Weekly Trade Information-193

Novel Food Enzyme: Phospholipase D

On May 10, 2026, international brand PanShengPai launched its new C9 NMN 32000 Enhanced Pro edition.Adopting certified dual-origin sourcing from the U.S. and Canada and bioenzymatic purification technology, the product achieves a purity of 99.9%, supplemented by three patented technologies to boost absorption efficiency. It features gender-specific customized formulas, focusing on cellular anti-aging and energy enhancement.

Also launched simultaneously is a sustained-release dietary fiber blend, specially formulated for GLP-1 users, which can extend satiety for up to 5 hours.
On May 8, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved Phospholipase D, a novel food enzyme, for food processing applications.Produced via fermentation from genetically engineered strains, the enzyme improves the stability and emulsifying properties of oils and fats, suitable for margarine, bakery and other sectors.

In parallel, Chinese brand Jingyixuan launched a compound preservative based on natural rosemary extract. Compliant with clean label standards, it serves as an alternative to traditional chemical preservatives.

(Source: Vitafoods Europe 2026 Show Report, Official Website of the European Food Safety Authority)

Postbiotics, Targeted Gut Health, Cellular Anti-Aging & Natural GLP-1 Weight Management Become Core Trends

From May 5 to 7, 2026, Vitafoods Europe — the global weathervane of the nutrition and health industry — was held in Barcelona, Spain. The event highlighted four core trends: postbiotics, targeted gut health, cellular-level anti-aging, and natural GLP-1 weight management.

Synthetic biology enables large-scale production of food ingredients such as natural vanillin and erythritol, bringing substantial cost reductions and greater environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Chinese market is focusing more on precision nutrition and compound formulation innovation, with strong growth in dosage forms including functional gummies and ready-to-drink powders.

(Source: FIC 2026 Industry Insight)

A New Sweet Option: Brazzein – Brazilian Sweet Protein

Against the nationwide sugar reduction trend, sugar-free foods have long been plagued by persistent drawbacks: bitter aftertaste, metallic off-notes, and poor heat resistance.

As an emerging natural food ingredient, Brazzein is hailed by industry as an all-round star in the sugar substitute sector. Boasting a sucrose-like clean taste, zero calories and excellent heat stability, it stands out as one of the most promising next-generation healthy sweeteners.

Extracted from Oubli Fruit, a native berry in West Africa, Brazzein is a small-molecule natural sweet protein composed of only 54 amino acids. Thanks to its compact molecular structure and stable spatial configuration, it delivers extremely high sweetness potency and outstanding stability. Only a tiny dosage is required to achieve the sweetening effect of a large amount of sucrose.

(Source: Pinchuan Food Technology)

Panama Canal Auctioned "Priority Passage Fee" Hits Sky-High Prices

According to Shipping Community Network, as geopolitical unrest in the Middle East reshapes the global shipping landscape, shipping companies are rushing to secure alternative routes. The auction price for Panama Canal priority passage rights has soared to a record high of USD 4 million per vessel.

This hefty bidding fee is payable in addition to standard canal tolls. It underscores that amid ongoing disruptions to traditional energy and container logistics caused by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the Panama Canal has become one of the critical pressure relief valves for global trade.

(Source: Shipping Community)
 

Ocean Freight Costs Keep Rising While Compliance Requirements Tighten

In May 2026, the global shipping market saw a wave of freight rate hikes, directly affecting the cross-border transportation of health supplements and food additive raw materials.

Major carriers including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have raised bunker surcharges and comprehensive freight rates for routes from Asia to Europe, the United States and the Mediterranean starting May 1, with rates on some routes climbing to USD 7,200 per FEU.

As a result, ocean freight costs for raw materials such as DHA, lutein and natural sweeteners have increased by 12%–18%.

Meanwhile, European and U.S. customs have intensified inspections on supplement raw materials, requiring complete documentation including MSDS reports, ingredient filings, and FDA/EFSA certifications. Customs clearance lead time has been extended by 3–5 days.

(Source: Shipping Community Network, Nutrition Business Journal)