Weekly Trade Information-213

China’s First 63% High-Phospholipid Krill Oil Raw Material Launched

At the 2026 China Marine Economy Expo, Fengshi VIK unveiled “Fengshi 963”, China’s first krill oil raw material with 63% high phospholipid content, alongside its patented technology for targeted enrichment of marine phospholipids. This process raises the phospholipid level of krill oil from the mainstream industry range of 40%–56% to a maximum of 95%. The material is applicable across multiple scenarios including functional foods, pharmaceutical excipients and API. Its phospholipid delivery system enhances the absorption efficiency of Omega-3.

Suitable for cardiovascular health dietary supplements, this raw material is available for export. Full documentation including COA, pesticide residue and allergen test reports can be provided to meet pharmacopoeia-level compliance requirements for European and American clients. Multiple formulators have reached out for sample testing.

(Source: PlantExtract Bridge)

King Hero Re-engineers Formulation Logic with Ginseng Coffee Bean Blend; Functional Beverages Shift toward Clean Plant-Based Alternatives

Newly launched innovative functional beverage formulations in 2026 no longer compete solely on stronger stimulant effects. Instead, they branch into multiple value propositions including plant-powered energy, clean label formulas and multi-functional blends.

King Hero’s latest formulation solution adopts a ginseng coffee bean blend to replace conventional synthetic taurine and artificial caffeine. This plant-based alternative reduces palpitations triggered by high doses of synthetic stimulants and aligns with consumer demand for clean labels and naturally derived energy boosters. In formulation development, synergistic effects between natural plant extracts and trace minerals are emerging as a key trend in R&D for functional foods and dietary supplements.

(Source: FoodInnovation Hub)

Stricter Random Inspections for Cross-Border Channels

CFSA released six draft notifications on new food additives for public comment this week, including D-allulose 3-epimerase and Lacto-N-tetraose. The scope of use for calcium 6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is also being expanded. Raw material manufacturers have initiated supporting process filings.

Four national standards for health food raw materials under the State Administration for Market Regulation — Coenzyme Q10, broken-cell Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, melatonin and spirulina — are entering implementation preparation. These standards specify limits for marker compounds, heavy metals and microorganisms.

The General Administration of Customs issued a risk alert for cross-border supplements after contaminants were detected in New Zealand oyster extract capsules. Random inspections on cross-border channels have been tightened, and document verification for imported raw materials such as NMN and plant extracts has been intensified.

Domestic production of marine-sourced ingredients and sports nutrition materials is accelerating, with multiple suppliers advancing registrations for joint-health formulations.

(Source: Foodmate, CIRS, General Administration of Customs of China)

EU Releases Safety Opinion on Benfotiamine as a Novel Food, Proposed as a Source of Vitamin B1

On 9 October, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a scientific opinion. It assessed the safety of benfotiamine as a novel food under EU Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, and simultaneously evaluated its bioavailability as a source of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in dietary supplements. The findings will determine the market access of this ingredient across the EU.

Benfotiamine is a derivative of vitamin B1, primarily developed for application in dietary supplements. If it is finally approved and added to the EU authorised novel food list, it will open up new market opportunities for raw material exporters.

(Source: Official EFSA Journal)

Asia-Europe Liner Rates Expected to Rise

Drewry’s weekly data shows that Asia-Europe freight rates have edged up after 13 consecutive weeks of declines. Carriers plan to hike FAK rates and deploy selective blank sailings to manage capacity. Nevertheless, increased vessel space brought by resumed Suez Canal transit casts doubt on whether this uptick can be sustained. Rates for the US East Coast remain firm while US West Coast rates dip slightly, as peak-season cargo volumes fall short of earlier forecasts.

Food additives and nutritional raw materials are classified as general cargo, though certain plant extracts require temperature-controlled handling. MSDS and cargo classification documents for hazardous or general goods must be prepared in advance. Risks of schedule delays and cargo rollovers persist. For shipments to Europe, booking 7–10 days ahead and opting for direct services is recommended. Shippers should also watch out for ad-hoc bunker surcharge adjustments and build flexibility into budgets to avoid delivery defaults for raw materials.

(Source: Drewry, International Shipping Network)