Omega-3s & Nutritional oils

Regulatory review: A closer look into Japan's FFC, South Korea's GM foods, and China's new function claims system

29-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

In our monthly nutra regulatory round-up, we take a closer look at Japan’s Foods with Function Claims framework, South Korea’s new public consultation on genetically modified soybean, China’s new function claims system and more.

Vitafoods Asia 2023

Good opportunities: South East Asia poised for krill oil growth in next three years, says Aker BioMarine

27-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South East Asian countries, especially Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia present good opportunities for krill oil consumption growth in the next three to five years, says krill oil supplier Aker BioMarine.

And the winners are…Check out who took the top prizes at the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2023

26-Sep-2023 By Gary Scattergood

We have announced the winners of the 2023 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards, held to recognise the brightest and best products, ingredients and initiatives across the nutrition industry.

Vitafoods Asia 2023

Candy growth: dsm-firmenich eyes Japan, South Korea market expansion with exclusive deal

25-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

dsm-firmenich is eyeing greater market share in Japan’s and South Korea’s functional food market by offering a new format known as "candy capsules" made by Taiwan firm Boncha Bio.

Multi-ingredient supplement improves joint function and pain reduction among individuals with mild osteoarthritis - NOVAREX-funded RCT

19-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Twelve weeks of daily supplementation of a dietary supplement containing krill oil, astaxanthin, and lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid has been found to reduce joint pain and improve joint function among individuals with mild osteoarthritis.

Brand new: 3C Group, Eu Yan Sang, Yiling Pharma in the spotlight

15-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including how Thailand's 3C Group is eyeing growth in the prebiotic sector, TCM firm Eu Yan Sang's strategies for the North American market and more.

VitamINSIGHTS

Can Japan’s Foods with Function Claims keep up with demand for more science and ethical advertising?

13-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Japan’s vibrant Foods with Function Claims (FFC) sector will need to keep up with the demand for rigorous scientific evidence and ethical advertising for it to continue its phenomenal market growth, say experts from the country’s health foods associations.

Post-COVID impact: South Korea's health functional food imports decline for first time in four years

12-Sep-2023 By Tingmin Koe

South Korea’s imports of Health Functional Foods (HFF) saw a decline for the first time in four years, with volumes shrinking 9.5 per cent in the first six months of this year.

Trend tracker: India's nutra sector, krill oil rise in China, FFC in Japan

25-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including how opportunities in India's nutraceutical sector are seen as 'far bigger' than the pharmaceutical sector, the growing krill oil supplement market in China,...

Business essential: How pioneering NZ therapeutic oils firm embedded sustainability ethos ‘before it was a thing’

22-Aug-2023 By Gary Scattergood

There are few bigger industry buzzwords these days than sustainability, but one small New Zealand therapeutic oils firm can boast an impressive track record spanning more than three decades, having embarked on its mission ‘before sustainability was even...

New product launch: China’s health foods manufacturers preferring Lingzhi to coenzyme Q10, fish oil

22-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Health foods manufacturers in China are preferring Lingzhi cracked spores powder to coenzyme Q10 and fish oil when it comes to bringing new products into the market.

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.

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...

VitamINSIGHTS

Exclusive China analysis: Consumers spending cautiously but supplement sector holding up well

02-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Chinese consumer spending on health supplements is holding up, against the backdrop of slow economic recovery and dampened spending spanning luxury goods, beauty, and apparel, industry experts have told us.

Critical mass hit: Krill oil supplementation for anti-ageing on the rise in China – Aker BioMarine CEO

02-Aug-2023 By Tingmin Koe

More Chinese consumers have been taking krill oil supplementation in the past two to three years, with anti-ageing as one of the most common reasons, says CEO of krill oil supplier firm Aker BioMarine.

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.

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...

Science shorts: Latest findings on omega-3, plant-based beverages, sports nutrition

14-Jul-2023 By Tingmin Koe

This round-up looks at the latest health and nutrition research, including the potential of omega-3 as an adjunct therapy for depression and obesity, nutritional differences found in plant-based beverages, and the potential of tempeh and a yam-derived...

Eyes on the prize: A closer look at the omega-3 finalists for NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2023

13-Jul-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Omega-3 product innovations from GNC China, South Korea’s Nlize, and UK-based WHC Labs have made it into the finals of NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2023.

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.

Omega-3 supplementation is emerging as a potential adjunct therapy for depression and obesity – review

12-Jul-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been found to have beneficial effects on inflammatory markers, metabolic dysregulation, and depressive symptoms.

