Trend Tracker: APAC trends and emerging markets, e-commerce in China, and why you should attend NutraIngredients' first Omega-3 Summit
Five trends that will shape APAC's nutraceutical and supplements industry in 2019
As we enter 2019, we spoke to brands and industry experts, who revealed five key trends expected to shape APAC's supplement and nutraceutical sector in the coming year.
1. Probiotics in Japan: Gut health, affordability and convenience driving demands
Consumer demand for probiotics will continue, thanks to its benefits for gut health. As such, intestinal flora and gut health will be the focus of innovation, Japanese probiotics specialist Morinaga told us.
The Bifidobacteria longum BB536 strain, which promotes gut and skin health, along with weight management and colon cancer prevention, will be the focus of the firm's product innovation strategy next year.
Exclusive insights: Three markets to watch for APAC supplement industry growth in 2019
With its booming population and growing middle-income group, APAC is the region to watch for supplement and health food growth. In our exclusive feature on which markets to keep an eye on, we feature sports nutrition in China, probiotics in South East Asia and healthy snacking in the Middle East.
China ripe for sports industry development
More foreign sports nutrition brands can achieve a breakthrough in China's sports nutrition market as market regulations become more favourable.
This is according to Oliver Lu, the general manager of Nutrition Depot, the official distributor of leading sports nutrition products in China.
Overcoming the Chinese challenge: How a Singapore e-commerce platform is benefiting local supplement firms
Singapore's supplement and health food firms are banking on a strong reputation for food safety to up their Chinese market share, with a digital commerce service provider and the government to back these efforts.
Kinofy, a local company owned by supplement brand Kinohimitsu, was started after the latter had enjoyed a decade of success in China with its signature functional collagen drink.
Headquartered in Singapore, Kinofy has also set up offices in China and Malaysia. The firm positions itself as a platform that helps companies "kickstart their business in China by leveraging the power of social retail technology".
Five reasons to attend the first NutraIngredients Omega-3 summit in Singapore
The first NutraIngredients Omega-3 Summit will take place from February 20 to 22 in Singapore. If you haven't already joined the scores of global delegates who have registered, here are five reasons you can't afford to miss this inaugural event.
1) APAC is where the market is growing
Asia will fuel the growth of the omega-3 sector in the coming years, with the latest figures for EPA and DHA finished products showing growth of 11.4% across the region.
This is in stark contrast to the biggest market — North America — which grew by just 0.2%.
Chinese boom: How probiotics and e-commerce are changing China's supplement industry
Probiotics and e-commerce are two of the most prominent priorities for Chinese consumers when it comes to dietary supplements, according to a Mintel report on 2018's top supplement trends in China.
Research analyst Vicky Zhou said: "Parents have the intention to purchase health supplements for their children, especially probiotic supplements.
"Brands have invested in probiotic supplements to target parents and young consumers, and consumers are responding well to this innovative segment."
