Functional foods & drinks

Green tea extract an ‘effective treatment’ for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Study

09-Jan-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Treatment with green tea extract (GTE) has been found to reduce hepatic inflammation in mice with the fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Orange peel extract from Xinhui and Sichuan boast 'best' anti-inflammatory properties, study finds

06-Jan-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Obtaining dried citrus peel (chenpi) from mandarins or tangerines grown in Sichuan or Xinhui in China can provide potentially superior benefits in nutraceuticals and functional foods compared to conventional sources, a new study has found.

BASF opens 'Newtrition Lab' in Singapore to boost regional R&D capabilities

05-Jan-2017 By Millette Burgos

BASF’s Nutrition & Health Division has opened a new technical application lab in Singapore to provide analytical services and product development support to customers across the region.

Patanjali Ayurveda outpaces rivals in ‘disrupted’ Indian market

04-Jan-2017 By RJ Whitehead

A guru-steered food and FMCG company has been singled out as the most disruptive force in India’s fast moving consumer goods market as it steers a path towards revenues worth over US$1bn by 2020.

Vital role of Vitamin D in improving gut flora and preventing metabolic syndrome revealed in new research

04-Jan-2017 By Gary Scattergood

Scientists have discovered that vitamin D deficiency is necessary for metabolic syndrome caused by a high-fat diet to progress in mice.

Can Asia rival Latin America as the world’s fortified food hotspot?

03-Jan-2017 By Gary Scattergood

The demand for ‘clean label’ products, especially in North America and Europe, is continuing to affect consumers’ acceptance of fortified foods, meaning manufacturers should focus their efforts on Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Indian regulator to set fortification standards to boost public health

02-Jan-2017 By RJ Whitehead

In a move that paves the way for the inclusion of fortified foods in government-run schemes, manufacturers of fortified flour, oil, milk and salt will require a government certificate to verify nutrient claims.

APAC anti-ageing demand driving growth in global antioxidants market

21-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Demand in Asia Pacific for for anti-aging supplements and products is driving global growth for antioxidants, presenting suppliers and manufactures with a lucrative opportunity to boost sales, new market research suggests.

2016’s top APAC regulation and policy stories revealed: Japan, China, India, Australia and South East Asia in the spotlight

21-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Food and nutrition firms in APAC have to contend with a diverse and at times contradictory regulatory landscape across the region, with rules and laws being amended or introduced all the time. And 2016 was no exception.

Underwater shockwaves improve antioxidant levels in yuzu juice: study

19-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Underwater shockwave pre-treatment improves the antioxidant functionality of yuzu fruit juice, confirming its potential for use in a wide-range of food applications and leading to the possible establishment “of a new field of industrial technology,” a...

The top five APAC research stories of 2016, featuring tea, TCM, astaxanthin, vitamins and Himalayan fruits

14-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

From the liver benefits of fermented tea, to the anti-fatigue attributes of astaxanthin, these are the top five research stories that have gained the most traction with readers in 2016.

The seven top Asia Pacific food and nutrition trends of 2016

12-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

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.

Australian oats study provides hope of boosting cholesterol-fighting properties of other cereals

08-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Researchers have identified a new mechanism for how oats reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.

New India supplements and nutraceuticals rules receive backing of direct-selling industry

07-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) has welcomed new rules for supplements and nutraceuticals announced by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), saying it is a crucial step towards better regulation in the country

India’s new functional food and supplements rules: The key requirements every firm needs to know

07-Dec-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued its long-awaited rules for functional foods and supplements – publishing a 79-page set of criteria on its website.

Functional benefits remain white space in China’s snack market, Mintel

06-Dec-2016 By Douglas Yu

A Mintel report shows that the Chinese snack food sector is fragmented, with the top 10% companies accounting for only 11.7% of market share.

