From ocean farming investment in New Zealand to functional foods in China, the Asia-Pacific region continues to lead with bold, future-forward agri-food policies and innovations. Here's a monthly snapshot of the most exciting developments transforming how we grow, produce, and consume food across the region.

🇳🇿 New Zealand Backs NZD$14B Open-Ocean Aquaculture Vision

New Zealand is throwing its support behind open-ocean aquaculture, aiming to unlock a staggering NZD$14 billion in economic potential. The government sees this as a cornerstone of its blue economy strategy, emphasising environmental sustainability and export growth. 🔗 Read the full story

🇸🇬 Singapore’s JAH Cultura Speeds Shrimp Growth with Ceramic Alloy Tech

In a high-tech twist to aquaculture, JAH Cultura in Singapore has developed a ceramic alloy technology that not only accelerates shrimp growth but also reduces feed usage, potentially improving both profit margins and environmental outcomes. 🔗 Explore the innovation

🇯🇵 Square Roots Japan Brings CEA to Traditional Farmers

Indoor farming pioneer Square Roots is expanding into Japan, where it’s providing traditional farmers with a stake in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). The initiative aims to modernise legacy farming systems while preserving rural livelihoods. 🔗 Full article

🇲🇾 Malaysia’s Seadling Secures $1M to Scale Seaweed Innovation

Seadling, a Malaysian seaweed startup, has raised USD$1 million to scale its sustainable seaweed cultivation operations. The company positions seaweed as a climate-resilient, regenerative crop with high potential in food and bioplastics. 🔗 Read their success story.

🇮🇳 India’s Yellowfield Revives Millet as a Modern, Affordable Supergrain

Yellowfield, a food tech firm in India, is advocating for millet as a low-cost, nutrient-dense alternative to wheat and rice. Their mission aligns with broader national efforts to promote millets as climate-smart crops for mass adoption. 🔗 See the story

🇨🇳 China Urged to Focus on Functional, Natural Food Innovation

Experts in China are calling for a shift toward clean-label, functional foods that prioritise health and natural ingredients. The goal is to move beyond novelty and anchor innovation in meaningful value for consumers. 🔗 Full article

🇵🇭 Nestlé Launches Soy Milk Drink for Kids in the Philippines

Nestlé has introduced a new soy-based drink called Milk Plus in the Philippines, targeting children's nutrition needs in a dairy-alternative format. It’s part of a growing trend toward plant-based, age-specific nutrition in emerging markets. 🔗 More details

🌐 What this means for the Asia-Pacific

This month’s updates reveal a powerful narrative that the Asia-Pacific is not only embracing agri-food innovation but also setting global benchmarks in sustainability, nutrition, and technology. From deep-sea aquaculture to ancient grains, the region is crafting a food future that is inclusive, resilient, and ready for scale.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue tracking the pulse of food innovation in the Asia-Pacific. This year's programme at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit will focus on these key priorities shaping the agri-food landscape in the Asia-Pacific.