Transforming supplements: Innovative candyceuticals set to debut in APAC markets

16 Nov 2023 --- Boncha Bio has announced a strategic partnership with dsm-firmenich in a move to transform the dietary supplement market with the introduction of candyceuticals — a concept that combines sweetened taste sensations with nutraceutical health benefits. The partnership has unveiled the NutriBurst product line.

Officially signed at the Vitafoods Asia 2023 exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, the collaboration aims to utilize Boncha Bio’s candy capsule technology with dsm-firmenich’s nutrient and supplement knowledge and offerings. dsm-firmenich now has exclusive distribution rights for candyceuticals in Japan and South Korea. 

“In Asian markets, particularly South Korea and Japan, the constant demand for novel formats and unique consumer experiences is reshaping the market,” says Ling Rei-Ting, regional MRS lead for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) area at dsm-firmenich. “Consumers are leaning toward more natural, pleasurable ways to consume supplements.”

The market-ready solutions will fall under the company’s Health, Nutrition and Care business unit in Asia.

“These candy-textured capsules with active ingredient fillings are named candyceuticals, and they come in two forms — candy capsules and candy tablets,” reveals Alfie Tsai, the managing director of Boncha Bio. “Utilizing micro-carrier technology, our candyceuticals achieve unparalleled absorption rates.”

“The joyful consumption and fast-onset experience enhance consumer compliance, exceeding 95%.”

Meeting evolving demands
The companies agree that the partnership is a significant strategic milestone that will bolster innovation in dietary supplement technology and elevate wellness industry standards — particularly in response to the growing demand for an enhanced consumer experience in the Asian market.

This is represented in NutriBurst — a line of soft-chew candy capsules with nutraceutical filling launched globally at Vitafoods Asia. 

Boncha Bio also reveals that the company has a unique process for preserving the potency of its functional ingredients.The companies say the candyceutical format could increase consumer application adherence. (Image Credit: Boncha Bio).

“Through Boncha Bio’s proprietary formula and cutting-edge production, we successfully preserve heat- and oxygen-sensitive nutrients,” Tsai explains. “Even common challenges such as the fishy note or unpleasant aftertaste often linked to omega-3 supplements are neutralized, rendering the supplements both potent and palatable.”

Next-gen nutraceutical delivery
According to Boncha Bio, candyceuticals are designed to mimic the body’s natural nutrient absorption process by making chewing pleasurable, making the nutraceuticals easy to swallow and allowing for efficient digestion. 

The company says the approach provides a more enjoyable and effective way to consume nutritional supplements and a unique, all-in-one supplement solution that combines various nutrients that traditionally cannot coexist.

Additionally, it holds that its candyceutical technology allows for the inclusion of both water-soluble and fat-soluble elements and liquid and powder forms in a single formula. For example, it can merge probiotics with cranberry extracts, providing a complete intimate care solution in one product.

Redefining Wellness Supplements
The introduction of Boncha Bio’s candyceuticals represents a novel format in nutritional technology, preserving high bioactive ingredient quality and optimizing absorption rates. 

Moreover, the companies state that the user-friendly design and candy-like texture enhance compliance and frequency of intake, which is likely to boost sales for wellness brands.

“We’ve revolutionized the supplementation landscape,” Tsai concludes.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols