New at SIAL Guangzhou: a Halal Food Village

Source: Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. Poster for SIAL Guangzhou.

 

New initiatives planned for SIAL Guangzhou in 2026 include a Halal Food Village, reflecting rising demand from Muslim consumers across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East as well as growing interest from retailers and foodservice operators looking for certified products with international potential. 

The village will showcase halal-certified products from China's major Muslim food-producing regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, alongside international exhibitors and country pavilions, including from Thailand. 

With Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf markets continuing to expand on halal food imports that respond to mainstream expectations around quality, convenience and innovation, the segment is expected to become one of the exhibition's fastest-growing categories. 

According to the organisers, the halal category also overlaps with clean labelling, traceability, premiumisation and food safety, all themes that resonate beyond Muslim-majority markets. 

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place.

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

 

World food day 2025: Bank DBS Indonesia goes for better foods and a better future

To mark World Food Day 2025, Bank DBS Indonesia worked with multiple partners to support national food security in line with this year's theme, Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.

Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications PT Bank DBS Indonesia Mona Monika said, “The theme of Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future reflects the importance of collaboration in creating fair and sustainable access to food for all. As a bank committed to ESG principles, we want to act as a catalyst in strengthening the food supply chain, improving the welfare of farmers, driving the green economy in the agricultural sector, and increasing equitable access to nutritious food. This is the tangible manifestation of our sustainability pillar, Impact Beyond Banking.”

As part of its vision to be the Best Bank for a Better World, Bank DBS Indonesia believes that a sustainable food future can only be achieved through cross-sector collaboration between the financial sector, the government, businesses, communities, and the general public. Through various green financing initiatives, support for agritech startups, and social programmes held jointly with DBS Foundation, Bank DBS Indonesia plays an active role in building a resilient, inclusive, and competitive food system:

- The FEAST (Flores Empowerment for Agricultural Sustainability and Transformation) programme, held in collaboration with Yayasan Humanis dan Inovasi Sosial, equips farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices, financial literacy, and nutritional knowledge. A total of 40 village champions have been trained to assist 1,600 smallholder farmers (half of them women) in eight districts in Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). 

They take part in 50 climate field school sessions and test climate-smart agriculture methods in demonstration farm plots. Additionally, the programme provides nutrition education for 4,000 farming families to improve their knowledge and nutritional status. The programme will be expanded to all districts in Flores within the next 2-3 years.

- Green financing in the form of blended finance for Adena Coffee to nurture coffee farmers and increase coffee bean production in a sustainable manner, as well as to develop software to support compliance with the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). 

In addition, Adena Coffee will establish a Multipurpose Production and Training Centre by building new wet mill and fermentation facilities to train farmers in the proper application of wet processing and fermentation methods, ensuring consistent and high-quality yields; and conduct six capacity-building sessions for 500 small-scale coffee farmers in Gayo, Flores, Bali, and West Java.

- The Food Rescue Warrior programme, held in collaboration with FoodCycle Indonesia and DBS Foundation. From January 2024 to September 2025, the programme saved 1.36 million kg of surplus food from 155 partner hotels, restaurants, and plantations. Of the total, more than 600,000 kg was edible and packaged into more than 3 million food packages for 128,000 recipients. 

The programme succeeded in reducing the food insecurity rate from 77% to 36% in 17 months, according to a FoodCycle survey of a sample of recipients. Additionally, more than 700,000 kg of food waste were processed into animal feed and compost fertiliser at the urban farm developed under this programme. Education on the circular food system was also actively provided for the community at the urban farm to raise awareness about sustainable food security.

Food waste management is also very crucial for food sustainability.

- Magalarva, a social impact company and a recipient of the DBS Foundation Grant 2023, has made a significant impact on food waste management over the past two years. Food waste processing volume increased to nearly 3,000 tonnes per year, double the amount of the previous year. This has also reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 9,000 tonnes.

Founder & CEO Magalarva Rendria Labde said, “Since partnering with DBS Foundation, we have been able to accelerate the transformation of our waste management system. We have now increased our food waste processing capacity by 66%, improved efficiency through waste sorting units and a new operational fleet, and opened up export opportunities to more countries. The impact is being felt by both the environment and the economy.”

ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance.

Upbeat outlook for UAE catering services

The UAE catering services market is set for sustained expansion from 2025 to 2030 with a CAGR of about 6% over the forecast period.

According to a report from MarkNtel Advisors, the momentum is underpinned by the UAE's growing tourism base, more international events and exhibitions, a rebound in air travel, and the presence of globally-recognised catering service providers. 

At the same time, changing consumer preferences—toward healthier, fresher, and premium dining options—are reshaping menu innovation and pushing operators to differentiate through compliance, customer experience, and sustainable practices, the consultancy said. 

MarkNtel Advisors said the UAE catering industry is witnessing a new phase of growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and rising demand across the events, tourism, and corporate sectors. 

Customers are increasingly seeking hygienic, health-conscious, and customised meal options, while caterers are integrating innovations like digital ordering, cloud kitchens, and automation to enhance efficiency. 

With the country strengthening its position as a global hub for weddings, exhibitions, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), opportunities for catering providers are expanding rapidly. At the same time, sustainability initiatives such as ecofriendly packaging and dietary flexibility—including vegan, organic, gluten-free, and halal-certified menus—are reshaping offerings, making adaptability and innovation essential for market competitiveness. 

Drivers of market growth include:  

Tourism and events

The UAE's global positioning as a tourism hub is a central growth pillar. Large-scale international events—such as Expo, Intersec, and GITEX—alongside year-round trade fairs, conventions, and exhibitions generate steady demand for banquet and corporate catering. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi cementing their reputations as regional MICE capitals, event-driven catering volumes are expected to remain robust.  

Non-contractual catering is primarily linked to events, weddings, and short-term engagements. While cyclical and seasonal, it remains lucrative during peak tourism and event cycles.   

Aviation and in-flight catering

The UAE is home to leading global carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways. The surge in air passenger traffic, coupled with fleet expansion initiatives, translates directly into higher demand for in-flight catering. 

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), for instance, operates one of the world's largest culinary facilities, producing more than 250,000 meals daily across 160,000 sq m of space. Partnerships between airlines and catering providers are set to deepen, with opportunities for service differentiation around menu innovation and sustainability.  

Corporate and institutional demand

The rapid pace of corporate expansion in the UAE—driven by free zones, low corporate tax regimes, and foreign direct investment—has fuelled demand for contract catering in office complexes, schools, and hospitals. Contract-based catering services are particularly favoured for their long-term cost efficiency, menu flexibility, and reliability.  

The corporate segment is largest in this market, fuelled by the increasing establishment of MNCs and regional HQs. Caterers targeting corporates are increasingly offering customised, health-focused menus to match employee wellness initiatives. 

Healthcare growth

The healthcare sector is becoming a powerful demand centre for catering services. Hospitals are increasingly outsourcing patient meals, clinician catering, and canteen management to specialised providers. Post-COVID, the emphasis on nutrition, hygiene, and timely delivery has become even more prominent, positioning hospital catering as both a growth driver and a compliance-critical domain. 

Hospitals are emphasising specialised dietary plans aligned with patient recovery and clinical nutrition requirements, MarkNtel Advisors said.

Other significant sectors include:

Education

Schools and universities are investing in nutritious meal programs, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Healthcare: 

Defense and offshore

Demand for robust, HACCP-compliant food solutions in defense bases, mining, and offshore oil rigs.
Event Management & Leisure: Weddings, conferences, sports events, and cultural festivals drive this segment. 

Mining and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects

Contracted services for remote sites, particularly for oil and gas exploration as well as infrastructure projects. 

With UAE's active oil and gas as well as EPC projects, remote and industrial catering demand is expected to rise further. 

Top players mentioned in the report include EKFC, ADNH Catering, Royal Catering, National Catering Company (NCC), Abela & Co., WLL, KEITA, Al Jazeera International Catering, Kelvin Catering, Baguette Catering Services, and Emirates Catering Services.

This diverse roster of players compete across corporate, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and remote site catering. Competition is increasingly driven by menu innovation, compliance excellence, sustainability commitments, and ability to scale across multiple sites. 

On the geographical front, Dubai is the lead region due to its strong tourism ecosystem, the presence of major catering companies like EKFC, and an active events calendar. Urban lifestyles and casual dining trends also fuel catering demand here.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain host significant demand from the healthcare, defence, and corporate sectors, complemented by megaproject activity.

Sharjah and the Northern Emirates may have a smaller share but are also growing, supported by regional universities, mid-size corporates, and community events. 

Opportunities and trends in the UAE catering services industry include: 

Growing air traffic

With iconic tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and Palm Jumeirah, alongside rising business travel, UAE's air traffic is expanding rapidly. This directly boosts the demand for in-flight catering, positioning it as one of the most dynamic sub-segments of the market.  

Health and wellness revolution

Caterers are rapidly adapting to the shift toward healthier meals. Trends include: 

• Organic and locally sourced ingredients
• Vegan and plant-based options
• Reduced reliance on frozen/prepared foods
• Customised dietary menus for corporate and hospital clients

Automation and technology

The adoption of automated kitchens and digital tools for menu planning, inventory, and HACCP compliance logging is transforming operations. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fleet management and kitchen robotics are gradually being tested to reduce turnaround time and enhance food safety.  

