Sparkling brain drinks: Ārepa targets fatigue and mental performance
New Zealand-based Ārepa has launched sparkling beverages designed to tackle fatigue and support mental performance
Oceania
Australian industry body corrects nutraceutical misconceptions by local media
Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA) has published a statement addressing misconceptions and inaccurate information made by a local media regarding nutraceuticals.
JSHealth debuts men’s health product for hair growth amid strong demand
JSHealth Vitamins has launched its first supplement targeted at men - Hair + Energy For Men - based on strong feedback for hair growth support products.
NZ export exemption rules give only “limited benefits” for supplements - expert
New Zealand companies exporting dietary supplements and food are exempted from certain domestic labeling and composition rules from September 25, but these are not enough to boost supplements exports.
Magnesium, relaxation, and sleep supplement trends in Australia
The Australian supplement market is seeing an increase in products for energy, sleep, and muscle relaxation, with ingredients like magnesium at the center of the action.
NZ firm uncovers how blackcurrant actives can alleviate diabetic complications
A molecule in blackcurrants could alleviate diabetes-related vascular complications, such as peripheral neuropathy, by rebuilding blood vessels and capillaries, reveals New Zealand-based The cGP Lab Ltd.
“High-growth market”: Elixinol makes debut in Australia’s protein water space
Elixinol Wellness Limited has debuted a series of protein water in what it says is a “high-growth market” in Australia under its subsidiary brand Healthy Chef.
Curcumin improves weight, waistline, BMI depending on dose, intake period
Curcumin supplementation has shown to improve weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in diabetic individuals, depending on the dose and intake duration, say findings from a new meta-analysis.
S’pore, Malaysia offset Vita Life Sciences’ sales declines in China, Vietnam
Australia’s Vita Life Sciences has reported strong performance in Singapore and Malaysia, which has helped to offset sales decline from China and Vietnam in the first half of this year.
a2MC doubles down on China label infant formula with new plant purchase
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) is set to buy a manufacturing facility from Yashili New Zealand in the hopes of ramping up its China label infant formula business.
Wedderspoon’s owner looks to acquire NZ mānuka honey maker Comvita
Wedderspoon’s owner has announced its bid to acquire and privatize New Zealand mānuka honey maker Comvita Limited, which is currently listed on the country’s stock exchange.
Vitamin D for bone strength: Four products removed as evidence lacking - TGA
Four vitamin D products making bone strength claims have been removed from the Australian market due to a lack of evidence, the local regulator said.
Bubs Australia appoints US-based Darigold exec as new CEO to drive US growth
Bubs Australia has appointed the former chief of Seattle-based Darigold as its new CEO as it seeks further growth in the US.
Nearly 240 adverse event reports on B6 received in first half of 2025 - TGA
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) received 239 adverse event reports for complementary medicines containing vitamin B6 between January 1 and June 30 this year.
Australia’s vitamin B6 saga: Legal firm considering claims against more brands
The law firm behind a potential class action against Blackmores in relation to a product containing Vitamin B6 is also considering investigations into other brands.
Marinova to drill down fucoidan’s gut, immune, anti-inflammatory benefits
Australia’s Marinova has identified and conducted research on three emerging areas in which fucoidan could provide a potential health benefit.
Lactalis edges closer to acquiring Fonterra’s Mainland Group
Australia’s competition body does not oppose a potential deal between the two dairy majors - so will it go ahead?
Australia manufacturing gets a boost from US-China trade uncertainty
The ongoing US-China trade war has given the Australia nutraceutical manufacturing sector a boost, as companies look to shift their operations to regions with safe and quality production capabilities, alongside stable trade policies.
Over 100 vitamin B6 supplements could become OTC medicines in Australia
Over 100 vitamin B6 supplements could become “pharmacist-only” medicines in Australia by February 2027, the local regulator announced.
New Zealand’s BLIS Technologies looks to expand sales of oral probiotics in China
New Zealand biotech firm BLIS Technologies aims to expand sales of its patented probiotic ingredients for oral health in China, a category that it says remains under-tapped.
Magnesium, riboflavin most used supplements for migraine prevention - NZ survey
Magnesium and riboflavin are the most used supplements for migraine prevention, says a new survey conducted in New Zealand.
Study: Blackcurrant extract increases fat burn by up to 200%
New Zealand blackcurrant extract – CurraNZ – can increase fat burning rate and enhance reductions in blood pressure within one week, suggests new research.
Honuka, Quantec and Kaneka among the winners as NZ association recognises industry excellence
Pioneers in New Zealand’s natural health sector, which contributes $2.3bn to the nation’s economy, have been recognised by the country’s trade association.
New Zealand industry desperate for export support to double overseas trade
Industry players in New Zealand are hopeful of receiving a policy boost for exports, but have warned ministers that products heading overseas must be able to make health claims to avoid it being a ‘waste of resources and time’.
UK menopause-friendly certification program MTick to launch in Australia
MTick, a certification program for women menopause-friendly products, is slated for an Australian launch by next year having establishing itself in its UK home market.
