a2MC’s kids supplements debut, POCARI SWEAT's new factory in brand news round-up

The a2 Milk Company to enter China’s pediatric supplements market

The a2 Milk Company's main revenue source is its infant formula business, but the company is building on adjacent categories such as pediatric and senior nutrition supplements. (a2 Toddler Australia Facebook)

The a2 Milk Company is ramping up its infant nutrition business in China with the upcoming launch of four pediatric supplements in Q3.

The products, to be launched under the brand a2 Zhi Yi, would span immunity, anti-allergy, gut health, and brain and eye health functions.

According to the company, the pediatric supplements market in China is worth NZD$8bn (US$4.76bn), which represents 15% to 20% of the total supplements market in China.

Otsuka Pharma beefs up POCARI SWEAT production in China

Otsuka Pharmaceutical has built its second factory and a health awareness hub in Tianjin, China, to meet growing demand for its electrolyte drink POCARI SWEAT. (Otsuka Pharmaceutical)

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, the owner of the electrolyte drink POCARI SWEAT, is ramping up production in China with a newly opened factory in Tianjin.

The Japanese company expects to produce 300 million 500 ml POCARI SWEAT bottles annually in the newly opened Tianjin Second Factory.

Demand for hydration and electrolyte beverages is rising in Northern China, a trend the new Tianjin factory will address, according to Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

Hindustan Unilever to fully acquire clean-label, women’s health firm for US$90M

Female-first-OZiva-seeking-to-strengthen-line-up-in-fitness-and-beauty-supplements-in-India.jpg — The company is driving the concept of plant-based and clean label supplements in India, combining Ayurveda and modern food science ©Getty Images (Guan Yu Lim)

Hindustan Unilever is fully acquiring clean-label protein and women’s health supplements firm OZiva for INR 8.24 billion (US$90.9 million).

This makes OZiva, also known as Zywie Ventures Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hindustan Unilever (HUL).

At the same time, HUL will sell all its stakes (19.8%) in Nutritionalab Private Limited, the company behind the brand Wellbeing Nutrition, to USV Private Limited.

Blackmores CEO to head new entity set up by parent company

Photo showing Kirin Holdings' headquarter at Nakano Central Park South, Tokyo. (Kirin Holdings)

Alastair Symington, CEO of Blackmores Limited, will be leading a new entity set up by parent company Kirin Holdings Company.

The new entity, named Kirin Health Science International (KHSI) Pty Ltd, will come into operation from April 1, 2026.

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, the company will oversee Kirin’s B2C health science businesses outside Japan.

Bayer pours €5M into micronutrient supplement factory, R&D in Indonesia

Bayer is manufacturing Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) at its upgraded facility in Cimanggis, which is within the Indonesian city of Depok. (Bayer Indonesia)

Bayer has invested €5 million (US$5.9m) in its multiple micronutrient supplement production line and R&D center in Indonesia.

Part of the investment (€1.4m) went to upgrading the company’s production site located at the Bayer Supply Center Consumer Health Cimanggis, Depok.

The upgrades include introducing digitalization and automation to optimize production output by around 20%.

Brand new: a2MC’s kids supplements debut, POCARI SWEAT factory, HUL acquisition

See new developments from health and nutrition brands across Asia-Pacific, including The a2 Milk Company’s kids supplements debut, POCARI SWEAT’s new factory and Hindustan Unilever (HUL) acquiring clean-label and women’s health firm OZiva.