Sustainability 

UAE catering operators are integrating sustainable practices, including waste reduction programmes, ecofriendly packaging, and local sourcing partnerships (e.g., vertical farms like Bustanica). These initiatives align with both corporate environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) mandates and government sustainability agendas.  

On the down side, input cost volatility, which can include imported food items and energy prices, are impacting pricing models. There are also labour management challenges due to the reliance on an expatriate workforce, as well as seasonal volatility linked to event-driven catering cycles. Caterers also need to navigate complex compliance requirements with multiple regulatory bodies and legislation: the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Dubai Municipality, and the Federal Food Safety Law among them. 

Details

Explore the UAE Catering Services Market Research Report at https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/uae-catering-services-market.html

Significant growth projected for the MENA halal food industry

BCC Research's Halal Food Regional Market Analysis: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to grow from US$253.9 B in 2025 to US$380 B by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2030. Countries covered include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

KSA has the largest market share, which is expected to be worth US$72.7 B by 2030, at a CAGR of 8% over the forecast period.

Distribution channels include hypermarkets and supermarkets, departmental stores, as well as online, while product types include meat and meat products, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and grain products. The meat and meat product segment will continue to dominate through the end of the forecast period.

According to BCC Research, investment and funding in the MENA halal food sector are accelerating, driven by strong government support and interest from international companies. Governments are streamlining approval processes and strengthening regulations to foster a more business-friendly environment. Rising consumer demand for food safety, ethical consumption, and Islamic lifestyle products, amplified by social media, is fuelling market growth. Additionally, strategic collaborations among governments, regulators, and research institutions are advancing innovation, ensuring global compliance, and promoting sustainable development within the halal food ecosystem.

Growth drivers include:

A growing population: The MENA region has a rapidly expanding Muslim population, which naturally sustains and increases demand for halal food. As religious dietary laws are central to daily life, this demographic growth ensures a steady and loyal consumer base for halal-certified products.

E-commerce: The rise of digital platforms and online food delivery services has made halal food more accessible than ever. Consumers can now easily find and purchase halal products online, boosting market reach and convenience, especially among the tech-savvy younger generation.

Increased investment: Governments and private investors are pouring resources into the halal food sector, supporting infrastructure, certification, and innovation. This financial backing is helping local producers scale up and attract global interest, positioning MENA as a key player in the global halal market.

Trends identified by BCC Research include:

Digitally-influenced halal choices: The halal food market in MENA is experiencing rapid growth, largely fuelled by the rising impact of Islamic lifestyle content on social media. Millennials and Gen Z are especially responsive to online trends and influencers, often basing their food choices on digital recommendations.

Ethical and clean eating trends: A growing regional focus on ethical consumption and clean eating is further accelerating the expansion of the halal food market, aligning with global health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumer behaviours.

BCC Research also highlighted Halal Products Development Company (HDPC), a KSA-based startup and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company is dedicated to developing a robust halal ecosystem within the kingdom and promoting the localisation of halal production.

HPDC supports international players in expanding their footprint in the Saudi market and invests in the halal industry to enhance the country's production capacity. Its overarching goal is to position KSA as a global hub for the halal sector. Additionally, HPDC offers advisory services to industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the halal market landscape.

Best restaurant in the UAE, best restaurant in MENA 2025: Orfali Bros Bistro

The 4th Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards, hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), has crowned Orfali Bros Bistro No. 1 for the 3rd consecutive year.

Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro - which also has a 2024 Michelin star - blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. The venue was ranked 46th on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023. 

Source: 50 Best via PRNewsfoto: Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 unveiled with Orfali Bros Bistro as the reigning No. 1 restaurant in the region.

Its web page notes: "We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of cooking to discover new flavours and sensations to our food and pastries...Some of our dishes and desserts we have made them again and again, food that we love to eat. We serve them because they link us to our past and remind us of who we are."

Trèsind Studio in Dubai retained its No. 2 spot, followed by Dubai's Kinoya at No. 3.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants said of Orfali Bros Bistro: "Its enduring success is a testament to the talent and passion of the Orfali brothers, whose dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. We are also excited to see restaurants from 11 cities represented on this year's list, showcasing the rich variety of cuisines across the region."

- Omar Shihab of Boca won the Icon Award while Boca received the Sustainable Restaurant Award

- Tala Bashmi was recognised as the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice 

- Carmen Rueda Hernandez claimed the Middle East & North Africa's Best Pastry Chef Award

- Row on 45 in Dubai was named the Highest Climber, rising 24 spots to No. 17

- Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman, No. 18, also received the Highest New Entry Award.

