Japan Focus: Common health issues in Japan, rising interest in the Middle East, trending functional ingredients, and more
Fatigue, anxiety, bad skin top health concerns among Japanese aged 18 to 34 – Suntory survey
Although this age group is very interested in their appearance, such as beauty and body modification, they are not very conscious of their health, and as a result they tend to neglect self-care.
“In addition, in the telework environment of the past few years, face-to-face direct communication has decreased, so there are fewer opportunities to consult face-to-face, and even if they have worries, they may keep them to themselves,” said psychiatrist Dr. Hiromi Okuda.
Halal horizons: Japan eyes Middle East as next major emerging export market with new UAE platform
One of the major challenges that the support platform is expected to help Japanese food businesses with is the navigation of halal requirements, given the importance of this in the region.
“The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market is attracting attention as an emerging market characterized by its growing population (500 million in 2023) and large young population (average age 29 years old).
“The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular is a suitable base for promoting Japanese food in the Middle East region, as it attracts more tourists than the total population, is a logistics hub with some of the Middle East's leading ports and airports, and is frequently host to large-scale exhibitions,” MAFF said via a formal statement.
Hot ingredients in Japan’s FFCs: GABA remains in top spot, HMPA is fast-rising
GABA – a non-proteinogenic amino acid commonly used in supplements for stress relief, sleep aid, and blood pressure reduction – remains the most popular ingredient used within Japan's Foods with Function Claims (FFC) market.
Rice bran-derived 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) propionic acid (HMPA) is fast moving up to second place.
This is according to data that Japan-based nutraceutical consultancy firm Smooth Link Inc. has collated on the sector in FY2023.
Silver dollars: 'Affordability and comfort' key for Asia's ageing population, with electrolytes and prebiotics trending
According to GlobalData’s 2023 Macroeconomics Database, most of Asia will age faster than the rest of the world.
Around 45% of Japan’s population will be over 55 by 2030, which is 25% above the projected global average. In Thailand and China, the figures are predicted to reach 34% and 33%, respectively.
Key influencers of consumer behaviour among Asia’s ageing population include affordability and familiar flavours, with electrolyte and prebiotic products proving popular.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2024 winners announced at celebration evening in Bangkok
There were almost 200 entries to the awards spanning products, ingredients, and initiatives. And the calibre was exceptional, said NutraIngredients-Asia Editor-in Chief Gary Scattergood.
Among the finalists, there were Morinaga Milk Industry and Fuji Chemical Industries. There was also Kaneka Corporation, which won Ingredient of the Year: Healthy Ageing.
