Brand New: New innovations and business developments from major brands and start-ups in Australia, India and China

Staying alive: Indian firm eyes domestic growth and Aussie expansion with probiotic kefir products

Indian functional product firm MO's Superfoods is aiming for growth in India and Australia with its probiotic-enriched kefir products​, but is first trying to overcome local cold-chain supply hurdles.

Currently, the brand carries a range of kefir beverages in six flavours and kefir cream cheeses in five flavours, as well as coconut oil and black garlic.

The products, which are 99% lactose-free and contain live cultures, were developed with the help of microbiologists, dairy technicians and culture manufacturers to ensure the probiotics were kept alive throughout the products' shelf life.

Pharma at home, supplements abroad: Bod Australia's twin strategy for CBD success underlined by new Tourette's trial

CBD firm Bod Australia has embarked on a first-of-its-kind clinical trial on medical cannabis​ for Tourette syndrome patients, while continuing to expand its supplements business in countries with a more conducive regulatory environment than its home market.

The trial will use a new, custom CBD formulation developed in Switzerland by Australian firm Bod Australia, which plans to commercialise the formulation in its home and export markets.

While medicinal CBD products are available through prescription for some conditions in Australia, supplements containing CBD are not permitted to be sold over-the-counter at pharmacies, supermarkets or other retail outlets.

'Not fantastic': Blackmores to overhaul business strategy as Q3 profits plunge by 43%

Australia supplements giant Blackmores has announced weak Q3 results​ thanks to slower domestic and China sales, but the firm is confident its new development strategies will get it back on track.

The company saw a 4% decrease in overall revenue from Q3 the previous year to A$141m, as well as a 43% dip in profits to A$10m.

This was attributed to lower sales and a higher level of investment in its brands; the softening sales in Australia were part of a deliberate move to clear inventory in China.

BLIS plans further NPD and APAC expansion on back of good performance and TGA approval

New Zealand probiotics firm BLIS Technologies has its eye on new product development and APAC growth​, spurred by its recent financial performance and an additional Australian regulatory approval.

Ahead of official sales figures to be released in May, the company reported that its annual revenue and earnings were better than expected, amid a steady rise in orders in the first quarter of this year.

Its EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) nearly hit US$573,960 (NZ$850,000), a stark contrast to its US$284,960 (NZ$422,000) loss in the previous year.

Sirio Pharma launches global plan to tap into trends for 'transparent and clean label' supplements

China's Sirio Pharma has announced a global collaborative R&D effort​ involving its 100-plus scientists and industry experts to boost innovation for its customers in APAC, Europe and the US.

With this project, the nutraceutical contract manufacturer hopes to help companies improve safety, efficiency, quality and transparency in developing and selling their products.

It has said that the collaboration will allow it to keep up with regional trends, new ingredients, dosage forms and health claims, so it could offer customers novel product ideas for new product development.