Details

Browse the list at https://www.theworlds50best.com/mena/en/lists/1-50

KSA focuses on food security for Hajj pilgrims

Source: KSA Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims at the holy sites.

Proactive planning has historically allowed KSA to avoid food supply shortages, including during the second Gulf War in 1990, the food price crisis in 2008, and the deterioration of food supply chains in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year, products from 1,294 food factories in KSA will secure more than 120 million meals for at least 2 million pilgrims in six days under the supervision of the KSA Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

KSA's strategy to achieve food security involves 11 programmes, including the Saudi Agricultural Investment Abroad Program, with the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) completing a SR4.65 B acquisition of 35.43% of Singapore's Olam Agri company in December 2022, in addition to the acquisition of two meat processing factories in Australia. 

Investment in food manufacturing amounts to about 7% of the total investments made in the Saudi industrial sector, and more than SR94 B has been invested to operate 11.35% of the factories in KSA, according to official data.

KSA has a megaproject to increase its vegetation cover, which has effectively contributed to achieving self-sufficiency in agricultural products such as dates with a sufficiency rate of 125%, and vegetables whose sufficiency rates have reached 87%. This is in addition to possessing the Middle East's largest wheat and flour storage capacity, with a daily milling capacity of 3.3 million tons.

Water security is also a priority. KSA currently engages in seawater desalination and manages 563 dams. Another 1,000 new dams to enhance the utilisation of rainwater are planned.

Nuodle to take halal beef noodles and more to Dubai

Nuodle, Singapore's first and only halal beef chain of quick-serve restaurants, has announced plans to open its first overseas outlet in Dubai this year. The outlet will be directly owned and managed by the Nuodle team from Singapore. Beef used in Dubai outlets will be sourced in-country.

"We believe that our brand represents Singapore, and itis time to share our passion for food and our heritage with the world. We are thrilled to open our first branch in Dubai, and we are confident that our customers will appreciate the authentic taste of our halal beef noodles," Nuodle's founder and MD Jerry Liao said.

The company recently added mala beef lamian (mala beef noodles, S$8.85) and classic fried bee tai mak (S$7.50) to its menu.

Source: Nuodle. Mala flavoured beef noodles.

The brand was set up to showcase Chinese cuisine, with a focus on the relatively rare Lanzhou beef noodles. Since the opening of the first Nuodle outlet at Singpost in 2017, Nuodle has served more than 1 million bowls per year of affordable Lanzhou beef noodles in Singapore.

Liao subsequently added sweet-and-sour dumplings from Xi’an, Hunan vermicelli fish soup, and spicy gizzard dry sauce noodles from Sichuan. A mala dish was added to appeal to those who like spicy food.

The mala flavoured beef noodles feature Nuodle's tender mala beef, made from a secret recipe, as well as Nuodle's homemade beef broth. Other ingredients include Shanghai greens, coriander, and garlic sprouts. According to Nuodle, the beef and broth are stewed for four to five hours before serving.

Nuodle's other new dish, classic fried bee tai mak, fuses Chinese cuisine with Singapore tastes. Nuodle uses a secret recipe for the sauce, which is fried with chewy bee tai mak, chicken thigh meat, cabbage, capsicum, onion, and Shanghai greens.

"The history of noodle-making is an integral part of our brand, and we are proud to continue this tradition in a modern halal setting. The unique aroma and flavour of beef and noodles in our carefully brewed clear broth, made with clean white turnips, brilliant red chili oil, green cilantro, and a blend of traditional Chinese spices, is a taste that everyone should experience,” Liao suggested.

Nuodle also introduced the concept of hand-pulled noodles to complement its beef noodles. Five types of hand-pulled noodles are available at Nuodle flagship outlets at SingPost Centre, Our Tampines Hub, and Compass One. The broth is prepared with halal beef, beef bones, beef liver, and seasonings.

Nuodle further plans to open its first overseas outlet in Dubai this year. The outlet will be directly owned and managed by the Nuodle team from Singapore. Beef used in Dubai outlets will be sourced in-country.

"We believe that our brand represents Singapore, and itis time to share our passion for food and our heritage with the world. We are thrilled to open our first branch in Dubai, and we are confident that our customers will appreciate the authentic taste of our halal beef noodles," Liao said.

Explore

Nuodle has 20 outlets in Singapore, including three cloud kitchens that can provide island-wide delivery. More pictures are on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=singaporerecommends&set=a.640341198102196 

Nuodle members receive privileges such as discounts on dishes.

Hashtags: #nuodle, #halalsg, #halalfood, #nuodlesg, #nuodleasia, #halalfoodsg, #sghalal

Much activity expected in the Indonesian cold chain market through to 2026

The Indonesian cold chain market is expected to be valued at about IDR6,800 B by 2026, says research firm Ken Research.

