Greater consumer demand for nutritious product ranges has prompted Cargill to respond with its focus for Vitafoods Asia, featuring a series of new product ranges including gummies and bars that have an added health focus, reports Neill Barston.

As the company observed, shoppers are adopting a more holistic approach to wellbeing, which has extended into their decisions over their weekly shopping baskets, including the snacks and sweet treats they select on a regular basis.

For Vitafoods Bangkok, that took place in Thailand last week, the company showcased a broad health-support solutions portfolio and insights-led innovation that will support food companies with products including postbiotic gummies containing EpiCor, plant-based high protein & fiber bars enriched with choline, plant-based performance powder with pea protein, and plant-based functional gummies and plant-based functional capsules containing algae DHA.

According to the US firm’s 2024 TrendTracker proprietary study of consumer trends in Asia revealed that 68% of consumers in the region are proactive about preventing health issues with their food intake. Health-focused products are gaining popularity in APAC, with 1 in 6 food and beverage launches in 2023 featuring a “health benefit” claim. Additionally, plant-based products are booming, showing a 26% annual growth rate in APAC. Cargill’s solutions are created to support the unique nutritional needs of diverse consumers with a focus on macro and micro-nutrients, and health benefit promoting ingredients, to target functionality throughout life.

Jing Yu, Cargill’s APAC Specialized Nutrition Commercial Director, believed that the market was set for further growth:  “Whether it is early nutrition for the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, active nutrition to boost performance for athletes and support active lifestyles, or medical nutrition to support ageing, bringing these benefits to consumers is the inspiration for our innovation. We believe in co-creating with our customers solutions that are relevant for the different life stages, to bring the right nutrients that deliver a holistic range of health benefits such as support for brain, immunity, gut and digestion, growth and development, mobility, and metabolism,”

“Building on our comprehensive specialized nutrition portfolio, insights-led innovation, reliable supply, sustainability at scale, and trusted expertise with 40 years of experience in early life nutrition, we are committed to closely collaborating with our customers to support consumers in Asia achieving healthier, longer, and happier lives.”

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