Last week’s top headlines included a new U.S. ITC investigation into energy drink imports, a start-up using AI to discover ingredients from industry waste streams, and Monteloeder filling gaps in the sleep support category.
Monster targets gray-market energy drink imports in ITC investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission launched an investigation into alleged gray-market imports of Monster Energy drinks after the company claimed that unauthorized foreign-market versions infringe its U.S. trademarks.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by Monster on April 17, 2026, and supplemented on May 21.
Monster alleges that these imports differ in packaging, ingredients, and labeling, violating regulatory and trademark standards and is seeking a General Exclusion Order and cease-and-desist orders against multiple U.S. and international respondents.
The case, under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, could set precedent for how brands use trade law to block unauthorized imports of genuine products intended for other markets. Experts note that the outcome may have broader implications for the CPG industry regarding trademark rights and regulatory compliance.
Monteloeder looks to fill gaps in sleep support following latest regulatory approvals
Monteloeder, owned by SuanNutra, has received regulatory approval for its clinically backed RelaxPLX sleep support ingredient in South Korea, aiming to address gaps in the market such as the need for more targeted, science-backed, and non-melatonin alternatives.
Leveraging collaboration with local partner COSMAX BIO, the company completed regulatory approval efficiently and now seeks to expand RelaxPLX’s reach in South Korea and the wider APAC region, targeting diverse consumer groups and innovative product formats.
“Many products still speak broadly about relaxation, but consumers and brands are increasingly looking for ingredients with clinical evidence specifically linked to sleep quality,” said Tomás Muñoz Gutiérrez, Commercial Director (APAC) at Monteloeder.
“There is also growing interest in non-melatonin alternatives. Some consumers want sleep-support options that fit into a daily wellness routine without relying only on melatonin.
“Finally, there is room for innovation in formats and audiences. Sleep support is moving beyond traditional capsules into gummies, powders, stick packs, beverages, and evening ritual formats. It is also becoming relevant for younger consumers, including students and young professionals, not only older adults.”
AI entrepreneurs turn industry waste into tomorrow’s breakthrough ingredients
An Israeli health-tech startup is uncovering functional ingredients from waste streams, with two bioactives revealed as potential disruptors in the booming GLP-1 arena.
MeNow is using AI to scan the molecular makeup of botanicals and their by-products to create a library of molecules and predict their potential health benefits.
The algorithm can make predictions about the bioavailability, safety and health benefits of compounds, supporting the sped-up development of safe and effective botanical supplements. The company has now created a library of 60,000 organisms and more than 2 million natural molecules.
The firm’s commercial model includes co-development, licensing and joint go-to-market partnerships for novel, IP-protected ingredients. To validate the platform commercially, the team began with a focus on the cosmetics industry, as this posed fewer sensory challenges around taste, texture, and viscosity.
One such collaboration was with Colgate, through which they identified an optimal plant combination for treating gingivitis, cutting the firm’s development time by 75%, said the company.
