Trend tracker: Japan’s FFC market analysis, demand for vegan-friendly omega-3, Growth Asia Summit

Japan’s functional foods dilemma: Just over one-third of approved FFC products successfully launched in FY21​​

Only about one-third of approved Foods with Function Claims (FFC) had made it on to the market in FY2021, with more than 60 per cent pending launch, exclusive new data has shown.

Only 495 out of 1,445 FFC approved for sale were successfully launched in the market between April 2021 and March this year.

One possible reason for companies not launching a FFC soon after it has been approved by the CAA, is because there is simply too many similar products launched in that period, and companies have decided to delay their launch to avoid intense competition, industry expert Hisaaki Kato, president at Smooth Link Inc told NutraIngredients-Asia.​

JD 618 sales data: Numans, BYHEALTH, Harbin Pharma clinch top spots for best-selling nutrition products​

Products from Numans, BYHEALTH, Harbin Pharma were the top three bestsellers under the nutrition category in JD’s recent 618 online shopping event.

Responding to queries from NutraIngredients-Asia,​ the company said that bone health, nutrition products for infants, food for special medical purposes, vitamins and mineral products, and edible bird’s nests had reported outstanding sales performance.

The top three bestselling products under the nutrition category were all from local Chinese firms, including Numans’ DHA capsules, BYHEALTH’s protein powder, and Harbin Pharmaceutical Group’s calcium, iron and zinc oral liquid.  

Opportunities abound: Asians more open to natural products but seek science-based ingredients – Pharmactive MD ​​ ​

Asia is more open than any other market in trying natural products due to its long history of traditional remedies, but scientifically backed and clinically trialled ingredients are now fast becoming a key consumer demand.

This trend is going especially strong in South Korea and Japan, according to Madrid-based Pharmactive Biotech Products Managing Director Marguerite Gerritsen.

For instance, the firm itself if conducting nine studies on its flagship saffron extract, including cell-based studies, animal studies to human clinical trials on sleep and mood to meet the demand for scientific evidence.

Diversifying sources: Global seafood firm Thai Union on rationale for microalgae omega-3 strategy​

Seafood giant Thai Union is venturing into the microalgae omega-3 ingredient business, on top of its existing tuna oil-based omega-3 portfolio. 

This move is part of the company’s strategies in diversifying its ingredient business and meeting market demand for vegan- and vegetarian- friendly omega 3.

Recently, it also invested CAD$10m (USD$7.7m) in Canada’s sustainable, plant-based nutritional and nutraceutical ingredients firm Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara).

Growth Asia Summit 2022: Early-bird registration closing this month, check out our stellar speaker line-up!​

Blackmores, Impossible Foods, Suntory, Yili, Kirin, Health & Happiness, Thai Union and GSK are among the major brands confirmed for Growth Asia – a business summit focusing on Asia-Pacific’s health and nutrition food and beverage market.

The three-day business summit and networking event will take place in Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands between 11-13 October.

It will shine the spotlight on three hot topics in the health and nutrition sector, namely 1) Healthy Ageing, 2) Probiotics, Prebiotics and the Microbiome, and 3) Protein.