Weekly Trade Information-208

Expanding Applications of Gellan Gum, with Plant‑Based Beverages as a Key Growth Segment

Driven by growing demand for suspension, stabilization and texture control in plant‑based beverages, dairy products and functional drinks, the application scope of gellan gum keeps expanding. Thanks to its excellent suspension‑stabilizing performance and low‑dosage characteristics, its adoption in plant milks, fruit juices and nutritional beverages has attracted considerable attention.

(Source: Mordor Intelligence 《Gellan Gum Market》)

Erythritol Industry Keeps Growing, Low‑Sugar Foods Boost Sweetener Demand

Rising demand for low‑sugar and sugar‑reduced food and beverages has driven expanding applications of low‑calorie sweeteners including erythritol. Domestic enterprises are continuously optimizing production processes and upgrading product specifications, further broadening erythritol’s adoption in beverages, confectionery, baked goods and nutritional foods.

(Source: China Food Additives & Ingredients Association)

Plant‑based Protein Applications Keep Expanding, Food Manufacturers Focus on Functionality and Sensory Performance

Overseas market demand for plant‑based proteins continues to grow. Raw materials such as pea protein and soy protein are widely used in plant‑based beverages, nutritional powders and functional foods. As consumers pay more attention to protein intake and plant‑forward diets, protein ingredient suppliers are placing greater emphasis on solubility, taste and formulation compatibility.

(Source: FoodNavigator 《Plant‑based food and beverage trends》)

VC Manufacturers Halt Quotations Collectively; Market Rises by 5‑8% Within One Day

According to market sources, starting from August 27, multiple enterprises including Shijiazhuang Weisheng, Shandong Luwei, Heilongjiang NHU, Jiangsu Jiangshan, Northeast Pharmaceutical and Ningxia Qiyuan have collectively suspended vitamin‑C quotations. Market attention has surged rapidly, with transaction prices climbing by 5‑8% compared with the previous trading day.

(Source: Hangzhou Weigao)

Freight Rates Remain High for Middle East & Red Sea Routes

This week, exports of domestic food additives and health‑supplement ingredients face pressure from diverging shipping‑lane conditions. Freight rates for the Middle East‑Red Sea routes stay elevated. Vessels rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope cause 10‑14‑day transit delays, passively extending delivery lead‑times for powder‑form and heat‑sensitive nutritional raw materials.

Driven by pre‑Black‑Friday inventory stocking and water‑flow restrictions in the Panama Canal, trans‑Pacific lanes see tightening container space, with some carriers imposing peak‑season surcharges. Freight rates for European routes edge down slightly; nevertheless, the enforcement of the EU PPWR packaging regulation has raised inspection rates for food‑ingredient cargoes. Non‑compliant packaging may result in cargo detention or return shipment.

Industry insiders advise shippers to secure container space in advance for sensitive goods such as vitamins and plant extracts, and complete self‑checks on packaging compliance to avoid customs clearance hold‑ups at destination ports.

(Source: CCFI Index from Shanghai Shipping Exchange, Dongying Supply Chain Industry Weekly)