NIU’s Global Round-up: Thailand approves hemp/ CBD, GNC in Brazil, and more
Asia
Thai authorities approve use of hemp in food, cosmetics and CBD in herbal products
Thailand has issued a ‘royal gazette’ to allow the use of hemp in herbal products, food, and cosmetics, with effect from Aug 27.
The Thai government also removed cannabis and hemp extracts with THC content of less than 0.2% dry weight from the list of banned narcotics substances, according to a report on NutraIngredients-Asia.
The new regulations seek to protect the nascent hemp and CBD industry in the country, and only locally licensed enterprises can take part in the industry in the next five years.
LATAM
GNC teams up with Banco De Franquias to expand Brazilian presence
Supplement retailing giant GNC Holdings is partnering with professional retail operator, BFG Brasil Comercial de Vitaminas LTDA, to help grow its brand awareness and reputation in Brazil.
Carl Seletz, Chief Global Officer of GNC, told NutraIngredients-LATAM: “Our goal is to give as many Brazilian wellness consumers the best possible access to our GNC Brand and exclusive third party brands through our Partner’s store, distribution, and e-Commerce channels.”
The Brazilian nutritional supplements space valued at an estimated $3 billion.
“This partnership will allow GNC to seamlessly and effectively reach the consumer market, providing an opportunity for multi-channel growth,” added Seletz.
Asia
Takanashi Group launches beauty-from-within yogurt drink
Japanese dairy manufacturer Takanashi Group is launching what it believes is the first yogurt drink for good skin backed by a Food With Function claim (FFC).
The product claims to relieve dry skin and keep it moist thanks to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which is claimed to help moisturize skin from within.
A 2019 review by Lolou and Panayiotidis published in Fermentation indicated that some probiotics may support the function of healthy skin by improving hydration and skin barrier function. In addition, other studies have reported that LGG may decrease the severity of eczema in children.
Yuko Nagai, manager in charge of public relations at Takanashi Milk Products, told our Asian edition that the product was aimed at people who were concerned about dry skin as well as those who were concerned about fat content.