According to the company, the cold chain market is highly fragmented and currently includes 100+ cold transportation and storage players. A significant increase in the number of companies is expected year-on-year due to consumer demand and technology advances, leading to significant industry fragmentation, Ken Research said.

Anissa Helou named Foodics Icon Award winner

Anissa Helou, the author of award-winning cookbooks, has won the Foodics Icon Award from the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants organisation. In presenting this accolade, the 50 Best organisation honours outstanding figures in the food industry within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and celebrates an individual who has used their platform to raise awareness and drive positive change.

Helou will receive the award at the 2nd MENA's 50 Best Restaurants award ceremony in Abu Dhabi on 30 January 2023.

Born and raised in Beirut to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother, Helou has written a number of cookbooks. Her 1st book, Lebanese Cuisine, launched in 1994, was nominated for the André Simon Award. Mediterranean Street Food won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award 2002 as the best Mediterranean cuisine book in English.

William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, commented: "Anissa Helou's relentless efforts in documenting historical culinary traditions serve to both educate and highlight the cultural nuances as well as the shared connectivity of different customs in the age of food globalisation. With this award, we celebrate the impact her research and work has had on preserving food communities."

Helou said, "It wasn't until I started researching and writing my first cookbook, some 30 years ago, that I realised that food is culture, and that through cuisine and foodways, one can come to understand better a country or a region and its people."

More recently, Helou worked with the Culinary Arts Commission of KSA to standardise traditional and contemporary recipes collected from cooks across the kingdom in Saudi Feast, which was published in 2022.

IKEA Singapore: Start small this Raya

Sustainability is the theme this Ramadhan at IKEA Singapore. The company's sustainable approach covers cotton - no optical brighteners, and from sources using less water, chemical fertilisers and pesticides - as well as energy-efficient LED bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and easily-renewed bamboo materials.

Source: IKEA website. HEMBJUDEN is designed for Ramadhan.

The annual Ramadhan collection, HEMBJUDEN, is inspired by Islamic geometric art and features cushion covers, lanterns, serving plates, curtains, rugs and more.

Source: IKEA website. Raya (Eid) goodies include from left: dendeng, meat jerky; cookies, and cakes.

Up to 2 May, IKEA will hold a Raya bazaar at the Swedish food market: halal cookies, dendeng and cakes. The cookies are available in the following flavours:

- Cranberry oatmeal 200 g, S$7.90

- Pecan nut chocolate chip 220 g, S$7.90

- Cheese bangkit 240 g, S$7.90

- Cranberries pineapple ball 340 g, S$8.50

Two flavours of dendeng are on sale, beef or spicy chicken, at S$24.90 for 450 g, while there are three options for the cakes:

- Original layer cake 250 g, S$8

- Ondeh ondeh 500 g, S$21.90

- Hazelnut chocolate 500 g, S$20.90

Various items are available online for via Foodpanda and Grab.

Demand surges for plant-based meat

Stratview Research has launched a report on meat substitutes that describes a surge in demand for plant-based meat products among Millennials globally, coupled with high demand for soy-based meat alternative products.

Meat substitute products include tofu, tempeh, seitan, Quorn, and others. Based on the product type, the meat substitutes market is segmented as soy protein, wheat protein, pea protein, and others. The soy protein segment is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period due to the high demand for soy-based meat alternative products to pork, beef, and chicken, on account of their high protein content. 

The meat substitutes market can also be segmented by type into concentrates, isolates, and textured options. The concentrates segment is expected to be the fastest-growing due to its low price and high protein content. 

The market can further be divided into solid and liquid forms. The solid segment is expected to remain the larger segment of the market during the forecast period owing to its ability to preserve the flavour and colour of food products. 

In terms of regions, Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the fastest-growing. Awareness of animal welfare, health benefits, cost affordability, and the growing variety of meat substitute products are driving the meat substitutes market in the region, with China and India as the growth engines.

Companies mentioned in the report include:  

- Archer Daniels Midland

- DuPont

- Roquette Frères

- Kerry

- Ingredion

- Sotexpro

- Crespel & Deiters

- CHS

 - Suedzucker

- MGP Ingredients

Explore: 

Request a free sample report

Stratview Research also has Composights, an online portal that offers free thought leadership reports, whitepapers, market report synopsis, and more, worth US$20,000 every year.

Foodics Icon winner named

Source: MENA's 50 Best
Restaurants awards. Mouzawak.

Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Beirut's first farmers' market and regarded as Lebanon's most prominent food activist, has won the Foodics Icon Award as part of MENA's 50 Best Restaurants awards. The inaugural edition of MENA's 50 Best Restaurants will take place in Abu Dhabi on 7 February 2022.

