Weekly Trade Information-199

Wasabi Extract: Boosts Cognition, Relieves Fatigue, Improves Sleep and Fights Brain Fog

Among the diverse isothiocyanates (ITCs) contained in wasabi, 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC, also known as 6-HITC) has been verified as the primary and most bioactive isothiocyanate in its rhizome.

6-MSITC can inhibit platelet aggregation, which theoretically helps prevent thrombosis and benefits cardiovascular health. Multiple animal studies have also observed anti-obesity and hypotensive effects of wasabi extract.

Furthermore, 6-MSITC suppresses inflammatory signaling pathways such as the NF-κB pathway, thereby curbing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α. It shields neurons from damage by mitigating cerebral oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, preserves synaptic plasticity, and consequently supports cognitive functions like memory and learning. Though human clinical trials remain absent, research on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease has confirmed that 6-MSITC alleviates cognitive impairment in affected subjects.

Beyond its core active compound 6-MSITC, wasabi contains other isothiocyanates such as AITC. AITC activates TRPV1 receptors, endowing wasabi with anti-aging potential as well.

(Source: Rambling Notes of Mini Piggy)
 

Natural Clean-Label Alternatives Become Mandatory Competitive Threshold

Industry research released this week shows two major trends in the health supplement and food additive sectors are accelerating simultaneously.

First, switching to natural clean-label ingredients has become an indispensable competitive requirement. Orders for natural antibacterial agents, plant-based colorants and fermented thickeners rose 26% month-on-month, while demand for synthetic artificial additives keeps shrinking. Brands at home and abroad are rushing to reformulate products, and export goods prioritize raw materials free of artificial chemical additives.

Second, postbiotics and gut-targeted nutritional ingredients are surging in popularity. Compound probiotic blends for weight management and mood relief have seen robust shipment volumes. Mass-produced nutritional fortifiers manufactured via synthetic biology continue to drop in production costs, making them a key expansion focus for leading manufacturers.

Downstream end-product manufacturers are cutting unnecessary additives. Streamlined ingredient lists and improved bioavailability of active components have become standard for new product development. Small and medium-sized enterprises are phasing out low-end chemical synthesis production lines to adapt to market shifts.

(Source: Industry News from Food Ingredients First)
 

Dove and Meiji Race to Embrace High Cocoa Flavanols: Is the Chocolate Segment Shifting Toward Functionalization?

Cocoa flavanols are naturally occurring phytochemicals in cocoa beans belonging to flavanol polyphenols. They deliver multiple benefits including antioxidant effects and vascular protection and have become the core driver behind functional upgrades in chocolate products.

However, this ingredient has unique chemical properties. Conventional chocolate manufacturing processes such as fermentation, deep roasting and alkalization are widely applied to optimize flavor and color. Unfortunately, the alkalization step drastically cuts down cocoa flavanol levels.

Jiang Jie, Vice President of Marketing at Mars Wrigley China, shared the brand’s "Add One, Cut One" R&D strategy tailored to evolving Chinese consumer demands in a media interview. The "Cut" refers to continuous sugar reduction for less sweetness, while the "Add" stands for unlocking extra functional value of chocolate—for instance, refining production techniques to retain cocoa flavanols, the key functional compound in cocoa pods, to the maximum extent.

Meiji launched targeted cocoa flavanol chocolate even earlier. Every three pieces (15 grams) contain 533 mg cocoa polyphenols and 100 mg cocoa flavanols. Positioned to boost blood flow and help stabilize blood pressure, the product precisely targets health-conscious elderly consumers and has gained great popularity among senior shoppers.

(Source: China Confectionery)
 

Surcharges Jump Up to 37%! Suez Canal Suddenly Imposes Extra Levies

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) recently issued a new Navigation Circular, announcing hikes to temporary surcharges for most vessel types effective July 15, 2026.

The new surcharges will be levied on top of existing canal transit tolls and apply to all ships transiting the Suez Canal starting from July 15. The SCA stated the adjustment was made in response to current global shipping market conditions. These surcharges are temporary measures and will be revised or revoked later in line with market fluctuations.

(Source: Waituzi Shipping Commentary)
 

Ocean Freight Costs for Health Supplement & Food Additive Raw Materials Keep Climbing

Ocean shipping costs for raw materials of health supplements and food additives maintained an upward trend this week. Data from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange showed the SCFI index climbed to 3,121.9 points in the third week of June, rising 4.6% week-on-week.

Freight rates surged on major export lanes for additive raw materials including vitamins, amino acids and food colorants. The rate for a 40-foot container from Shanghai to the US West Coast hit USD 5,683, an increase of USD 89 week-on-week. Space is tight on Europe-Asia routes, with carriers imposing peak season surcharges. Premiums for reefer containers (required for heat-sensitive supplement raw materials such as probiotics and lutein) have risen by 30%.

Freight forwarders in the industry reported that Chinese exporters of food additives and dietary supplements are widely facing difficulties securing space plus vessel delays of 7 to 10 days. Diversions around the Red Sea have extended transit times, compounded by stricter compliance inspections during import customs clearance in Europe and the US. This lengthens the port arrival cycle for raw materials and raises inventory costs for downstream buyers. Traders have locked in long-term contract space for Q3 in advance to hedge against freight volatility.

(Source: Shanghai Shipping Exchange)