EZZ cracks SEA markets with A$21m distribution deal after China success
Australia-headquartered EZZ Life Sciences is building up its overseas presence - this time round in South East Asia - having achieved strong growth in China and an upcoming entry into the US later this year.
FSANZ starts public consultation for 3-FL use in infant formula
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) may allow human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) use in infant formulas and is in the midst of collecting public feedback.
Forget calcium: Milk alternatives have bigger nutritional gaps to fill
Protein and calcium are important, but ignoring fortification with riboflavin, iron and other key nutrients could spell real health woes for consumers
Beyond ANZ: Nuchev sets sights on market diversification for growth
Nuchev, known for its Oli6 goat milk infant formula, says it is diversifying its portfolio across Asia-Pacific, with its recent launch in Vietnam a case in point.
Germany topples Australia as 2nd largest health foods exporter to China in 2024
Germany has taken over Australia as the second largest health foods exporter to China last year, trailing behind only the US.
Beauty is Cellular: Dose & Co launches ingestible cosmetic supplement range
New Zealand-founded brand Dose & Co is bringing a new range of ingestible beauty supplements to the European market to target the signs of aging at a cellular level.
I’m Nutrients undeterred by tariffs, enters US with bestselling children supplements
Australia-based I’m Nutrients has expanded into the US with its two bestselling children supplements, navigating tariff pressures via strong supplier partnerships and a vertically transparent supply chain.
Aussie health supplement industry applauds return of insurance rebates
Australia’s complementary medicine industry association, as well as veteran Marcus Blackmore, has commended the health minister’s move in reinstating insurance rebates for natural therapies.
Ārepa to develop new blackcurrant-based prototype for cognitive and mood support in different product formats
Ārepa is developing a new blackcurrant-based prototype to expand beyond its current range of brain health products, which include beverages, powders, and capsules.
EZZ to make US debut with products for gut, women’s health and sports
Australia-headquartered EZZ, which is currently heavily reliant on the China market, will make its US debut with four products for gut, women’s health, and sports.
Nutrachampion podcast
‘Unleashing discovery’: Pharmacist-turned longevity advocate on nutra’s immense potential
Greg Macpherson, founder of New Zealand-based SRW Laboratories, believes new research will open a plethora of discoveries for reversing biological and physiological ageing.
The TikTok effect on nutrition awareness
TikTok health advice is a growing danger as apps continue to shape wellness decisions among adolescents and young adults, according to new research.
a2 milk to launch HMOs formula in China, new R&D centre underway
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) is planning to launch a human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) infant formula in mainland China during the second half of FY25 and is building a Global R&D Centre to meet Chinese consumer needs.
Blackmores major profit contributor to Kirin health science business in FY24
Blackmores was the major profit contributor to Kirin’s health science business in FY24, followed by FANCL, while its ingredient arm Kyowa Hakko Bio suffered further losses.
Healthier innovations and sustainable packaging efforts key drivers of Aussie beverage sector, say experts
Australians are more health- and eco-conscious than before, prompting shifts in drinking behaviour towards more functional products.
Gencor’s PEA shows pain-reducing effects against acute menstrual cramping
Gencor’s palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) ingredient, Levagen+, has been found to reduce acute dysmenorrhea in its “first-ever clinical study” specific to menstrual pain.
Probiotics for mental health: NZ researchers propose grading system to aid use
A group of New Zealand researchers have proposed the use of a “grading system” to help consumers and healthcare professionals select probiotics to support specific mental wellbeing needs.
Sigma Healthcare completes merger with Chemist Warehouse
The merger between Sigma Healthcare and Chemist Warehouse is completed and the merged group will start trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on February 13.
Inject more funds for local manufacturing, exports - Aussie nutra industry body
Complementary Medicines Australia (CMA), which represents the local dietary supplement industry, is urging for more government funding to support local manufacturing and exports.
Goat milk maker Nuchev’s new acquisition drives nearly 50% of sales
Australia goat milk maker Nuchev’s revenue in the first half of 2025 was up 65 per cent, with its complementary medicine business acquired last year a major contributor.
Ready relaxation: The Calmer Co launches kava shots in US market after Australian success
Australia’s The Calmer Co is launching ready-to-drink (RTD) kava shots into the United States this year, after having seen success with consumers in its home market.
Collagen hydrolysate and dairy protein offer no acute recovery benefits for exercise-induced muscle damage – RCT
Short-term supplementation of collagen hydrolysate or dairy protein does not enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, revealed an RCT.
Australia’s new probiotic guidelines ‘show greater clarity, flexibility’
New guidelines on probiotics testing methods in Australia have been welcomed for providing greater clarity for the industry.
JSHealth makes Asia debut in Singapore via Watsons deal
JSHealth, which specialises in beauty-from-within supplements and has grown rapidly across its domestic Australian market, is making its Asia retail debut in Singapore via a deal with retailer Watsons.
‘Owning the zone’: Berocca explores mental, emotional energy NPD in Australia
Berocca is exploring new consumer needs in the areas of mental and emotional energy with recent successive product launches in Australia.