Asia

Cannabis in Australia: a gateway to Asia?

Antipodean pot-smokers, rejoice – recreational cannabis is now legal in Australia’s Capital Territory (ACT). Legalisation for medical purposes has proceeded…

A cold spell: cold brew tea soars across Asia

There is constant innovation in the foodservice sector around the experience of food, and the look and texture of a…

Asia’s plastic problem

Every year, eight million tonnes of discarded plastic finds its way to the ocean. If things don’t change, the World…

Adapting fast food brands to new markets: local flavours or imported tradition?

Western-based fast food chains have pushed into Asian markets with increasingly rapid pace over the last few years. Some are…

Meat consumption in Asia set for rapid rise

Asia Research and Engagement’s report, ‘Charting Asia’s Protein Journey’, both predicts the trajectory of meat eating in Asian markets and…

Food delivery in China enters new era as Alibaba acquires Ele.me

China’s tech landscape is dominated by two big beasts: Alibaba, China’s biggest online retailer, and Tencent, known for its multi-purpose…

Trade deals open new opportunities for Vietnam’s foodservice and hospitality industries

In January 2007, Vietnam officially joined the World Trade Organisation. It marked a new era of prosperity following years of…

Asia Pacific and the veggie invasion

“I am very pleased to say that, finally, the plant-based movement is here,” says Clara Ming Pi FCSI. Herself a…

Vietnam blazes a trail in Asia’s booming convenience market

The Asian Development Bank’s prediction of 5.7% growth in 2017 means Asia’s economic expansion, despite stabilising, remains world beating. Laos,…

Indian government and foodservice sector in standoff over new rules

Worth $57bn, India’s foodservice market is one of the world’s most lucrative. However, this boom has come at a price.…