Year after year covering developments in the F&B industry, I see that more companies in Southeast Asia are already adding healthier products to their selection. Thailand’s development of future foods, and better foods is an example that others can follow. The focus on health and nutrition, sustainable food production, and even better packaging, together can ensure more success for companies.   

Whether it is about taking out ingredients from the formula, using new ingredients, or creating a product from scratch, the process has become much more efficient for manufacturers who are able to find the ideal partner to help them through the entire course. In this issue , we talked to Michelle Lee, Regional Marketing Leader, Greater Asia for IFF on how this process goes about with their customers. IFF is just one of the many companies helping manufacturers get their concepts to life and ready to market.

Aside from better for health formulations, manufacturers are interested in upgrading their packaging design or process. They know it’s necessary to keep up with the times when it comes to materials and labels. The growth of e-commerce has become a big reason for this. Consumers are also critical about the sustainability, strength and safety of packaging.  Again, having to choose the right packaging design – not too much and not too little – is also much easier with the abundance of packaging options on offer. In this issue, you’ll find some of the latest packaging, including the recipients of the Ringier Innovation Technology Awards for packaging technology.