Key findings

Slight decline in retail volumes in China as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in 2023

As in 2020, when foodservice sales declined and retail demand spiked in China, followed by a foodservice rebound and slower retail performances a year later, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and the return of lockdowns boosted retail sales and negatively impacted foodservice in 2022. This meant a recovery for foodservice in 2023, with volume sales dipping slightly into negative territory in China in this year with the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions.

Convenience remains a key trend in staple foods in Japan

Convenience remains a key trend in Japanese staple foods, with companies innovating with products that offer convenience to busy consumers. For example, Nisshin Seifun renewed the dried short pasta in its Hayayude series, so that it can be cooked in the microwave, meaning consumers can cook it without the need for boiling water or a large pot.

Health and wellness an increasingly important purchasing criterion

Increasing health awareness is a major driver of growth in many categories in China, including producers using less sugar in shelf stable fruit, clean label in baked goods, and less sugar and fat and more natural ingredients in breakfast cereals. These healthier products not only echo the consumer desire for healthier foods, but also enable manufacturers to premiumise their brands and boost their value sales.

Convenience stores gaining share in Indonesian processed meat

Over the review period, convenience stores recorded major share gains in processed meat and seafood in Indonesia as operators improved the cold chain supply with the addition of chilled cabinets and freezers for product storage and display.