Botanicals & Herbals

Targeting mothers: Herbs of Gold to debut in Vietnam via mum-and-baby chain stores deal

16-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Herbs of Gold, a brand from ASX-listed Vita Life Sciences, is debuting in Vietnam after securing a deal with mum-and-baby chain store Con Cưng.

More firepower: Fiji Kava’s on its new China’s distribution strategy and name change to The Calmer Co

15-May-2023 By Si Ying Thian

ASX-listed Fiji Kava says that it is preparing for ‘more firepower’ in the China market as it also explores increasing its product range across the beverage category.

Science shorts: Latest findings on xanthophyll for eye health, probiotics for C-sec delivered infants, Nestle’s glucose supplement

12-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research on the benefits of xanthophyll in improving eye health in both healthy and diseased population, the role of probiotics supplementation in supporting immunity in infants born via c-section,...

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in April 2023

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From Fonterra's functional beverages launch plans in South East Asia to Danone China's partnership with Qingdao University to drive gut health R&D, here are the most-read stories in April 2023.

No store, not MLM: Taiwan supplement brand Jerôsse to expand in Singapore, Malaysia with novel distributor model

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Jerôsse , a supplement and skincare brand from Taiwan firm Biotech Lab Inc, has embarked on an expansion mission in Singapore and Malaysia which heavily relies on social media platforms operated by individual distributor to retail its products.

Xanthophyll intake improves eye health in healthy and diseased populations – meta-analysis

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of xanthophyll has shown to improve eye health in both healthy and diseased populations, according to a new meta-analysis conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore.

Reaching the endgame: Korea Ginseng Corp views success in the US as final step of its globalisation strategy

08-May-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Korea Ginseng Corp has opened a new R&D centre in a major push to establish itself as the world’s biggest herbal health company, while strategies such as diversification of product categories and formats are in motion to fuel its bold ambitions.

Oral strips revolution: India’s Soul Strips eyes global opportunities with Middle East as first stop

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

An oral strips nutraceutical firm from India has set itself on a journey to build its international presence, following strong market demand in the Middle East which was its first overseas market.

VitamINSIGHTS

Australia nutra trends: Market leaders Blackmores, Swisse gearing up on mental health, sleep products

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Australian nutraceutical market is poised for growth, especially in the areas of mental health and sleep aid products, while consumers are preferring big value-packs and increasing their basket sizes, according to Blackmores, Swisse, and Herbs of...

Mulberry leaf extract supplementation lowers post-breakfast glucose spike – Nestle-funded study

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of mulberry leaf extract, along with fibre, vitamin D, and chromium, has been shown to reduce post meal glucose spike, according to a study funded by Nestle Health Science on one of its products.

Trend tracker: Self-care in Japan, most searched supplements in Korea, healthy ageing R&D in China

28-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including how demand for self-care and ‘efficient nutrient consumption’ is driving sales growth for Asahi, how omega-3, vitamin D are the most searched supplements in South Korea,...

Brand new: Avesthagen, Kirin, Yakult, Miriqa in the spotlight

21-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Avesthagen’s launch of its first preventive health product, Kirin’s first Food with Function Claims (FFC) sports nutrition drink, and Yakult’s reformulation of...

From genomics to functional foods: India’s Avesthagen launches sugar and calorie management gummies

19-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Indian biotech firm Avesthagen has launched its first preventive health product – a blood sugar and calorie management gummy.

Olympic ambition: Aussie practitioner-only brand to drive HASTA-certified supplements at home and abroad

19-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Australian practitioner-only brand Bioconcepts is seeking to establish itself as a market leader in HASTA-certified (Human and Supplement Testing Australia) supplements at home and abroad, with the ultimate goal of being the official supplier for the...

Science shorts: Latest findings on essence of chicken, medium GI rice, curcumin and more

14-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research on the benefits of Essence of Chicken and hydrolysed collagen type II on muscle and joint health, how medium GI rice could reduce the need for insulin therapy in women with gestational diabetes,...

Men’s health in India: SKUs are fewer, but sales greater than women’s portfolio – India’s Fast&Up

11-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

India’s nutraceutical brand Fast&Up says that males are now more willing to spend on supplements, and this has led to its new men’s health portfolio launched a year ago bringing in 20 per cent more revenue than its more established women’s health...

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in March 2023

10-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From Thailand's botanical export strategies to China's infant formula market forecast, here are the 10 most-read APAC nutrition industry news in March 2023.

