FI China 2026 live: Döhler’s advanced ingredient systems address growing clean label demands

China’s F&B landscape is evolving, fueled by shifting consumer demands and higher quality standards. Döhler is targeting these industry trends through its natural flavors, ingredient systems, and integrated solutions for beverages, bakery, and confectionery applications at the ongoing Food Ingredients China 2026 event in Shanghai (Mar 17–19).

The German firm’s focus is on translating its global expertise into locally relevant innovation amid a surge in demand for sugar reduction and indulgent yet better-for-you concepts among Chinese consumers. 

More than half of Chinese consumers seek products with functional health benefits, and 60% are interested in unique taste combinations, according to Innova Market Insights research. Sustainability is also in demand, with nearly 66% consumers willing to pay more for brands that address environmental concerns, finds the market researcher.

For Döhler, the focus at FI China is on translating “deep application expertise and local market insight” into scalable, market-ready concepts tailored to the Chinese market, Hannah Hua, marketing communication for China, tells Food Ingredients First.

“These solutions are designed to support operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and enable reliable sourcing — all essential for success in a dynamic and highly competitive environment.”

Each showcased concept (beverage, ice cream, dairy, bakery, and confectionery) spotlights how ingredient systems and application expertise work together — from taste development and texture optimization to stable processing performance.

Sugar reduction and wellness demands

Beverages form part of a “fast evolving” market in China, which Hua says is shaped by three key developments.

“Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and authentic fruit and botanical flavor profiles. At the same time, there is a clear shift toward balanced sugar reduction, driven by the need to avoid artificial aftertastes and meet clean label expectations.”

“In parallel, demand is rising for targeted functional beverages that combine enjoyment with health and wellbeing benefits.”

Döhler addresses these trends with integrated solutions that combine natural flavors, colors, and sweetening systems. This approach allows manufacturers to develop beverages with “excellent taste and improved nutritional profiles,” aligning with clean label positioning and reduced sugar concepts, while delivering authentic multi-sensory experiences.

Over 50% of Chinese consumers seek products with functional health benefits, according to Innova data.

Advancing ice cream innovation

China dominates the global ice cream market in terms of sales, with Asia accounting for 43% of global launches, suggests Innova data. At FI China, Döhler is showcasing its indulgent ice cream and dairy concepts with sensory refinement and formulation stability.

Döhler’s combination of in-depth market insight with comprehensive application expertise supports ice cream innovation, Hua tells us.

“A broad portfolio, including fruit and vegetable juices, grain-based ingredients, nut preparations, and flavor solutions, such as the MultiSense range, enables the development of concepts that deliver indulgent taste experiences with a natural and premium appeal.”

These solutions help manufacturers optimize formulation performance, particularly in reduced-sugar and reduced-fat applications, to meet consumer health demands. “This ensures stability, consistency and sensory quality while supporting better-for-you positioning in line with evolving consumer expectations.”

Bakery shifts beyond indulgence

The Chinese bakery market is pivoting from a pure taste focus toward a more balanced approach that combines enjoyment with health considerations, Hua says. 

She points to a growing demand for clean label formulations, natural ingredients, reduced sugar, and low glycemic index solutions, as well as products with added nutritional value.

“Döhler’s integrated ‘natural + functional + flavor’ approach brings together fruit and vegetable ingredients, sweetening systems, flavors, colors, and plant-based components. Combined with strong application expertise, this enables the development of bakery concepts that align with these trends, while delivering consistent quality and appealing sensory profiles.”

She observes a clear shift toward distinctive sensory profiles, balanced formulations, and concepts that combine enjoyment with added value and “nutritional excellence.”

Consumers in China are increasingly prioritizing taste, nutrition, and functional benefits in dairy treats.

China’s consumer-driven market

Innova 2026 trends tracked in China reveal that as population aging accelerates in China, demand for products supporting healthy aging is increasing. Consumers are also looking to preserve authentic and local recipes, with 73% of Chinese consumers open to trying traditional F&B with a modern twist or novel formats, according to the market researcher.

Looking ahead, Hua expects China’s F&B landscape to be reshaped by “rapidly evolving consumer expectations, increasing demand for differentiation, and a stronger focus on quality.” She also anticipates a clear move toward distinctive sensory profiles, balanced formulations, and concepts that combine enjoyment with added value and nutritional benefits.

To stay ahead of these developments, Döhler must continue to invest in local capabilities, she explains.

“Our new R&D center in Shanghai’s Xinzhuang Industrial Zone marks a significant milestone, strengthening one of Döhler’s leading global innovation hubs. Equipped with advanced R&D capabilities, the center is designed to accelerate the development of tailored solutions for the fast-evolving Chinese market and support long-term growth.”