Bird spit coffee? Asia firms seek global appetite for China delicacy

Bird's nest coffee is pictured for sale at an outlet at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, outside Kuala Lumpur, Feb 18, 2015. [Photo / Agencies]

Prized in China for its alleged health benefits for hundreds of years, nests made from swiftlets' saliva are being mixed into coffee and cereal as the Southeast Asian producers of the delicacy seek to broaden its appeal, and their profit margins.

The nests are among the world's most expensive foods, selling for up to $2,500 a kg and the swiftlets that weave them are indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.