Next-gen probiotics to Douyin: Four major trends from China Healthplex Expo
From next-generation probiotics to short video app Douyin snapping up health supplements sales, NutraIngredients-Asia brings you four major trends seen at Healthplex Expo 2025.
The annual expo was held in National Convention and Exhibition Center at Shanghai, China from June 24 to 26.
Infant nutrition firm Synutra expands into China’s weight management sector
Infant formula maker Synutra has expanded into China’s weight management category, which is high on the country’s national health agenda.
The NASDAQ-listed company founded in Qingdao is tapping on its infant formula and milk protein expertise in formulating its meal replacement product launched under the brand Xianfeng.
Speaking at the Healthplex Expo 2025 held in Shanghai from June 24 to 26, CEO Chui Peng Fei presented insights that the company has gathered for its new meal replacement portfolio set up over the past year.
Nestle launches Gerber’s first infant cereal with HMO in China
Nestle is building on its human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) product range with its first HMO infant cereal launched under the Gerber brand in China.
The rice cereal complementary food contains the HMO 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL).
This development comes after China’s National Health Commission (NHC) announced that 2′-FL could be used as a food fortifier in cereal-based complementary foods and canned complementary foods for infants and young children.
Ergothioneine’s scientific evidence, longevity marketing spark debate in China
Ergothioneine, an amino acid found in mushrooms, has been thrust into the spotlight, with a Chinese scientist questioning its clinical evidence, regulatory approval, and marketing tactics.
Professor Rao Yi published an article on his social media account on June 5 claiming ergothioneine a “quack remedy”.
Ergothioneine is known as the “longevity vitamin” and has reported benefits for cognitive benefits among the elderly. However, it is not yet recognised by Chinese authorities for use in health supplements.
Barentz to acquire China’s Fengli Group as part of growth acceleration in APAC
Dutch-headquartered ingredients firm Barentz is acquiring China’s Fengli Group to tap into opportunities in the local market and accelerate growth across Asia-Pacific.
This strategic move marks a milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to deepen its presence in the Chinese market, where it made its first investment 10 years ago.
The acquisition, expected to be completed in the second half of 2025, will help Barentz serve local customers more effectively and expand its sales network in the market.