As part of Mouzawak's vision to promote small-scale farmers, producers and sustainable agriculture, he founded Beirut's first farmers' market, Souk El Tayeb, to celebrate and preserve foods and traditions that unite communities in Lebanon. The souk spawned Mouzawak's first restaurant, Tawlet, where a different female cook sets the menu with dishes from her respective region daily. Since Tawlet Beirut opened in 2009, Mouzawak has launched five more restaurants, providing employment opportunities for women across the country.

Mouzawak is also recognised as a culinary activist for his advocacy of sustainable and humane food production systems.

William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best said: "Kamal Mouzawak's contribution to elevating the slow food movement in Lebanon as well as preserving the culture of sustainable agriculture through Souk El Tayeb and his Tawlet concept is truly inspirational. The impact he has had on food communities through his vision of preserving Lebanon's rich culinary heritage and identity makes him a most worthy recipient of this award."

Over the past 18 years, Souk El Tayeb has evolved from a weekly farmers' market into a food movement, adding educational programmes in local schools and food festivals. Matbakh El Kell, an initiative that began as an emergency kitchen in response to the catastrophic explosion in Beirut to serve meals to food-insecure families across the city, is Mouzawak's latest venture. The success of one of Souk El Tayeb's concepts, the farmers' exchange programme, which connects Lebanon's farmers with international investor networks, is now enabling Mouzawak to expand the project.

The Secret Garden by Zeekri introduces Cov-Eid Stay Home Takeaway Package

The Secret Garden (TSG) by Zeekri, the only halal French eatery in Singapore that marries food with flowers, is now offering the Cov-Eid Stay Home Takeaway Package. The takeaway menu, which includes free islandwide delivery, has sets for one at S$45, and sets for two at S$80. A Secret Platter goes from S$88 for the smaller portion. These prices are nett, with no extra charges.

The sets for one feature a soup, salad or starter; a main or pasta; a mocktail and a house dessert, while those for two allow diners to choose two of each category from the takeaway menu.

Source: TSG by Zeekri. Free islandwide delivery for TSG by Zeekri's Cov-Eid Stay Home Takeaway Package.

Source: TSG by Zeekri. TSG by Zeekri's Cov-Eid Stay Home Takeaway Package features both sets and platters.

 

Details:

Order through Instagram at @thesecretgardenbyzeekri or via WhatsApp at +65 9189 5663. Orders must be made by a day ahead for lunch, and by 12 pm for dinner on the same day.

Celebrity chefs sizzle up easy Ramadhan recipes on Dapur Kawkaw Selebriti on Facebook daily

Ramadhan recipes for iftar and suhoor are being shared by Dapur KawKaw Selebriti live on its Facebook page.

A daily live broadcast from 12:30 till 1:30 pm will be conducted on Facebook over Ramadhan for a total of 90 recipes shared by three top Malaysian celebrity chefs.

Each day's episode, produced in TV broadcast-standard quality, features either Chef Nik Michael, Chef Fikree or Chef Naem. To liven up the kitchen with their humour are Imuda, Mat Dan, Rhys William and Cik B. 

Chef Nik was part of the first Masterchef Malaysia in 2011. He went on to host TV programmes like Hello Bro, Tolong Masak. Chef Fikree, a TV programme host, actor and celebrity chef has hosted several TV shows including Dapur Panas, Aroma Tradisional and Hello Bro. Chef Naem won a reality TV competition called Hero Oven. He has hosted several TV programmes as well, including Dapur Panas and Dapur Ramadan.

Source: Dapur KawKaw Selebriti. Celebrity chefs sizzle up easy Ramadhan recipes on Dapur Kawkaw Selebriti live on Facebook for 30 days.

Imuda, one of Malaysia's comedy actors, is best known for his roles in popular sitcoms 2 + 1 and Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu. Mat Dan, a Westerner fluent in the Terengganu dialect, has attracted various opportunities as a TV host. British-born Rhys William hosted TV show Mat Salleh Cari Makan. His fluent Malay, as well as his spontaneous expressions, have made him a household name. Cik B, daughter of cosmetics entrepreneur Dato' Seri Vida, is known for her Instagram stream at @cikb_havoc66.

Chef Yan is known for, Yan Can Cook, So Can You! which has made him one of the most recognised TV hosts in the world. 

Apart from learning how to make quick, delicious, and professional-looking meals using food products from Kawan and Kanika, the main sponsors of Dapur KawKaw Selebriti, viewers have the opportunity to win prize giveaways.