From pharma to lifestyle nutrition: Singapore firm launches day and night dual sleep and energy supplement

06-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore-based Wellchem Pharmaceuticals has launched a day and night dual set for sleep and energy under the brand Miriqa, as it seeks new growth avenues beyond pharmaceuticals.

Curcumin extract significantly reduces BMI, body weight, waistline in obese or diabetic adults – review

04-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Supplementation of curcumin extract has shown to reduce body mass index (BMI), body weight, as well as the waistline more effectively than whole compounds or bioavailability-enhanced forms, according to a meta-analysis conducted by researchers from Thailand.

Amway China invests nearly US$90m in five-year long upgrade works in Guangzhou

04-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Amway China is investing RMB$600m (US$87m) for a five-year long upgrading project of its production base in Guangzhou.

Trend tracker: Functional foods in Japan, pea protein market in New Zealand, bundled oral and topical products

31-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including the preference for functional foods among Japanese consumers, factors driving pea protein market in New Zealand, and the emerging number of nutraceutical firms bundling...

Nutrition Asia Video Series

Two-way approach: Nutraceutical firms adopt oral and topical solutions to address joint, skin issues

29-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Nutraceutical companies are looking for new ways to enhance their product offerings, such as developing both oral and topical solutions to tackle concerns across joint pain and skin health in key Asia-Pacific markets.

Review proposes red chili pepper extract for brain health studies

28-Mar-2023 By Asia Sherman

A new review led by the University of Queensland prompts further research into capsaicin —a molecule derived from red chili peppers—for the prevention of cognitive decline in the aging and obese. It highlights a particular ingredient as a potentially...

Brand new: Wellous, Sprout Organic, Junlebao in the spotlight

24-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Wellous' and Sprout Organic's market expansion plans, as well as Junlebao Dairy's launch of Nutrition Science Strategy to beef up the science behind...

‘2023 best time to reposition’: BYHEALTH reveals strategies to tap into China’s new growth areas

22-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

China dietary supplement giant BYHEALTH believes that 2023 could be the “best timing” to reposition its business develop new strategies to succeed in the post-COVID era.

VitamINSIGHTS

Exclusive Malaysia nutrition sector analysis: From vending machine trend to fears over unregistered products online

15-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From emerging sales channels for functional foods and supplements such as vending machines, to fears over unregistered products being sold online, as well as industry concerns over advertising and ingredient rules, the Malaysian industry is currently...

Cooking on gas: Singapore lingzhi firm enters China via petrol station online site

15-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Listing products on cross-border e-commerce marketplaces is a common way that overseas firms use to enter the China market, but one Singapore firm is also exploring a novel way of cracking the country - such as working with a major petrol station company.

Filling the gap: Experts seek to boost knowledge of ingredient science and functions in India’s nutra sector

13-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

There can be lack of knowledge in the functions and scientific evidence of nutraceuticals across India’s health supplements sector, says an industry advocacy group which is hoping to resolve the problem with the launch of a compendium.

Regulatory review: Hong Kong CBD ban, China’s mass fortification of staples and more

10-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at Hong Kong CBD ban, China’s plans in mass fortification of food staples, Singapore’s launch of food safety standards for online businesses and more.

Competing with the big guys: Thai uni spin-off to launch locally formulated supplement into US and China

09-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A Thai firm is on a mission to boost the overseas profile of the industry by launching its blood sugar-regulating product in the world’s two largest economies – the US and China.

Hong Kong CBD ban: Difficulty regulating THC cited for blanket ban in foods and supplements

08-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The recent official ban of cannabidiol in foods, supplements, and any other products in Hong Kong has been attributed to the difficulty in controlling tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive component in cannabis.

Curcumin, vitamin D, fish oil shown to prevent progression to diabetes in pre-diabetics – Thailand trial

08-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of curcumin, vitamin D, and fish oil together has shown to reduce the progression to diabetes in pre-diabetic individuals, according to the findings of a 24-week trial conducted in Thailand.

Thailand to drive exports of Andrographis, turmeric, black ginger to neighbouring SEA markets

07-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Thai government will be ramping up the export of Andrographis, turmeric, and Thai black ginger into the neighbouring South East Asian markets for use in both herbal medicines and topical applications.

Oxford ICSB: ‘You always learn something from this meeting’

06-Mar-2023 By Stephen Daniells

From authentication and identification of botanicals to approached to establishing safety and efficacy, the 21st International Conference on the Science of Botanicals (ICSB) provides stakeholders in the botanicals space a unique opportunity to learn and...

