Botanicals & Herbals

Healthplex Expo and Natural & Nutraceutical Products China

Nutra success: China consumers care most about brand recognition, not formulations / ingredients – Pharma exec

07-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

China consumers pay more attention to brand recognition than formulations, ingredients, or scientific evidence when it comes to nutraceuticals, says a leading pharma exec from a firm that has been seeing strong growth from its nutra business.

Pain-free period: Singapore’s Moom Health extends supplements line-up to battle PMS and menstrual woes

07-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

After more than a year of development and 13 versions of the prototype, Singapore’s Moom Health has completed the formulation of a new supplement that is specifically targeted at relieving premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and painful period cramps.

Regulatory review: ASEAN harmonisation, Japan’s FFC, China infant formula in the spotlight

04-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at the progress in ASEAN harmonisation of technical standards for health supplements, how Japan’s authorities are reviewing the scientific assessment of Food with Function Claims (FFC), and...

Credibility doubts arise: Japan set to revise Foods with Function Claims scientific evaluation

31-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), which regulates the Foods with Function Claims (FFC) market, is reviewing the methods that companies use to support the science behind their goods, following the recent removal of two products from the market.

Nutrition Asia

Sports nutrition in India: Rise of local brands, new formats as consumer knowledge increases

26-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

India’s sports nutrition sector is seeing the rise of local brands, new product formats, and consumption beyond protein powder as consumer knowledge of the category increases, according to Fast&Up and Steadfast Nutrition.

Seeing kava in a new light: NZ study to explore therapeutic potential of traditional kava use in trauma

26-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Pacific health researchers are starting clinical trials in early 2024 to explore kava as an alternate treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Positive participation: Singapore’s HSA to expand types of supplements applicable for voluntary notification

25-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is expanding the types of health supplements applicable for voluntary notification from August 1, 2023, having received “positive participation” since implementing the initiative a year ago.

Personalised nutrition round-up: Latest updates from APAC companies, associations, and regulators

25-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here we shine the spotlight on the very latest developments in APAC’s thriving personalised nutrition sector, including updates from India, South Korea, China, and Australia.

Brand new: DrinkAid, Amazin’ Graze, Amway in the spotlight

21-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including anti-hangover supplement DrinkAid’s debut in pharmacy retail, granola maker Amazin’ Graze using probiotics for new product development, and Amway China’s plans...

Singapore’s anti-hangover supplement DrinkAid enters pharmacy chain, to launch new formats

20-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore’s anti-hangover supplement company DrinkAid has expanded into the pharmacy retail chain through an exclusive agreement with Unity – the pharmacy arm of grocer FairPrice – and is also planning to launch new product formats later this year.

Gencor study supports Ageratum conyzoides extract's hair growth potential

18-Jul-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Daily supplementation with an extract of Ageratum conyzoides may offer support for men and women with loss, with a new study showing reduced hairline recession and greater hair density, compared to placebo.

China’s online health supplements: Calcium popular on CBEC while probiotics took lead on domestic e-commerce in Q1

12-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Calcium was one of the bestselling health supplement on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in China, while the top spot went to probiotics on domestic e-commerce platforms during Q1 this year.

Taiwan FDA announces limits, guidelines for broccoli seed extract consumption

11-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new rules for broccoli seed extract consumption, including limiting the daily dosage to 115mg and prohibiting consumption among pregnant and lactating women.

China CBEC phenomenon: Tmall Global on overcoming supplements supply chain woes as products hit peak popularity

11-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Overseas supplements sold into China via cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) can get popular easily, but supply chain pain points are making it difficult for brands to replenish their goods in time, says the head of Tmall Global.

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in June 2023

10-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From H&H Group's appointment of a new CEO to South Korea's nutraceutical industry trends and developments, here are the most-read stories in June 2023.

Regional opportunity: Singapore distributor banking on clinical trial evidence to drive growth of Japanese King Agaricus brand

06-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Singapore distributor Inspire Healthcare says extensive clinical trials for immunity support and cancer management will aid the success of Japanese supplement brand King Agaricus 100 across South East Asia and China.

Yam-derived bioactive improves muscle quality in middle-aged adults – Japan RCT

05-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A 12-week RCT conducted in Japan has showed that the supplementation of a yam-derived bioactive could improve muscle quality and reduce glycated haemoglobin among middle-aged adults.

