Who are the consumers? In what context? And what needs are they trying to fulfill? These questions lie at the heart of product development. Flavor Sum's research reveals that people often choose specific categories and flavors at different times of the day.
By studying consumption preferences across daily scenarios, we can uncover lifestyle patterns and market gaps. To bring these insights to life, we've partnered with a leading research agency to unveil the "Daily Consumption Map". This initiative connects key trends to specific category and flavor combinations, rooted in real consumer needs, to highlight growth and innovation opportunities.

How does Freshippo consistently develop cross-category hits? The key is turning consumer data into actionable insights. By analyzing purchase combinations, Freshippo uncovers usage scenarios and adapts its products accordingly.
For instance, Xiaogan fermented rice was reformulated to align with DIY dessert trends after data revealed it was paired more with dessert ingredients than cooking materials.
This approach shows the power of channel-driven insights for product development. What can other brands learn from Freshippo's model of combining data analysis with scenario-based innovation?

If there's one word to describe the role of AI in the food and beverage industry, it's "efficiency."

While major corporations like Coca-Cola and Nestlé have integrated AI into their operations, many small and medium-sized enterprises still find digital transformation to be a costly and time-intensive challenge.

Key questions remain:

· How effective are AI applications in food innovation?

· What resources are needed to build an AI-powered model?

· How can AI better "understand" consumers?

Chi Forest's Genki Wellness Water, born from an idea contest, proves that bold concepts, when executed well, can lead to massive success. This product exemplifies how imagination complements data in product innovation.
Key Takeaways:

· Unexpected Wins: From inspiration to a tangible product, Genki Water shows how serendipitous ideas resonate with consumers.

· Beyond Data: Emotional thinking can infuse products with unique appeal, balancing analytics with creativity.

· Fostering Innovation: An open corporate culture, like Chi Forest's, nurtures groundbreaking ideas.

In the FBIF Product Manager Forum survey, over 50% of respondents identified "understanding consumers' true needs" and "finding innovation breakthroughs" as key challenges.

Have you considered: Are functional products the only way to supplement nutrition? Is lowering prices the only way to deliver value-for-money? Could different designs for the same demand spark creative ideas?

Join this Product Development Workshop to explore scenarios, brainstorm in groups, and apply innovative thinking tools. Discover the right paths, unleash creativity, and open new possibilities for future products!

(Pre-registration required. Secure your spot early!)

This session will focus on the challenges large corporations face in product development and market launch, exploring how to drive innovation within complex organizational structures. By analyzing real-world cases, we will uncover key lessons from successful product launches in large enterprises. Key takeaways for product managers include:

· How to drive innovation within large corporations, overcoming hierarchical complexity and slow decision-making processes.

· Effective cross-departmental collaboration strategies to align R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams.

· Leveraging corporate advantages such as brand influence and distribution networks to accelerate product adoption.

· Risk management and market feedback mechanisms to refine and optimize products post-launch.

Lemon Right earned success in the competitive tea market with its unique lemon tea, but this was a result of overcoming numerous challenges at each stage—from sourcing to market promotion. Key lessons from their journey include:

· Securing reliable, high-quality lemon and tea suppliers.

· Refining flavor through trial and adjustment.

· Overcoming production challenges for consistency.

· Breaking traditional perceptions to build brand trust.

· Creating a differentiation strategy to stand out in a crowded market.

Lemon Right's story provides valuable lessons on overcoming adversity and launching a successful product.

In 2024, fresh food and beverages became one of the few categories on Tmall's food & beverage platform to achieve over 50% sales growth, with HPP cold-press technology playing a pivotal role. As a leading brand in China's chilled juice market, If Juice follows the "One Region, One Fruit" philosophy, sourcing unique fruits from different regions to meet consumers' growing demand for freshness and premium quality. In August 2024, its limited-edition "Zhangpu Lychee × Bulgarian Rose Oil" flavor achieved 50 million units in sales, setting the stage for the emerging "fruit + floral" beverage trend.

For fresh food and beverages, sourcing regions and seasonality are both advantages and constraints. How can brands strike a balance between uniqueness and consistency through product development and innovation strategies? Beyond fruits, how can HPP technology unlock new opportunities in vegetables, flowers, and other potential categories?

As Tmall's food and beverage growth slows in 2024, fresh beverages defy the trend with 50%+ growth, driven by HPP (High Pressure Processing) technology. RUGUO leverages HPP to overcome niche limitations, with its HPP Rose Lychee Juice leading the fruit-flower fusion trend and showcasing the commercial power of tech-driven agricultural innovation.

For fresh juice, regional origins are both an advantage and a constraint. How can HPP expand niche flavors to a broader market? How can brands balance uniqueness with standardization in product development? Beyond fruits, what new possibilities can HPP unlock in vegetables, flowers, and beyond?

How would you design a fruit-flavored alcoholic drink? Increase juice content or enhance visuals? Asahi Beer went further. Their lemon-flavored drink uses a full-open lid design, debuting in the 2021 Asahi Super Dry Extreme Foam Can, to create a stunning effect: lemon slices rising in the can, releasing a vibrant aroma of fresh lemons. After drinking, consumers can chew the slices for an authentic, refreshing finish.


Key Questions:

· How did the idea for adding fresh lemon slices emerge?

· What challenges came with developing the rising slices effect?

· How was market hesitation about physical objects in the can addressed?

· What else experience can be shared with other product managers?

In 1963, House Foods transformed curry by creating a Japanese-style sweet version with apples and honey, appealing to children and milder taste preferences. Over 60 years, they have continuously innovated curry flavors by exploring spice combinations and perfecting recipes.

To replicate French-style curry, they refined every detail, from spice selection to stirring techniques, resulting in the Curry Marché, a bestseller for over 40 years. Responding to rising home-cooking trends, House Foods launched the spice-driven X-Blend Curry in August 2023, with sweet-spicy and medium-spicy variants selling over 5 million units in five months.

This topic highlights how House Foods' dedication to quality and innovation drives iconic products, builds trust, and secures market leadership.

Globalization has transformed China-Japan food industry integration from product circulation into a deeper dialogue on branding, strategy, and innovation. While China's market evolves at a rapid pace, Japan’s refined operations offer distinct advantages. How can both leverage their strengths for mutual growth?

This session at FBIF unites leading Japanese and Chinese brands to explore:

· Brand Resilience: How to build long-term global competitiveness?

· Go-to-Market Strategy: Beyond exporting—how to sustain market growth?

· Cross-Cultural Innovation: How to create products that resonate globally?

· Global Expansion: How can both adapt to shifting consumer trends?

More than a discussion on globalization, this session provides insights to shape the future of food industry growth.