Jacobson Pharma to launch Smartfish cognition supplements for adults and children in China and Taiwan
Reflect is said to improve adults’ cognitive function, while Cream improves children’s brain development.
The firm intends to launch the products in China and Taiwan by Q3 2020. Smartfish is based in Norway, and the products are already available in Hong Kong and Macau.
In 20 years’ time, one-third of Asia’s population will be above 65 years of age.
Hence, preventive and functional supplements are becoming more popular in the region, according to Andy KK Wong, vice president of trades sales & brand at Jacobson Pharma Group.
Clinically tested supplements
According to Wong, Cream is in the form of an emulsion “in a paste form, so it’s easier to swallow”, and is suitable for children above one years of age. It can be consumed on its own, or with foods.
Cream is currently available in an apricot and lemon taste. Although Wong hinted that more flavours would be launched by Q2 2020.
Reflect is a juice-based drink containing omega-3, vitamin D and whey protein, for people above 12 years old. It is currently available in jackfruit flavour.
It is intended for adults and the elderly at risk of age-related functional decline in immune, cognitive, and muscle strength.
According to Wong, casual delivery formats for supplements like those of Reflect and Cream were gaining popularity, away from traditional formats like tablets, and capsules.
“Formats like drinks, creams, gummies, powders and jellies are proving more popular because people don’t want to feel like they are ingesting medicine when they consume supplements.
These types of formats are well accepted by the elderly and parents.”
Active ingredient
The Smartfish range contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, obtained from cod.
As Cream is for children, it contains a lower concentration of omega-3 at 600mg, compared to Reflect with 2500mg.
Meanwhile, Reflect also contains vitamin D and whey protein for the maintenance of normal muscle function, and immune system in adults.
Jacobson has signed an agreement to carry in-licensed rights for 10 years to distribute and market
Smartfish’s consumer health products within the countries mentioned earlier. The products are manufactured in Sweden (Reflect) and Finland (Cream).
Other products the firm will bring to Asia include the Smartfish Recharge for sports nutrition, and Smartfish Resolve for improving metabolic health and diabetes care.
Jacobson Pharma announced its financial results for the six months ended 30 September 2019, where the Group maintained a steady growth with its revenue increased by 6.8% to HK$871.7 million (US$111 million) compared to HK$816.3 million in the same period last year.
Gross profit also rose 12.5% to reach HK$358.5 million (US$46 million) compared to HK$318.7 million in the corresponding period last year.