Trend Tracker: Hemp and CBD gaining interest in Asia, functional foods the key driver of Australian market growth, yogurt for skin health

Supplement firms express interest as Thai authorities relax rules on the use of hemp and CBD

A number of hemp and CBD product manufacturers have expressed interest in doing business in Thailand, after the country recently announced changes to its regulations.

Elixinol, which already operates in Japan, Australia, the US, and the UK, is one of such firms.

In response to queries from NutraIngredients-Asia​​, founder and CEO, Paul Benhaim said the firm “has interest in this possibility and is open to further discussions with potential Thai business partners.”​

Functional foods and supplements to contribute towards $25bn Australian market by 2030​

Australian ‘health and wellness’ products including functional foods, supplements and personalised nutrition, along with more sustainable products such as alternative protein, will become a AU$25bn billion market by 2030, according to new data.

Dr Katherine Wynn, senior economic advisor at CSIRO Futures, the strategic advisory arm of national science agency CSIRO, said of the AU$25 billion market, health and wellness would make up more than half (54%) of the market.

Alternative protein and sustainable products are forecast​ to make up 18%, with the remaining 28% being premium products like convenience meals and luxury products.

Cute culture? Japan’s Takanashi Group launching beauty-from-within yogurt drink

Japanese dairy manufacturer Takanashi Group is launching​ what it believes is the first yogurt drink for good skin backed by a Food With Function claim (FFC).

The flora yogurt drink claims to relieve dry skin and keep it moist with its functional component, lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillusrhamnosus GG​, reported to help moisturise skin from inside.

The product is sold as a FFC, and contains 14 billion strains per 100mL.

Milk powder for teenagers: Nestlé China banks on growth from emerging category with new launch

Nestlé China has identified milk powder for teenagers as a new growth area​ and has launched a related series of new products to capture the market.

Under the brand “Nestlé AiSiPei”, the firm has unveiled three new products – including two milk powder, and one oatmeal – aimed at the young children and adolescent nutrition market in late August.

The launch of “Nestlé AiSiPei” is also an upgrade from the previous “Nespray Student Nutrition” portfolio. The upgraded version has added nutrients such as DHA, vitamin C, D, calcium, and zinc into the formula.

BioIsland, Childlife, and Culturelle top kids supplement brands in China’s e-commerce platform – New Tmall report

BioIsland, Childlife, and Culturelle are the best-selling kids supplement brands in Tmall – one of the major e-commerce platforms in China.

Titled “Complementary foods and nutritional products industry trends report”, Tmall and CBN Data studied and compiled the Chinese consumers’ purchasing patterns​ in the areas of kids’ supplements, complementary foods, snacks, and seasonings.

The consumption data​ was collected between year 2016 and 2018, and the report was recently published on Aug 18.