Healthplex Expo and Natural & Nutraceutical Products China 2023

China CBEC concerns: Authorities urge e-commerce supplement firms to play by ‘general trade’ rules

04-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The presence of banned components, fake health claims, and IP infringement are common problems seen in health foods imported into China via cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), and the authorities are urging companies to adhere to general trade rules even...

Evidence-based approach: Thai researchers seeking to commercialise herbal drink shown to stimulate breast milk supply

04-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Thai research team is embarking on a long-term journey to commercialise a herbal tea that has been shown to boost breast milk production in a clinical trial.

Tea for the skin: Anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits found in fermented Miang tea

30-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Researchers in Thailand have been working to find a new ingredient for skin care and cosmeceutical products from probiotic-fermented Miang tea.

South Korea authorities detect banned Thai kudzu in imported health foods

28-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korean authorities have detected Thai kudzu, a locally banned ingredient, in health functional foods imported from Japan as part of its exercise in tightening the inspection of prohibited ingredients.

‘No benefit, no use’: Amway China reveals efforts to reduce artificial colouring, preservatives and excipients in health foods

28-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Amway China has revealed plans to reduce the use of artificial colouring, preservatives, and sweeteners in its dietary supplement range as part of its sustainability efforts.

Quality control: Guangdong direct-selling firm Infinitus invests over $1m in testing centre upgrading

28-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Guangdong-headquartered direct-selling firm Infinitus has invested RMB$8m (US$1.13m) in upgrading one of its testing centres that covers health foods, food products, cosmetics, and personal care products testing.

Herbaceous delights: Ricola riding sugar-free candy popularity wave in APAC to draw health conscious consumers

27-Jun-2023 By Pearly Neo

Candy specialist Ricola is benefitting from the growing popularity of sugar-free candies in APAC after ‘quietly’ undergoing a significant reformulation process and despite not shouting about it from the rooftops.

ANZ kava food standards limiting ‘innovative, value-added products’ – Kava Korp

13-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian and Tingmin Koe

Brisbane-based manufacturer and distributor Kava Korp says kava remains limited to the ‘traditional use for Islander consumers,’ and its restrictive standards are inhibiting NPD and awareness.

Interdisciplinary research, products and services innovation to drive the future of personalised nutrition – China industry association

12-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Interdisciplinary scientific research, as well as innovative products and services, is set to drive the future of personalised nutrition, according to a set of expert guidelines published by China Nutrition and Health Food Association (CNHFA).

Regulatory review: Latest updates on Malaysia’s supplement registration trend, Singapore’s vitamin B6 warning and more

09-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at the health supplement registration trends in Malaysia, warning against excessive vitamin B6 intake in Singapore, South Korea’s plans in setting national guidelines for the personalised...

New Malaysia data: Health supplements registered on the rise while natural products hit five-year low

07-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The number of health supplements registered in Malaysia has been on the rise in recent years, but those classed as natural products, which consist of herbal remedies, has hit five-year low, according to a report released by the country’s health ministry.

VitamINSIGHTS

South Korea: Nutra sector thriving despite economic slowdown as body fat reduction remains top concern

06-Jun-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The nutraceutical market in South Korea is thriving despite inflationary pressures and an economic slowdown, largely due to the ‘evergreen’ demand for body fat reduction, immune support, as well as rising interest in joint and bone health supplements,...

Turmeric hit: Haldy seeks to refresh mint market appeal across age groups with Ayurvedic-inspired products

06-Jun-2023 By Pearly Neo

Singapore mint specialist firm Haldy recently hit the market with its turmeric-based, Ayurvedic-inspired mints, which it believes has the potential to appeal to both younger and older consumers alike.

‘Second business category’: South Korea’s AceBiome identifies joint health as its next major focus

29-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korean probiotics firm, AceBiome, popular for its weight management probiotic BNRThin, is adding joint health as one of its core business focuses amid an ageing society.

Trend tracker: NPD for hair, gut health, and omega-3 consumer demand

26-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including the new product development opportunities for hair and gut health products, as well as consumer preference for omega-3 products in South Korea.

Nutrition Asia

Nutrition for hair health: NPD opportunities abound for hair loss and growth products

24-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Hair, skin, and nail supplements is a staple for women’s nutraceuticals but companies are seeing opportunities to target specifically on hair loss concerns with more specialised products entering into the market.

Synthite’s nutra brand NatXtra partners with eKart to deliver products to consumers in 48 hours

24-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

NatXtra, the nutraceutical brand of India’s spice producing firm Synthite, is gearing up its online retail by partnering logistics firms that offer delivery to consumers within 48 hours.

