The a2 Milk Company to enter China’s pediatric supplements market
New Zealand-based a2 Milk Company is ramping up its infant nutrition business in China with the upcoming launch of four pediatric supplements in Q3 this year.
The products, to be launched under the brand a2 Zhi Yi, would span immunity, anti-allergy, gut health, and brain and eye health functions.
The company announced the plan during the release of its financial results for the first half of FY26.
PQQ could support homeostasis post-acute exercise - China study
The supplementation of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) could support the body’s interoception post-acute exercise, says a new study conducted in China.
Interoception is the process by which the nervous system perceives and interprets internal bodily signals. The process is essential for athletes to effectively modulate motor decisions, but it may be impaired after exhaustive exercise.
Writing in Scientific Reports, researchers from Beijing Sport University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Universiti Sains Malaysia said that the findings showed PQQ supplementation may optimize resilience under physiological stress through its antioxidative and neuroprotective mechanisms.
Otsuka Pharma beefs up POCARI SWEAT production in China
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 500ml POCARI SWEAT bottles annually in this facility, which would increase annual production capacity by about 2.5 times.
Demand for hydration and electrolyte beverages is rising in Northern China, a trend the new Tianjin factory will address, according to Otsuka Pharma.
China approves HMO 3’-SL for use in infant formula
The Chinese authorities have approved 3’-sialyllactose (3’-SL) – a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) – for use in infant formula for the first time.
China’s National Health Commission permitted the use of 3’-SL in a variety of products other than infant formula, including complementary food for toddlers.
In total, the Chinese authorities have approved three HMOs for use in infant formula, including 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT).
US imposes antidumping and countervailing duties on HECs from Brazil, China, India and Vietnam
A recent ruling could have dramatic implications on pricing, supply chains and the overall competitive landscape of Hard Empty Capsules (HEC).
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) and US International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a final affirmative determination that found that HEC imports from Brazil, China, India and Vietnam were sold in the United States at less than fair market value.
The findings stated that imports from these countries are harming the US capsule industry by undercutting domestic producers, with the investigation revealing significant dumping margins.
