Plant-based and meat hybrid products, healthy snacking in Asia, China's first plant-based yoghurt brand and more feature in this edition of Healthier Choices.
Australian food-as-medicine company MediKane has concluded a crowdfunding campaign which raised more than AU$350,000 (US$258,000), to drive the next stage of the company’s growth, including international expansion plans.
A combination of Sabinsa’s curcumin and piperine (black pepper extract) showed faster symptomatic recovery among COVID-19 patients in India, according to findings from a recent clinical trial.
Nestle’s recent half-year financial results report revealed slower growth in APAC compared to its other operating regions due to continuing economic difficulties and likely local struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Infant formula companies are exploring new functional ingredients such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), various milk bases such as goat milk and sheep milk and securing organic claims, according to experts who spoke at our Growth Asia Series 2021.
Singapore-based EGA Wellness’ specialised usage of Ayurvedic principles in its personalised juices and wellness plans secured five-fold growth during the COVID-19 pandemic after the demand-for immunity-boosting products exploded.
Scientists at the Japanese company reported that the body converts HA into the assimilable oligosaccharide forms that produce increased skin hydration and enhanced collagen production via a potential gut microbiota-related mechanism.
Nestle Indonesia has responded to the recent controversy that 60% of its global portfolio is made up of ‘unhealthy’ foods, stressing that reformulation and fortification are key priorities as it seeks to balance ‘nutrition and enjoyment’.
Thailand’s Mushroom World is hoping to alleviate food security concerns with its range of edible and medicinal mushroom products, riding on the plant-based protein and sustainability trends.
Researchers have highlighted the need for a healthier and sustainable diet to alleviate food insecurity in Lebanon, on the back of deteriorating economic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has published new rules on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals which will come into force from July 1, 2023, with increases in the RDA of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin...
Bakery products have always been a staple in the Asia Pacific region for breakfast and snacking occasions, but the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the sector’s growth significantly in the past year, primarily driven by the home-baking, flavour innovation...
Indian low-carb and keto-friendly brand Lo! Foods plans to begin exports to Europe this month with a new range of brownie, pancake and waffle mixes created to cater to the international audience.
Malaysian supplements and personalised nutrition outfit Nourished Asia has launched a new brand, Daile Food, focusing on customising milk, coffee, tea, fruit juice, and yoghurt with added functional ingredients.
A two-year old Australian firm behind a hangover-relieving pear juice product is looking to be listed in 3,000 stores by the end of this year – including liquor stores.
Convenience, nutrition and meeting localised needs have been identified by experts as the three top drivers that food firms looking to innovate in the healthy snacking space in Asia need to take note of in a post-COVID-19 world.
Better Meat Co is eyeing Asia as a major market to bring in a whole new category of hybrid, blended meat and plant-based products, citing superior health benefits and price parity as driving factors.
Nestle China has launched its first set of ‘blue-hat’ certified health foods for seniors – a milk powder containing glucosamine and a probiotic protein powder.
All five editions of our groundbreaking Growth Asia interactive broadcast series are now available to view on demand, for free, featuring expert insights across the regions's thriving food, beverage and nutrition categories.
Product localisation, health, taste and affordability have been identified to be amongst the top drivers behind rapid innovation and sector growth for the plant-based industry in Asia, but sustainability must also not be forgotten as its importance continues...
A mixture of four Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic strains has shown to lower alcohol and acetaldehyde concentration in individuals with the genotype prone to Asian flush.
A kimchi-derived probiotic could help in warding off diabetes as scientists find its supplementation improves blood glucose level management in those with prediabetes.
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is taking action against 21 e-commerce websites selling protein bars marketed with ‘fake’ claims, including body fat reduction and muscle strength related statements.
A New Zealand firm producing gin from Damson plums is expanding into the functional health foods space and has received funding to research and develop nutrition products based on its high amounts of anthocyanins.
Food, beverage and nutrition solutions to aid digestive and metabolic health are becoming increasingly popular as Asia’s population rapidly ages, but future NPD needs to make these “effective solutions the easy solutions,” according to experts at the...
