The seven top Asia Pacific food and nutrition trends of 2016

By Gary Scattergood

- Last updated on GMT

These are the market insights that were of most interest to industry subscribers and readers since we launched Nutraingredients-Asia in September. ©iStock
These are the market insights that were of most interest to industry subscribers and readers since we launched Nutraingredients-Asia in September. ©iStock

Related tags South east asia Nutrition

As 2016 draws to a close, we highlight the top seven most-read APAC food and nutrition trends stories, featuring exclusive market and consumer insights from Japan, South East Asia, India, Australia and China.

From superfoods to supplements, functional foods to health claims, these are the market insights that were of most interest to industry subscribers and readers since we launched Nutraingredients-Asia in September.

1) The hottest superfood ingredients in Japan right now…and the next ones primed for success

Several superfoods are now becoming mainstream in Japan because consumers are acutely aware of the “nutrient powerhouses”​ and their functional benefits.

Analysts say superfood products can now be compared alongside dietary supplements and traditional functional foods as the third strand of the country’s health foods market.

Find out which ingredients are making waves in Japan  here.

 

2) Four nutrition and health trends shaping functional food and drink innovation in South East Asia

Functional food innovation in developed Asian economies is increasingly influencing consumers in South East Asia’s emerging nations, with protein products, superfoods, herbal extract powders and fortified breakfast snacks making their presence felt on the market.

Much of this is being driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of functional foods and interventions from governments to promote better nutritional practices.

Discover the South East Asia  trends in more detail here:

 

3) The health claims that are tempting Chinese consumers to make supplements purchases

Analysis of the top 20 claims of new health supplement launches in China between 2014-16 shows products targeting female and seniors are on the rise, with claims related to bone, cardiovascular and brain health increasing rapidly.

 But are these the main health concerns of China’s middle class.

Find out what Chinese consumers are looking for here.

 

4) India’s functional food trends: What’s hot and what's not

Indian consumers are increasingly, demanding more products that offer “complete wellness” ​and are becoming increasingly opening to exploring alternative proteins and natural sugars, with attitudes to fats also changing.

These four factors will increasingly offer new opportunities for manufactures, both domestic and international, but nutrition and food firms need to do more to communicate these trends on pack, according to experts.

Learn more about what Indian consumers crave here.

 

5) The top 10 Japanese health and consumer trends every food and nutrition business needs to know

The Japanese economy may be sluggish, but the country’s health food, nutrition and functional foods sectors are holding steady, with 10 key trends affecting the market.

The market in Japan is primed for future growth, due to rising consumer awareness, the growing needs of an ageing society and the introduction of new regulations that have expanded the opportunities for on-pack marketing.

Find out the full list of Japanese trends here.

 

6) Australia’s supplement market trends and favourite vitamin brands revealed

Almost 9m Aussies (44.2% of the population) regularly take vitamins, minerals or supplements, with one local brand being the most widely consumed brand, according to new research.

With the exception of Berocca, owned by German company Bayer, Australia’s most popular vitamin/mineral/supplement brands are all home-grown.

Find out Australia’s  leading brands and latest consumer habits here.

 

7) China supplements market uncovered: Minerals and dietary supplements out-performing vitamins

Minerals and dietary supplements are leading the nutrition industry’s charge in China, with vitamins lagging behind, according to a new report which suggests the total market will reach RMB124bn (USD$20bn) by the end of the year, up 12.2 % from 2015.

A wider variety of mineral and dietary supplements products entering the market and increasing consumer interest in more diversified health benefits has led to the change.

Find out which products are performing well in China here.

Next up: The top APAC research stories of 2016.

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