Here's a recap of our 10 most read nutrition stories in September, featuring the latest on infant nutrition, regulatory changes, e-commerce sales, and our very first NutraIngredients-Asia Awards.
From probiotic coffee to online sales strategies and the latest scientific research, check out our latest round-up of the latest developments concerning the supplement and functional food sectors in China.
Direct selling is on the rise in India, with analysts predicting the industry will reach a value of US$8.96bn (Rs645bn) and create almost 20 million jobs in the country by 2025.
China looks set to implement new cross border e-commerce (CBEC) rules on January 1 next year, according to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). This is likely to lead to additional regulation and taxes for supplement and functional food firms.
China's 'new retail' phenomenon — whereby companies like Alibaba seek to converge e-commerce insights with bricks-and-mortar retail operations — could provide as many opportunities for supplement brands as it has done for food firms, Blackmores...
TSI's Australia MD Ross Norris urged firms operating in China to diversify their sales channels, such as venturing into domestic manufacturing and trade, instead of betting all stakes on e-commerce.
China's cross-border e-commerce or haitao purchases are set to reach US$125bn, but it appears food and nutrition firms need to develop more comprehensive strategies in order to overcome inherent market challenges.