Consumption of broccoli sprout extract increased melatonin production and may enhance sleep quality among Japanese adults, according to a study conducted by Kagome.
China’s first plant-based coconut yoghurt brand Yeyo has highlighted the importance of novelty, premiumisation and brand building in capturing the holy grail of middle-class consumers in the country after successfully launching its first flagship store...
Our free-to-attend Growth Asia interactive broadcast series continues with an edition on Healthy Snacking, where industry leaders from Mars and Dole will be among the high-level guests.
The head of India’s largest milk brand Amul has hit out at excess ‘dairy dumping’ from foreign countries and the recent rise of ‘highly processed’ plant-based dairy as major threats to India’s largest agricultural sector.
Taiwan has become the latest APAC region to approve the use of 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) – a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) – in nutrition products for infant and young children, with firms hopeful of further sector growth as more authorities permit...
Probiotic specialists Probi has taken a stake in Blis Technologies and formed a partnership with the New Zealand-based oral probiotics firm that sees Probi manufacture select bacterial strains from Blis’ collection.
News on the rise of the current healthy snacking trend to avoid 'Covibesity', better-for-you dessert success and the rise of regenerative foods feature in the first-ever edition of Healthier Choices.
Australian consumers’ appetites for domestic, trustworthy brands is at an all-time high due to COVID-19 and is not expected to disperse any time soon, according to the heads of Australia’s largest independent grocery store Drakes Supermarkets.
The ‘dry movement’ is gaining momentum in Asia alongside a rising demand for non-alcoholic RTD cocktails as consumers seek out more mindful drinking options, according to one of the category’s pioneers - Lyre’s.
New Zealand has long enjoyed a good reputation for high-quality and safe food exports, and the industry is now beefing up its efforts in the functional ingredient and foods space, with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and China top of mind.
While overall production of several nutrients is sufficient to meet global needs, availability in many countries still fall far below requirements, according to the latest version of the DELTA model, which features new insights into the national and regional...
Australia-based Deliciou has its eye on China and other Asian markets with its market-first shelf-stable plant-based meat products after successful launches in both Australia’s Coles and Woolworths and US’ Whole Foods supermarkets.
Bayer has officially launched its consumer health division in India and the German MNC is eyeing penetration into both metro and rural vitamin and mineral supplement (VMS) markets with its reformulated bestseller Supradyn.
Brands looking to develop products for mobility and cognitive functions need to take into account several key considerations such as the research and evidence behind the active ingredient, popular delivery formats, the lack of consumer education in Asia...
Australian health supplement firm Visdon, the maker of brain health supplement (Rebrain), is expanding its online presence in China with a listing on JingDong on the back of sales approaching US$800,000 in the past six months.
Nestle Waters’ says it is committed to improving community access to clean water in Asia’s developing nations, as well as detailing a new US$130m commitment to sustainably manage its own water usage.
Australia’s supplements industry has continued to grow amid the pandemic despite a dip in export revenue, with firms finding success by pivoting to immunity products and finding inroads into several new markets, including Iran, Israel and Brazil.
Those who skip breakfast are more likely to miss out on several key nutrients considered to be “dietary components of public health concern” by the USDA’s latest dietary guidelines compared to those who reported eating breakfast, according to an analysis...
Australia-based Renovatio Bioscience has launched a supplement addressing both immunity and inflammation, a perceived ‘gap in the market’, with just four ingredients - activated phenolics, quercetin, zinc and vitamin C.
The South Korean government has warned organic food firms and sellers to ensure the authenticity of product claims made online as a new robotic authentication system will be rolled out in July to intensify fraud detection, and severe penalties lie in...
ASX-listed firm Forbidden Foods has launched a range of walnut/macadamia oil fortified with algal omega-3 in China and Australia based on consumer trends seen on major e-commerce platform Alibaba Tmall.
The Asia Pacific juice industry is striving to be more than just an alternative to carbonated soft drinks by responding to increasing demands for functional, value-added and better-for-you products in the region.
H&H has launched Australia’s first kids supplement containing human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), on the back of the ingredient receiving the required regulatory approval earlier this year.