Brand new: Herbs of Gold, Shinryo, Jerôsse, Fiji Kava, Swisse in the spotlight

19-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from the health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Herbs of Gold’s plan to debut in Vietnam via mum-and-baby chain, Japan’s Shinryo to relaunch hydrogen-rich jelly sleep supplement, and Taiwanese brand Jerôsse's...

Targeting mothers: Herbs of Gold to debut in Vietnam via mum-and-baby chain stores deal

16-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Herbs of Gold, a brand from ASX-listed Vita Life Sciences, is debuting in Vietnam after securing a deal with mum-and-baby chain store Con Cưng.

More firepower: Fiji Kava’s on its new China’s distribution strategy and name change to The Calmer Co

15-May-2023 By Si Ying Thian

ASX-listed Fiji Kava says that it is preparing for ‘more firepower’ in the China market as it also explores increasing its product range across the beverage category.

Science shorts: Latest findings on xanthophyll for eye health, probiotics for C-sec delivered infants, Nestle’s glucose supplement

12-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research on the benefits of xanthophyll in improving eye health in both healthy and diseased population, the role of probiotics supplementation in supporting immunity in infants born via c-section,...

GALLERY: The 10 most-read APAC health and nutrition stories in April 2023

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From Fonterra's functional beverages launch plans in South East Asia to Danone China's partnership with Qingdao University to drive gut health R&D, here are the most-read stories in April 2023.

No store, not MLM: Taiwan supplement brand Jerôsse to expand in Singapore, Malaysia with novel distributor model

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Jerôsse , a supplement and skincare brand from Taiwan firm Biotech Lab Inc, has embarked on an expansion mission in Singapore and Malaysia which heavily relies on social media platforms operated by individual distributor to retail its products.

Xanthophyll intake improves eye health in healthy and diseased populations – meta-analysis

10-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of xanthophyll has shown to improve eye health in both healthy and diseased populations, according to a new meta-analysis conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore.

Reaching the endgame: Korea Ginseng Corp views success in the US as final step of its globalisation strategy

08-May-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Korea Ginseng Corp has opened a new R&D centre in a major push to establish itself as the world’s biggest herbal health company, while strategies such as diversification of product categories and formats are in motion to fuel its bold ambitions.

Oral strips revolution: India’s Soul Strips eyes global opportunities with Middle East as first stop

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

An oral strips nutraceutical firm from India has set itself on a journey to build its international presence, following strong market demand in the Middle East which was its first overseas market.

VitamINSIGHTS

Australia nutra trends: Market leaders Blackmores, Swisse gearing up on mental health, sleep products

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The Australian nutraceutical market is poised for growth, especially in the areas of mental health and sleep aid products, while consumers are preferring big value-packs and increasing their basket sizes, according to Blackmores, Swisse, and Herbs of...

Mulberry leaf extract supplementation lowers post-breakfast glucose spike – Nestle-funded study

03-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of mulberry leaf extract, along with fibre, vitamin D, and chromium, has been shown to reduce post meal glucose spike, according to a study funded by Nestle Health Science on one of its products.

Trend tracker: Self-care in Japan, most searched supplements in Korea, healthy ageing R&D in China

28-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including how demand for self-care and ‘efficient nutrient consumption’ is driving sales growth for Asahi, how omega-3, vitamin D are the most searched supplements in South Korea,...

Brand new: Avesthagen, Kirin, Yakult, Miriqa in the spotlight

21-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Avesthagen’s launch of its first preventive health product, Kirin’s first Food with Function Claims (FFC) sports nutrition drink, and Yakult’s reformulation of...

From genomics to functional foods: India’s Avesthagen launches sugar and calorie management gummies

19-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Indian biotech firm Avesthagen has launched its first preventive health product – a blood sugar and calorie management gummy.

Olympic ambition: Aussie practitioner-only brand to drive HASTA-certified supplements at home and abroad

19-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Australian practitioner-only brand Bioconcepts is seeking to establish itself as a market leader in HASTA-certified (Human and Supplement Testing Australia) supplements at home and abroad, with the ultimate goal of being the official supplier for the...

Science shorts: Latest findings on essence of chicken, medium GI rice, curcumin and more

14-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research on the benefits of Essence of Chicken and hydrolysed collagen type II on muscle and joint health, how medium GI rice could reduce the need for insulin therapy in women with gestational diabetes,...