Naha, Okinawa — As demand for Okinawa’s traditional rice spirit awamori continues to decline, some local distilleries are exploring new ways to adapt. One emerging path is rum production, which is beginning to attract attention among both producers and drink enthusiasts. For Akira Nakazato, manufacturing manager at Mizuho Distillery, the idea of producing a new… Continue reading The Sweet Rise of Okinawan Rum
Category: Food & Beverages
Melbourne Gets a Taste of Korea With New Jinro Pocha Bar
South Korean beverage company HiteJinro is strengthening its presence in Australia with the launch of a flagship bar in Melbourne designed to introduce local consumers to Korean drinking culture. The company announced that it opened Jinro Pocha Melbourne on Feb. 27, positioning the venue as a central hub for promoting soju and expanding its brand… Continue reading Melbourne Gets a Taste of Korea With New Jinro Pocha Bar
The Rise of Huoguo Restaurants Around the World
In recent years, huoguo — better known internationally as hot pot — has evolved from a traditional Chinese communal meal into a global dining phenomenon. What was once primarily associated with family gatherings in China is now a fast-growing restaurant category in major cities across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. So what’s behind the… Continue reading The Rise of Huoguo Restaurants Around the World
Celebrity Branding as a Business Strategy
Celebrity branding has evolved far beyond traditional endorsements. Today, public figures are not just the faces of campaigns — they are founders, equity partners and strategic architects of entire product lines. When executed thoughtfully, celebrity branding can transform personal influence into a powerful and sustainable business model. From Endorsement to Ownership In the past, celebrities… Continue reading Celebrity Branding as a Business Strategy
7-Eleven’s Parent Company Bets on Australia as a Launchpad for Global Growth
The company behind 7-Eleven is placing a significant wager on Australia, positioning the country as a testing ground for a convenience-store model that transformed the brand into a retail powerhouse in Japan. In 2024, Seven & I Holdings acquired the Australian operator of its branded outlets for 1.7 billion Australian dollars (about $1.2 billion). The… Continue reading 7-Eleven’s Parent Company Bets on Australia as a Launchpad for Global Growth
Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make After Expanding Beyond 50 Locations
Reaching 50 locations is a major milestone. It signals product-market fit, operational strength and brand traction. But it’s also a dangerous inflection point. What works for 5 or 20 stores often breaks at 50+. Complexity increases, communication stretches and leadership gaps become more visible. Many brands that scale quickly stall — or even decline —… Continue reading Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make After Expanding Beyond 50 Locations
Top 5 Anti-Inflammatory Diet Trends Doctors Recommend
Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism. In the short term, it helps the body heal from injury and fight infection. But when inflammation becomes chronic — lingering silently for months or years — it can contribute to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, digestive disorders and even cognitive decline. The good news? Research increasingly… Continue reading Top 5 Anti-Inflammatory Diet Trends Doctors Recommend
Japanese Wine Aged in Local Barrels used for brewing sake and whiskey
Tucked away among the outer Chichibu mountains, the quiet town of Ogawa in Saitama Prefecture is far removed from the rolling vineyards usually associated with winemaking. Surrounded by rice fields and sustained by clean mountain water, the area is better known for agriculture than wine. Yet it is precisely these qualities that attracted winemaker Yuzo… Continue reading Japanese Wine Aged in Local Barrels used for brewing sake and whiskey
Top 5 Plant-Based Proteins Replacing Meat in 2026
The global shift toward plant-based eating is accelerating, driven by concerns over health, sustainability, and food security. By 2026, plant-based proteins are no longer niche alternatives — they are becoming mainstream options on restaurant menus, grocery shelves, and home kitchens. Advances in food science and changing consumer preferences are helping these proteins move closer to… Continue reading Top 5 Plant-Based Proteins Replacing Meat in 2026
Top 5 Ways AI Is Transforming Restaurant Profitability
Rising food costs, labor shortages, and tighter consumer spending have made running a profitable restaurant more challenging than ever. In response, many operators are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to protect margins and unlock new sources of efficiency. No longer a futuristic concept, AI is quietly reshaping how restaurants operate, market, and grow their bottom… Continue reading Top 5 Ways AI Is Transforming Restaurant Profitability