not get enough protein in their diets, with rural populations and the elderly being particularly affected, said Chris Chen, General Manager of Nutrition & Health Technology Centre at Angel Yeast.
At the same time, traditional food protein supply methods, such as planting and breeding, are dealing with challenges like land and water resource shortages, over-reliance on imported seeds, abuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, high carbon emissions, and low conversion efficiency.
“Against this backdrop, developing proteins is not just a reasonable choice, it is absolutely imperative,” Chen said.
