Japan Focus: Ajinomoto, functional eggs, allergy-relief yogurt drink and more
Vision 2030: Ajinomoto to shift focus to promote healthy ageing and salt reduction
Japanese food manufacturer Ajinomoto is focusing on food solutions to combat global health issues as a new growth driver for the next decade.
As part of its vision for 2030, the company will shift its focus from ‘delicious and convenient foods’ (2010 to 2019), to ‘food and health issues’ (2020 to 2029).
The company announced this strategy as part of its medium-term management plan for 2020 to 2025.
Japan’s Ise Foods plans Asian egg-spansion starting with Thailand after FFC success
Japan’s Ise Foods, known for being the first firm to retail eggs with a food with function claim (FFC) has announced intentions to expand its business in Asia.
The FFC eggs (Ise no Tamago), contain high levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
The company is currently preparing to test for production in Bangkok, Thailand and plans to apply to the Thai FDA with aims to begin full-scale production soon.
Japan’s Megmilk Snow Brand launches first functional yoghurt drink to relieve allergy symptoms
Eight weeks intake of fermented citrus juice containing lactic acid bacteria has been found to reduce nasal symptoms and increase regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Japanese adults during the peak pollen season.
Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCPsis) is a major health problem that has increased over recent decades and impairs daily activities. According to Okubo et al. in the journal Allergology International, approximately 26.5% of people suffered from JCPsis in 2008.
Researchers from Yakult Central Institute and Shimoshizu National Hospital reported Lactobacillus plantarum YIT 0132 (LP0132) helps reduce the symptoms of JCPsis and suppresses the decrease in Treg cells.
NutraIngredients-Asia Awards 2020: Entries open for region’s best products, ingredients and projects
Entries are now open for NutraIngredients-Asia's third annual awards, held to recognise the best supplements and functional foods products, ingredients and research across Asia Pacific.
The awards ceremony will take place in Singapore on September 22, the evening before Vitafoods Asia 2020 gets underway.
They are open to companies across the globe, providing its products or ingredients are available in at least one APAC market.
Japan’s Teijin makes first foray into probiotic space with Chr. Hansen partnership
Chr. Hansen has sealed a deal to supply probiotic ingredients to Teijin Limited, a Japanese prebiotic firm, for use in functional and health food applications in its domestic market.
With this partnership, Chr. Hansen’s Human Health business unit will provide probiotic-related products for health food applications, including tablets, capsules and powder sticks. Powders for infant formula will follow later.
Teijin will have the right to import and sell probiotics ingredients manufactured by Chr. Hansen within Japan.