'Great probiotic potential': Korean soy sauce contains bacterial strains with commercial promise

28-Nov-2016 By Nathan Gray

Three bacterial strains isolated from traditional Korean soy sauce show commercial potential as probiotics and starter cultures, say researchers.

Phytosterol warning: Fat used in ‘lower cholesterol’ products impacts performance

28-Nov-2016 By Nathan Gray

The type of fat used as a carrier for phytosterol in fortified foods and drinks could have a major impact on the ability of the ingredient to lower cholesterol, according to a new meta-analysis of trials.

Sports nutrition set for impressive Asia growth as products become ‘lifestyle choices’

28-Nov-2016 By Ravi Chawat

The sports nutrition market picking up the pace in Asia Pacific and can look forward to long-term growth, writes Allied Market Research analyst Ravi Chawat.

China supplements market uncovered (part two): Which health claims can entice Chinese citizens?

23-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

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 is this want consumers...

DSM and China firm By-Health seal deal for CVD collaboration

22-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

DSM has sealed a strategic collaboration agreement with Chinese supplement firm By-Health to develop new cardiovascular health products containing tomato extract ingredient Fruitflow.

The top trending Ayurveda ingredients right now…and why they are destined to remain niche products in the West.

14-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Tulsi, ashwagandha and cardamom are three of the hottest Ayurvedic ingredients right now, but the likelihood of them gaining mass appeal in Europe and the US is limited by scepticism of complementary medicine, it has been claimed.

Spices and diabetes: Urgent need for more human trials to assess benefits, say Asia researchers

09-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

There is an urgent need to carry out more human studies with spices that have the potential to reduce glycemic response and potentially manage and treat diabetes, according to Singapore academics. 

Wacker opens Singapore food lab as it seeks to boost nutrition and supplements business

03-Nov-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Wacker has opened its first Asia food laboratory and technical centre in Singapore as it seeks to boost its nutraceutical and nutrition offerings.

Peanut probiotic: Researchers develop commercially viable lactose-free probiotic ‘yoghurt’

02-Nov-2016 By Nathan GRAY

A newly developed peanut-based probiotic ‘yoghurt’ could serve as a functional food for those who follow a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance, say researchers.

Gochujang is the next big thing in hot sauce, says Chung Jung One: ‘A lot of foodies embraced sriracha, but now they are saying, what’s next?’

31-Oct-2016 By Elaine Watson

While Sriracha is now a must-have item in any self-respecting foodie’s pantry, Gochujang sauce is rapidly joining it as the hippest new addition to Americans’ hot sauce collections, says Daesang America, which is on a mission to turn the Korean fermented...

Assam herbs ripe for nutraceutical and functional food development: Study

26-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Twelve edible herbs from Assam, India, are “alluring candidates” for nutraceutical and functional food developments, according to study which highlights their antioxidant capacity.

Soapbox

Authentic action: Standing out in a competitive landscape

25-Oct-2016 By Natasha Flynn, business development manager, HealthDirection

With more than 30,000 businesses generating sales of over A$4bn (US$3.1bn), the Australian complementary medicines industry has created a highly competitive landscape.

Sri Lankan firm Apeiron partners with POS to develop plant extract manufacturing site

25-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Canadian company POS Bio-Sciences is partnering with Apeiron Lanka Limited in Sri Lanka to develop a manufacturing facility to extract essential oils. 

Aged garlic shows antioxidant promise, but not cholesterol-lowering potential: Study

24-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Aged garlic has greater antioxidant potential that the raw version, but was found not to lower cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic individuals, a Singapore study has reported.

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

24-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

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

Cargill’s ‘Hunger Action Season’ aims to tackle child malnutrition for 15,000 Asian children

21-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Cargill has launched a three-month campaign to help fight child malnutrition in Asia in commemoration of World Food Day. 

Soy protein early in life may help prevent bone loss in adulthood

17-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

New research suggests reports that a diet heavy in soy protein isolate during early life can protect against serious bone loss during adulthood. 