During each live broadcast, viewers can participate in the Teka KawKaw contest, guessing the weight of a given item and typing the answer in Facebook comments. The participant with the closest guess in the fastest time will win a Martin Yan Signature Knife valued at RM178.

Chef Yan will make an online appearance from the US while recording artiste and beauty queen Dr Soo Wincci, a former participant of Celebrity Masterchef Malaysia, is to call in from Spain.

Kawan Food is a Malaysian exporter and the largest manufacturer of frozen Asian food delicacies worldwide. Kanika is the choice of restaurants, hotels, and chefs, filling millions of plates around Southeast Asia.

JBS' protein portfolio at Gulfood 2021

JBS, the world's second-largest food company and the largest providing animal protein, has showcased new products for the Middle East at Gulfood 2021.

The recently-launched Seara Fish range offers high nutritional value. The portfolio initially consists of 10 products, including tilapia fish fillets, salmon chunks and salmon steaks that are Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-certified, vouching for the sustainability of the production chain and traceability from origin.

New Seara products include a paella kit, mussels, squid rings and four options of shrimp, one of them breaded.

Source: JBS. The JBS stand at Gulfood 2021 highlighted the Seara Perfect Cuts and Black Friboi brands.

Seara is also betting on the halal Perfect Cuts range, developed specially for the Middle Eastern market. The range offers hand-cut chicken parts in consumer trays in convenient sizes.

Seara has also launched the 100% Natural range that was launched in the Middle East market and is available across several supermarkets in the region.

Black Friboi is another new line, offering beef products with Angus genetics. Friboi also presented to the Islamic market the 1953 Friboi Gourmet hamburger. Four times taller than conventional hamburgers, it has no artificial preservatives and no spices.

NovaProm represented JBS New Businesses at Gulfood with its halal collagen proteins and beef stock.

UAE aims for world lead in food security

The UAE Minister of State for Food Security, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Almheiri, opened the World Food Security Forum, MENA on November 16 with a speech affirming the UAE's vision to be the world leader in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, and among the top 10 countries by 2021.

Almheiri shared key areas of focus to achieve the UAE's aims:

- to develop a comprehensive national system based on enabling sustainable food production through the use of modern technologies

- to enhance local production

- to develop international partnerships to diversify food sources

- to activate legislation and policies that contribute to improving nutrition

- to activate legislation and policies to reduce waste.

From the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE and the wider region proactively introduced smart initiatives and policies to strengthen and further develop a sustainable and safe food supply, Minister Almheiri said. She further outlined that industry can best support the UAE's progress towards improved food securitythrough investment, innovation and technology.

The World Food Security Forum, MENA convened government and industry leaders from across the region, virtually connecting the regional food community to discuss how to ensure a resilient future to sustainable agriculture.

McDonald's UAE has new Rewards Program

Source: McDonald's UAE eDM.

McDonald's UAE is inviting residents to download the McDonald's app and scan every in-store purchase to collect rewards points. 

A hundred free points are given with the user's first scan on purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Details:

Watch the video.

Download the app.

SEBATI shepherd's pie gains fans in Singapore

Source: Sebati.SG's Instagram page. Sebati.SG specialises in shepherd's pie.

Established in June 2020, SEBATI specialises in baked goods, particularly ones backed with love. The Singapore home-based business operates on weekends, fulfilling orders in the morning and delivering them hot to customers soon after.

Its flagship is a hearty shepherd's pie, with chocolate pie bars and festive cookies also on the menu. Since launch, SEBATI has seen over 100 trays of shepherd's pies sold, despite a compulsory delivery fee of S$10 per delivery. This is not surprising given the reviews. Some of the comments on SEBATI shepherd's pie include:

"The crunchy bites of the celery and carrots makes it more enjoyable. It tasted good."

"My only complain(t) is the personal size isn’t enough for this carbo lover! I need more! MORE! MOAR!"

"Oh my god your Shepherd's Pies! Sooso goood! I really cannot pull myself away, it's addictive. I love this particular taste (of the mashed potato), DAMN TASTY!!!" 

"I want SEBATI to be top of mind when it comes to home-baked shepherd's pie," said Nurie Arba'ah, co-founder of SEBATI, when asked about her goals for the brand. She sees SEBATI as a platform that empowers young mothers to be confident in the kitchen, and in life in general.

Nurie Arba'ah and her husband Dzul set up SEBATI to spread goodness through their  bakes. They named the company after "sebati", a Malay word meaning "(extremely) fitting, friendly or united - so much so that it is difficult to separate or isolate".

He is in charge of logistics and overall operations, as he majored in logistics and supply chain management. As the Sous Chef, he is also the one whipping up the aromatic mashed potato in the shepherd's pies. She is Head Chef, and handles marketing too.

