Beer maker Asahi sets sights on health and wellness business expansion
Japanese beer maker Asahi has set sights on expanding its health and wellness business, such as developing functional drinks and promoting the global rollout of its lactic acid bacteria ingredients.
This is based on the company’s analysis of megatrends expected to take place by 2050.
It anticipates that global demand for alcohol alternatives and health-conscious products will continue to rise.
WATCH: Nestle says women’s health a new growth platform
Nestle has identified women’s health as a new growth platform and is assessing the launch of its maternal supplement brand “Materna” into markets such as India.
The global food and beverage conglomerate sees the women’s health market as an exciting one and is optimistic of its development.
Speaking to NutraIngredients-Asia in the latest episode of “Behind the Big Story”, Renata Batal, Global Marketing Manager for Materna and Women’s Health at Nestle tells us more.
Korea calls for sales of Amorepacific, Cosmax health foods to halt after residual solvent detected
Ethyl acetate, a residual solvent, was detected in 13 health functional foods manufactured by Amorepacific and Cosmax, and the local regulator has ordered for sales suspension and product recalls.
Five products from Amorepacific’s health supplement brand Vitalbeautie were implicated.
They include Meta Green Gold Plus, Meta Green Slim, Meta Green Slim Plus, Meta Green Slim Up, and Meta Greens Booster Shot7 Days.
GLP-1 study: Gencor running second trial after positive initial findings
Gencor has started the second clinical trial assessing its fatty acid amide ingredient and its impacts on metabolic health.
This follows positive findings from its first clinical study and a pilot study, which showed an increase in the body’s GLP-1 production.
The fatty acid amide ingredient studied is oleoylethanolamide (OEA) which Gencor has launched under the brand name Trpti.
Thai Union debuts marine collagen, pours US$30m in new processing factory
The ingredients arm of Thai Union has launched its first marine collagen derived from tuna skin.
It also invested US$30m into building a processing factory specially dedicated to producing marine collagen ingredients.
This is to tap on the opportunities in the global premium collagen markets, including Japan and South Korea.
LG H&H’s Lactobacillus FGO-containing health functional food targets children’s height growth
LG Household & Health Care has launched a health functional food containing lactic acid bacteria fermented oyster extract (FGO), which is targeted at boosting height growth in children.
The product is also the first health functional food in South Korea to contain lactic acid bacteria FGO, which was approved as a functional ingredient by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) last November.
FGO is derived from fermenting oyster extract with a specific strain of Lactobacillus. It has been shown in studies to have potential effects on height growth, muscle strength, and bone health.
Ergothioneine’s scientific evidence, longevity marketing spark debate in China
Ergothioneine, an amino acid found naturally in mushrooms, was thrust into the spotlight, with a Chinese scientist questioning its clinical evidence, regulatory approval, and marketing tactics.
Chinese scientist Professor Rao Yi published an article on his social media account on June 5 claiming ergothioneine a “quack remedy”.
At the moment, ergothioneine is popularly known as the “longevity vitamin” and has reported benefits for cognitive benefits among the elderly.
Malaysians not taking enough B vitamins, more so among hypertension sufferers
Malaysian adults have not been taking enough B vitamins from their diets, specifically vitamins B6, B9, B12, E, as well as vitamin K, said findings of a cross-sectional study published in Scientific Reports.
The research also found that individuals suffering from hypertension had significantly lower intake of these vitamins as compared to those that do not have hypertension.
The researchers have therefore urged clinicians to consider nutritional status as a vital component of hypertension management.
Japanese start-up debuts ageing-support supplement made from parsley-derived exosomes
Japanese biotech start-up TIME TRAVELER has launched a supplement targeting the ageing generation and formulated with parsley-derived exosomes, which it claims to be a first in the market.
The firm focuses on the development of longevity solutions based on research evidence and technologies from the University of Tokyo.
At the same time, it is building a nutraceutical business that utilises exosomes derived from plants and algae, with a mission to tap into unexplored areas and bring to market products that extend healthspan.
How traditional firms and start-ups can tap into booming functional hydration category
The functional hydration category is poised for growth, and both traditional beverage firms and start-ups can tap into opportunities in this space with consumer segmentation and ingredient innovation.
The key to launching personalised beverages with functional benefits is to understand consumers’ health priorities such as gut health and hydration, said Nathanael Lim, Asia-Pacific Insight Manager (Beverages) at Euromonitor.
At the same time, it is important to identify the target consumer segment, as young and elderly consumers have different priorities, according to Lim.