Big in Japan? Blackcurrants, barley and maple syrup pitch for functional food success in Tokyo

12-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The sports nutrition potential of New Zealand blackcurrants, the superfood status of Canadian maple syrup and the functional benefits of Canadian barley – these were three of the high-profile pitches at the HI Japan tradeshow from international organisations seeking...

Beneo opens in Delhi to cater for fast-growing market

12-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Ingredient firm Beneo has opened a new office in Delhi to serve customers across Indian and Sri Lanka.

Australian firm launches ‘world’s first clinically tested’ prebiotic honey, targets China market

10-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Australian manufacturer Capilano has launched what it states is the world’s first clinically tested prebiotic honey.

Japan moves beyond FOSHU: Over 400 products approved under new health claims regime in last year

10-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

More than 400 foods have been approved under Japan’s 2015 Foods with Function Claims (FFC) regulation, with the market already estimated to be worth US$70bn.

‘Time to take supplements and probiotics mainstream in South East Asia’: DuPont

05-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

In the second part of our interview with DuPont’s Asia regional president Dr Li Yongjing, we assess the potential for the dietary supplements industry in South East Asia and examine why probiotics may be about to go mainstream in emerging markets.

Fast growth for Chinese functional drinks, but still a long way to go

04-Oct-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Functional drinks sales in China have seen growth far in excess of the wider soft drinks industry over the last five years.

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

03-Oct-2016 By Gary Scattergood

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...

Malaysia

PureCircle begins work to double stevia production capacity

29-Sep-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Natural sweetener major PureCircle will build a new processing plant that will double its capacity to produce a proprietary stevia leaf extract. 

Probiotics to help drive 44% rise in APAC functional foods market by 2026

28-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The functional food ingredients market in Asia Pacific is being tipped to rise from $2.85bn at the end of 2016 to $5.04bn in 2026 with probiotics projected to be the fastest growing segment over the forecast period 

DuPont's Asia nutrition boss: Dow merger will make us faster, flexible and more efficient

28-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

In the first of a two-part interview, DuPont’s Asia president for health and nutrition Dr Li Yongjing discusses the initial turbulence created by the ongoing merger with Dow, and explains why he believes the new relationship will make the firm better...

Pakistan: UK-funded fortification programme targets women & children

27-Sep-2016 By Lynda Searby

A £48m (€55m) five-year, large-scale fortification programme is being rolled out this month in Pakistan in a bid to combat malnutrition in women and children.

Infant formula intake and protein guidelines queried in Southeast Asia

26-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

There is concern about the considerable variance in the recommended consumption levels of infant formula and follow-on formula in Asia and questions over the amount of protein they are required to contain, an international conference has heard.

Sports nutrition and healthy ageing will fuel China's industry growth

21-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

The rise of China’s functional food and dietary supplement industry is continuing to outstrip overall economic growth, and will continue to do so with sports nutrition and goods for the elderly likely to drive future increases.

'Sound science' vital to boost faith in Asia's functional foods and supplements

21-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Asia’s functional foods and supplements industry needs to stop making unfounded health claims, while also better educating policy makers about the sound science behind its reputable products.

FI Asia 2016: The key industry trends hitting the show floor

20-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

With FI Asia taking place this week in Jakarta with 15,000 visitors, 650 exhibitors and a host of industry experts in one place, we caught up with Olav Masseling, brand director at event organiser UBM to talk about the Asia market, the major trends are...

Australian nutrition industry cheers landmark changes to regulation

15-Sep-2016 By RJ Whitehead

Australia’s natural nutrition and complementary health industry has received a “once in a lifetime” boost after the government gave the green light to a raft of changes to how businesses will be regulated.

Controlled-release gelatin film could help put tea polyphenols in to finished foods

14-Sep-2016 By Nathan Gray

The controlled release of tea polyphenols into finished food products could help create new functional foods and reduce oxidation without the need for synthetic antioxidants, say researchers.