Cheaper alternative? Consumer market gravitating towards functional beverages as spending tightens
Functional beverage is becoming a cheaper alternative to health supplement as consumers tighten their budget amid the current microeconomic environment, according to the observations of functional ingredients distributor Brenntag.
A reduction in disposable income is one reason why functional beverages, that usually come in a one-time consumption unit, are becoming an attractive and cheaper alternative to health supplements.
Some of the most common ingredients used in functional beverages are fibre and probiotics, with protein drinks for sports nutrition gaining popularity as well, Kenneth Keh, president nutrition, Asia Pacific told NutraIngredients-Asia at the Vitafoods Asia tradeshow held in Bangkok.
Personalised nutrition opens up opportunities for use of novel supplement capsule designs – ACG
Mumbai-based capsule manufacturing giant ACG said there was a “big space” in the personalised nutrition sector for the development of supplements that come in novel capsule designs, allowing not only a greater variety, but also new formulation opportunities.
The firm said that the product designs of personalised nutrition were becoming more complex, which could be addressed by its “Sidebysides” patented capsule filling technology.
The technology allows capsules to be divided into two compartments, allowing otherwise incompatible ingredients or ingredients in different forms, such as liquid or powder, to be manufactured together into one capsule.
Going beyond looks: Science-backed ingredients, formulations, formats most crucial for supplements success – TSI CEO
Supplement firms should not fall into the trap of thinking that novelty and attractive packaging will lead to instant success in China, with clinically proven ingredients, formulations, and delivery formats still the top three priorities, says TSI Group CEO.
Joe Zhou, chairman of the board and CEO, TSI Group spoke with NutraIngredients-Asia at Vitafoods Asia held in Bangkok in September, where his company showcased one of its latest innovations – the FZZR technology.
The technology could develop supplements into formats such as granules, melts, and mints that fizzle in the mouth, providing a new sensory experience.
Top of the pops: Guangdong firm makes vitamin C, probiotics in popping candy
A Guangdong-based company which traditionally manufactures popping candy as general food has utilised the technique to make candy containing vitamin C and probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium.
Guangdong Baida Biotechnology Co Ltd has been manufacturing popping candy as general foods for over 25 years, exporting its products to around 100 countries.
About two years ago, the company studied how nutraceutical ingredients, namely vitamin C and Bifidobacterium, could be incorporated into its popping candy. One advantage of doing so is that it offers a new sensory experience for consumers when taking nutraceuticals.
Candy growth: dsm-firmenich eyes Japan, South Korea market expansion with exclusive deal
dsm-firmenich is eyeing greater market share in Japan’s and South Korea’s functional food market by offering a new format known as "candy capsules" made by Taiwan firm Boncha Bio.
Under the deal, dsm-firmenich will work with Boncha Bio in offering candy capsules containing multivitamins, algae oil omega-3, and lutein, with plans to include human milk oligosaccharides and probiotics as well.
For a start, the partnership will focus on Japan and South Korea, where dsm-firmenich will be the exclusive distributor of the candy nutraceuticals made by Boncha Bio.
