- Recently, Sirio Pharma stated on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange interactive platform that exports from its China-based production to the U.S. account for less than 15% of its total revenue. The company is actively adopting multiple strategies to control the impact of “reciprocal tariffs” on its U.S. export business. Sirio promptly initiated discussions with clients to jointly bear the rising tariff costs. In addition, the “reciprocal tariffs” have brought significant opportunities for the development of its core BF business. Some clients have started considering the feasibility of shifting part of their production to the company’s U.S. facility, and this is currently being actively promoted.
- On April 9, Novonesis launched ProSilience Protectsr, a next-generation Weizmannia coagulans strain. According to the company, ProSilience Protectsr can be widely applied to gummies, solid beverages, instant drinks, refrigerated liquid drinks, nuts, cereals, and baked products. It can also be used in combination with other food ingredients to provide comprehensive nutritional benefits.
- Recently, Zhao Jiulong from the Department of Gastroenterology at Changhai Hospital of the Naval Medical University, Wang Shige from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, and Xu Lizhi from the University of Hong Kong jointly developed a multifunctional probiotic powder. This powder can form a hydrogel in the stomach, respond to the inflammatory environment of gastritis, and simultaneously target and eliminate H. pylori, reduce inflammation, promote gastric mucosal repair, and protect the gut microbiota. The research, titled Hydrogel-Transformable Probiotic Powder for Targeted Eradication of Helicobacter pylori with Enhanced Gastric Mucosal Repair and Microbiota Preservation, was published in Advanced Science and featured on the inside cover of the issue.
- Recently, Lotte Chilsung Beverage Company launched two plant-based beverages: “Sugar-Free Oat” and “Chocolate Oat.” These drinks are low in calories and contain patented postbiotics along with seven vitamins and minerals, offering a balance of taste and nutrition. Each bottle of sugar-free oat drink contains 28 kcal, while the chocolate oat drink contains only 35 kcal.
- Recently, Morinaga Milk Industry announced that it will launch a new functional food product nationwide on April 15: the “Cognitive Function Yogurt Drink.” This product is said to help maintain certain cognitive functions that decline with age. In recent years, research on gut bacteria has made great progress, especially concerning the gut-brain axis, which describes the close bidirectional interaction between the brain and gut. In 2015, Morinaga identified Bifidobacterium MCC1274 from its collection of thousands of strains, believing it may positively impact cognitive function. Over the past five years, the market for cognitive support-related health foods has grown sixfold.
- According to recent news, Asahi Soft Drinks Co., Ltd. will launch a new functional food product, “PLUS Calpis Immune Support Water,” under its “Calpis” health series on April 22. This dairy beverage contains L-92 Lactobacillus, which has been reported to help maintain immune function in healthy individuals and reduce nasal discomfort caused by house dust and other pollutants. The packaging prominently displays the “PLUS Calpis” logo and the words “Immune Support” and “Tangy and Delicious,” clearly communicating the product’s key features.
- On April 9, Angel Yeast released its 2024 annual report. The company reported operating revenue of RMB 15.197 billion, up 11.86% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was RMB 1.325 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.07%. Basic earnings per share stood at RMB 1.55.
- On April 14, U.S. grain trader ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) announced that, as part of a global cost-cutting initiative, the company will gradually wind down its trading operations in China and lay off employees in its largest business segment. ADM plans to cut 600 to 700 jobs globally this year and aims to reduce up to USD 750 million in costs over the next three to five years, joining its competitor Cargill in belt-tightening efforts.
- On April 1, Jian’ai Yogurt launched its first-ever sparkling kefir yogurt exclusively through Hema retail channels, introducing the highly popular overseas kefir concept to the domestic market and filling a gap in China’s chilled kefir product category. The Jian’ai sparkling kefir yogurt highlights its “all-natural” positioning, featuring nine rare kefir strains sourced from the North Caucasus region. Natural fermentation by the kefir cultures produces delicate and fine sparkling bubbles. The classic flavor formula includes only raw milk, sucrose, concentrated lemon juice, and lactic acid bacteria, and is available in pomelo and mojito flavors.
- On March 27, the Department of Food Safety Standards and Monitoring issued Announcement No. 2 of 2025, officially releasing 50 new national food safety standards, including the National Food Safety Standard – General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025), as well as nine standard amendment documents.
- On March 26, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued the Administrative Measures for Food Labeling Supervision. This new regulation will be implemented concurrently with the revised National Food Safety Standard – General Rules for the Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (GB 7718-2025).
- On March 21, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment released a public consultation notice on four new food raw materials: lutein esters, D-allulose, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis LMG 11588. The deadline for feedback is April 20, 2025.
- Recently, the administrative service platform of the National Health Commission released an update on the acceptance of new food raw materials, with four new ingredients newly accepted for review. Among them is Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YLGB-1496.
- On March 20, Haihe Dairy launched two new products: a nutritional milk powder for middle-aged and elderly individuals, and a high-calcium selenium-enriched milk powder. The nutritional milk powder for seniors includes three traditional Chinese medicinal food ingredients—polygonatum powder, yam powder, and mulberry leaf extract—and is further enhanced with four strains of probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, offering full-spectrum support for senior health from the inside out.
- On March 25, H&H Group officially released its 2024 financial report. The report showed that total annual revenue for the year reached RMB 13.05 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 6.3%. By region, the China market remained the largest contributor, accounting for 66.6% of total revenue. Infant nutrition supplements, with Biostime as the core brand, continued to lead the infant probiotic market in mainland China. The launch of innovative products such as lactoferrin + probiotics, DHA algal oil + ARA gummies, and calcium tablets drove a 77.7% increase in sales in the infant nutrition supplement segment.
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