In an SPinno survey of 224 people aged 23-65, 65.2% said they had seen in-store POP, posters or menus they thought were made with generative AI. Of those, 37.7% said their impression of the store improved and 21.9% said it worsened; 69.0% of people in their 20s reacted positively, while 29.9% of women reacted negatively. Top requests were disclosing AI use and checking for odd text, images and gaps from the real product.
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According to JETRO, Thailand's FDA says a new notification on packaged-food labelling will soon be published in the Royal Gazette and take effect the next day. It adds sesame to the allergen list and names specific tree nuts, drops the country-of-manufacture requirement for export-only food, and sets conditions for optional digital labels. Products labelled under the current Notification No. 450 may be sold for two years after it takes effect.
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Tribeck has published a guide to the legal changes companies in Japan need to prepare for in the second half of 2026, including measures against customer harassment, sexual harassment of job applicants, revisions to the Whistleblower Protection Act and a major overhaul of the Labour Standards Act, with expected timing and which teams are affected. Customer-facing shops, restaurants and salons are directly concerned.
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JETRO reports that Central Market, an upscale Texas supermarket, held its supplier showcase in Dallas on October 8, where four Japanese food makers presented seasonings, yuzu drinks, persimmons, prepared foods and more to buyers. Participants reported positive reactions, including concrete price talks. A buyer said they want products with a story, rarity and premium appeal rather than Japanese foods found everywhere.
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries instructed Tsurihachi Co., Ltd. to correct its labelling after it listed only “UK” as the origin of mackerel in a salted mackerel product for business use, when the fish came from Norway and the UK. The company must also find the cause and prevent a recurrence.
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JETRO reports that Thailand's FDA has opened public comment, until November 13, 2026, on revising Notification No. 386 on fresh vegetables and fruit. The rule now covers 48 designated items such as strawberries and apples; the proposal would cover all fresh produce and require manufacturers, importers and sellers to meet its GMP standards. It would take effect one year after publication.
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Indonesia plans to extend the grace period for mandatory halal certification by two years. For imported food and beverages the requirement will now apply from 18 October 2028, and dietary supplements, cosmetics and some household goods get the same extension. Timing still differs by product and business category, so exporters should watch for the amended regulation.
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On 5 October 2026 JETRO held a Japanese food showcase in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where seven Japanese companies presented products such as cookies, tempura and soy sauce with tastings, and 26 local buyers took part in business meetings. It is another public channel for small food producers looking at South Asian markets.
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JNTO estimates 3,103,700 international visitors in September 2026, 5.0% fewer than a year earlier, as higher airfares linked to the Middle East situation, fewer flights and typhoon cancellations weighed on travel. Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Mexico, Russia and the Middle East still set September records, and the January–September total has passed 30 million.
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Japan's agriculture ministry (MAFF) reports that Indonesia has pushed back mandatory halal certification for imported food and beverages from October 18, 2026 to October 18, 2028, after companies and industry groups said they needed more time. The requirement has not been scrapped, so exporters are still expected to prepare.
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On 20 October 2026 the Consumer Affairs Agency issued a cease-and-desist order to giobai Co., Ltd. over its advertising for the FLEURISTE aroma product and cartridges, finding misleading claims of superiority and a breach of Japan’s stealth-marketing rules under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.
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Meta announced that WhatsApp users can now invite anyone to a call via a link, even if they have no WhatsApp account. Guests join from a computer browser after the host admits them, with up to 32 people, screen sharing and no time limit. Google and Outlook calendar integrations are due later this year.
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Meta introduced Your Algorithm for Facebook Feed and Reels: users can type their interests in plain language and recommendations adjust in real time, with an updated three-dot menu to say “more” or “less” of something. Ranking now uses large language models to interpret these requests.
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Google analysed Maps reviews, ratings and directions requests to publish food trends and its 2026 Fan-Favorite Dining List for ten cities. In Tokyo, reviews mentioning mochi rose 168% year on year, which Google links partly to record inbound tourism. Matcha grew by double digits in almost every city, and hojicha mentions in London jumped 114%.
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Google highlighted three Maps features for finding places to eat: Ask Maps, which matches spoken or typed requests against billions of photos, reviews and menus; weekly-updated Trending, Gems and Top restaurant lists; and local tips such as booking advice and parking. For restaurants, complete photos, reviews and menus now decide whether you get found.
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