"With these multiple hats on, we dream of bringing you closer to your loved ones and be a part of your celebrations, as we serve honest, fresh and wholesome shepherd's pies and more!" says the company on its website.

The company originally focused on Instagram, but went online at www.sebati.sg in early August. This has enabled SEBATI to enjoy seamless order management, and paves the way to their further success.

Details:

Order by Wednesdays for weekend delivery.

Hashtags: #SebatiSG, #muslimowned, #shepherdspie, #halalsg, #halalbakessg, #singaporehomecooks, #sghomebaker

Asian Food Network creates Bahasa Indonesia website

Source: asianfoodnetwork.com. Snippet from the Bahasa Indonesia website.

Asian Food Network (AFN), a major regional TV and online food channel that celebrates unique Asian culinary and cultural experiences, has launched an Indonesian language website to cater to over 200 million people in Indonesia.

AFN is committed to delivering a seamless digital and linear experience that offers entertainment, convenience and a community for all Asian food lovers. In line with this commitment, the website is part of Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP)'s strategy to enhance its offerings for the large Indonesian-speaking audience in the country and the region, building on the success of its content on the popular asianfoodnetwork.com platform.

"Since the launch of asianfoodnetwork.com in November last year, the website has rallied a healthy fanbase of food lovers, with 10% of users from Indonesia. The Indonesian language website provides an opportunity to serve our Indonesian-speaking fans with hyper-localised content," said Rohit Tharani, Head of Products, Southeast Asia in DNAP.

"This move marks our commitment to make it even more accessible for the Indonesian community to get inspiration and recipes in their native language to create quick and delicious Asian-inspired home-cooked meals."

Many foodies have turned to the AFN website to look up their favourite local Indonesian recipes, including ayam penyet and Indonesian nasi goreng, AFN said. The new Bahasa Indonesia website will continue to provide a trove of tested recipes, cooking tips, stories on Asian food cultures and a growing set of features that will power the community's passion for food and cooking.

The site ensures ease in joining the AFN community, where it is simple for users to register an account, bookmark favourite content pieces, get nutritional information and participate in food conversations through comments.

The community can also look forward to engaging with well-loved ambassadors from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia's very own celebrity chef and food stylist Yuda Bustara, and exciting bite-sized content and partnerships with like-minded brands in the months to come.

For example, AFN created a content series with Foodpanda in Indonesia this year to highlight popular local and festive dishes for Ramadhan and share exciting promotions with the community, including on Facebook and Instagram, where AFN has a reach of close to 800,000 Indonesian fans.

The Asian Food Network (AFN) is an evolution of the formerly-known Asian Food Channel (AFC), built on a community of Asian food lovers. Based in Singapore, AFN's wide Asian distribution footprint will now cover 12 territories on both digital platforms and pay TV across Asia. The community can look forward to free and accessible content on asianfoodnetwork.com where they can engage in conversations around the latest food trends.

Bringing more than just good food to the table, AFN uncovers the world beyond kitchens all across Asia through topical and seasonal stories. The community can also expect conversations on the latest food trends, served fresh on digital platforms.

Discovery, a global provider of in real-life entertainment, delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year in 220 countries and territories and 50 languages.

Cook at home with Fatafeat this Ramadhan

Fatafeat is inviting families to help create their very own 'home of Arabic cooking' this Ramadhan with the launch of brand-new seasons of Ramadhan favourites such as Matbakh Manal Alalem, Shu Biyheb Al Orf and Bil Afya Maa Hayat.

Source: Fatafeat. Chef Manal.

Matbakh Manal Alalem

Widely regarded as the Queen of the Arabian Kitchen, Chef Manal Alalem showcases a new four-course set menu of appetiser, main course, dessert and accompanying beverage, featuring some of Manal's own creations.

Matbakh Manal Alalem airs daily during Ramadhan at noon KSA time.

Shu Biyheb Al Orf

Chef Mohammad Orfali invites you into his home kitchen in Shu Biyheb Al Orf  where he crafts three recipes from a mix of cuisines around the world and shares his personal stories behind each dish.

Shu Biyheb Al Orf airs Mondays and Wednesdays during Ramadhan at 12:55 pm KSA time.

Bil Afya Maa Hayat

Emirati Chef Hayat Al Shaibani explores the flavours of the GCC and beyond in four-course menus from appetisers to main dishes and desserts, topped off with an accompanying beverage. Every menu either uses the foundations of a traditional GCC-inspired menu but has an international twist, or cleverly incorporates GCC cooking techniques within international menus.

Bil Afya Maa Hayat airs Tuesday-Thursdays and Saturdays during Ramadhan at 1:50pm KSA time

Explore:

Watch beIN channel 351 or via YouTube.