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.

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...

GOED identifies key areas to advance omega-3 brain health research

19-Jun-2023 By Olivia Brown and Olivia Haslam

GOED (Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) has published a comprehensive overview of the available literature investigating EPA and DHA omega-3s and their impact on brain health, examining areas such as cognition, stress and anxiety, depression,...

Diabetic benefit: EPA found to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients – meta analysis

13-Jun-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone, and not combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients, according to a new Chinese study.

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).

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,...

Joint health in South Korea: Valensa seeks breakthrough from commodity ingredients with proprietary blend

31-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Florida-based ingredient firm Valensa International is expanding into South Korea’s joint health supplement market where it sees an opportunity for novel ingredients beyond glucosamine and chondroitin.

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.

Gestational diabetes action: Singapore firm develops low sugar lactation support product range

25-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Singapore maternal and infant nutrition firm 2NutGuys has developed a range of low sugar lactogenic products designed for women who are preventing or are suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Omega-3 fatty acid lipid findings could be a game-changer in the aging brain

23-May-2023 By Danielle Masterson

The new understanding could lead to the development of dietary supplements aimed at help mitigating the damaging effects of aging on the brain.

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...

Quality confirmed: High purity, individually packed omega-3 preferred in South Korea - FMW

17-May-2023 By Tingmin Koe

High purity and individual packaging are some of the key features that South Korean consumers prefer when purchasing omega-3 supplements, says FMW Corp, the first firm approved by Korean authorities to advertise using a fish oil quality certification...

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...

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,...

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...

Omega-3, vitamin D, biotin the most searched health supplements in 2022 – South Korea’s NAVER

18-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Omega-3, vitamin D, and biotin were the most searched health supplements online, said South Korean search engine firm NAVER, which also operates a same name shopping site.

From babies to seniors: How Chinese firms are applying concepts from infant formula, sports nutrition into healthy ageing products

13-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Companies in China are increasingly developing formula milk for the aged population by using natural-origin raw materials, as well as applying nutritional concepts from the infant formula and sports nutrition sectors, according to insights from Glanbia...

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

10-Apr-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From Thailand's botanical export strategies to China's infant formula market forecast, here are the 10 most-read APAC nutrition industry news in March 2023.

How to judge the accuracy of market research data

03-Apr-2023 By Nikki Hancocks

Working within the health and nutrition industry, most of us are used to being inundated with offers of market reports, often touting exciting category growth potential with high price tags associated to full reports.

Trend tracker: Functional foods in Japan, pea protein market in New Zealand, bundled oral and topical products

31-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Here is the round-up of the latest nutraceutical trends in Asia-Pacific, including the preference for functional foods among Japanese consumers, factors driving pea protein market in New Zealand, and the emerging number of nutraceutical firms bundling...

Super-premium: Swisse outpaces industry growth in China, ANZ, and taps top-end segment for future boom

27-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

Swisse says that the sales of its vitamin and mineral supplement products are growing faster than the market rate in key markets such as China, Australia and New Zealand, and that it is expecting more room for growth in South East Asia.

Brand new: Wellous, Sprout Organic, Junlebao in the spotlight

24-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

See the latest developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including Wellous' and Sprout Organic's market expansion plans, as well as Junlebao Dairy's launch of Nutrition Science Strategy to beef up the science behind...

VitamINSIGHTS

Exclusive Malaysia nutrition sector analysis: From vending machine trend to fears over unregistered products online

15-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

From emerging sales channels for functional foods and supplements such as vending machines, to fears over unregistered products being sold online, as well as industry concerns over advertising and ingredient rules, the Malaysian industry is currently...

Filling the gap: Experts seek to boost knowledge of ingredient science and functions in India’s nutra sector

13-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

There can be lack of knowledge in the functions and scientific evidence of nutraceuticals across India’s health supplements sector, says an industry advocacy group which is hoping to resolve the problem with the launch of a compendium.

Competing with the big guys: Thai uni spin-off to launch locally formulated supplement into US and China

09-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

A Thai firm is on a mission to boost the overseas profile of the industry by launching its blood sugar-regulating product in the world’s two largest economies – the US and China.

Curcumin, vitamin D, fish oil shown to prevent progression to diabetes in pre-diabetics – Thailand trial

08-Mar-2023 By Tingmin Koe

The supplementation of curcumin, vitamin D, and fish oil together has shown to reduce the progression to diabetes in pre-diabetic individuals, according to the findings of a 24-week trial conducted in Thailand.