Trend tracker: Thailand, South Korea, and plant-based nutra trends in the spotlight

03-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including the growing popularity of TCM-infused supplements in Singapore, Thailand’s nutra sector attracting interest from local conglomerates, and South Korea’s health supplements...

TCM-infused supplements gaining popularity amid rising demand for plant-based products – Singapore brand

02-Mar-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

The widespread adoption of veganism has propelled growth of the plant-based supplements market, which has in turn inspired NPD to satiate consumer appetite, says Singapore firm QN Wellness.

VitamINSIGHTS

What’s trending in Thai nutra space? Conglomerates enter, the power of celebrity, and CBD opportunities

01-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Thailand’s nutraceutical market is witnessing an influx conglomerates entering the space, the engagement of K-pop celebrities in product marketing, as well as a boom in the much-talked about cannabidiol (CBD) business, our exclusive in-depth report reveals.

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in February 2023

28-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From Herbalife's curcumin immune-support supplement launch to Taiwan's new rules on Eucalyptus globulus leaf and extract use, here are the 10 most-read APAC nutrition industry news in February 2023.

Combining East and West: Thai nutra firm wooing success by combining CBD with Eastern herbal medicines

28-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Thai nutraceutical and health care company Dr. CBD says it is seeking to stand out from the Western-dominated cannabidiol (CBD) market by combining the benefits of CBD and Eastern herbal medicines.

Brand new: Renovatio, Hemp Foods Australia, Blackmores in the spotlight

24-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from nutraceutical brands across Asia-Pacific, including Renovatio incorporating activated phenolics into pantry foods, Hemp Foods Australia’s expansion strategies, and Blackmores’ new product for mental focus.

Nutrition Asia

Opportunity in the Middle East: How Manuka honey and Lingzhi firms are tapping on strong immune, plant-based demands in the Gulf

22-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

APAC companies are starting to tap into growing demands for health foods and dietary supplements in the Middle East after the COVID-19 pandemic stirred consumer interest in preventive health.

Natural powerhouse: Australia’s Northern Rivers region to become country’s Natural Products Hub

21-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Northern Rivers region is set to become Australia’s Natural Products Hub, following an AUD$1.072 million (US$740k) investment by the government.

Taiwan limits use of Eucalyptus globulus leaf and extract to food flavourings from Jan 2024

14-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From January next year, the Eucalyptus globulus leaf and extract can no longer be used as a food raw material, except as a food flavouring, Taiwan authorities said.

Sabinsa study elucidates blood sugar benefits of amla ingredient

13-Feb-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Pharmaceutical corporation Sabinsa completed a 90 day, multicentric randomised open label trial of its Amla, aka Indian gooseberry, extract and concluded it could provide blood sugar benefits.

First of its kind? Japanese firm develops supplement ingredient that promotes stem cell reproduction

08-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A Japanese company said it has managed to develop an olive leaf extract that could be incorporated into health supplements to promote stem cell reproduction.

‘Trends are rapidly changing’: South Korea’s health supplements and ingredients imports up 20%

07-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korea’s import of health supplements and functional ingredients was up 20 per cent between 2021 and 2022, signifying the country’s persistent demand for health foods.

“The unfilled gap is there; it is only going to get worse” – CJ CheilJedang’s subsidiary tackles muscle health with natural extracts

07-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korean food and nutrition firm CJ CheilJedang is seeking to address what it claims is a market gap for dietary supplements that promote muscle health through its newly formed food and nutrition ingredient subsidiary.

Korea to re-evaluate nine functional raw materials including theanine and Vit B6, C

01-Feb-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is re-evaluating the health benefits of nine functional raw materials used in health functional foods (HFF).

VitamINSIGHTS – Exclusive in-depth analysis

Investment, innovation and demand: Why India is experiencing a nutra boom, with more growth to come

25-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

With heightened MNC interest to local firms receiving funding boosts, coupled with increased innovation and consumer demand across three key categories, we take an in-depth look at why India’s nutra market is booming…and primed for further growth.

Botanicals and beyond: How Australia’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine is bridging science and tradition

18-Jan-2023 By Tingmin Koe

There is more work to be done to bridge the gap between science and tradition across botanicals and other nutritional products, as well as strengthening international co-operation to further the sector, says the foundation director of Australia’s National...