Umekan brings Japanese supplements to US consumers

21 Aug 2020 --- Umeken, a US-Japanese health foods manufacturer, has launched three new offerings, addressing a range of needs from heart health and liver function to immunity. The company states that these “more economical and upgraded options” allow consumers to continue to care for their health during these uncertain and challenging times. The products may also appeal to US residents seeking more international and novel offerings.

Lipopo-C is the latest addition to Umeken’s product line and is touted as a “powerhouse for the immune system.” In addition to containing fermented wheat extract, it also has vitamin C. In April, industry reported a boom in vitamin C sales in light of COVID-19, although the sector faced some supply chain issues. 

Meanwhile, Corbicula Ball EX is the upgraded formula of Umekan’s extract of corbicula – a type of clam. According to Umekan, it can help support liver function and is offered in a small-size pill form to aid consumption. Other active ingredients are silymarin from milk thistle, L-ornithine, turmeric, broccoli seed extract, oyster extract and propolis extract.

Finally, Nattokinase plus Fucoidan is now available in a smaller size, which the company says allows consumers the convenience of trying the product before settling for the larger supply. Additionally, it has a small tablet form, which may make it easier to swallow than some other supplements.

The product features fucoidan, a natural compound derived from seaweed. It has previously come under the spotlight for everything from gut inflammation to cancer and COVID-19. Meanwhile, nattokinase is an enzyme found only found in natto, a traditional Japanese food consisting of fermented soybean. 

Click to EnlargeCorbicula Ball EX is the upgraded formula of Umekan’s clam extract.One of natto’s health benefits is that it is a good source of vitamin K2. Earlier this year, NattoPharma highlighted the vitamin’s significant role in reducing inflammation and boosting cardiovascular health. Additionally, the ingredient – along with other fermented soybean products like miso and tempeh – is becoming increasingly popular, according to Innova Market Insights.

The adventurous consumer
With bases in California, US, and in Osaka, Japan, Umeken has been importing Japanese products to the US for over 20 years. These latest offerings may be appealing to consumers who are increasingly eyeing products from abroad, with many people keen to sample international flavors and offerings. In a 2019 consumer survey of ten countries, over 70 percent of consumers state that they love to discover flavors from other cultures. One example of this is the rise of bubble tea – originally hailing from Taiwan. Over half of Millennials say they are excited by the concept of bubble tea ice cream. Click to EnlargeLipopo-C contains fermented wheat extract and vitamin C.

The market researcher also reports that 81 percent of Millennials say they love to discover new flavors, with almost half of this group agreeing that “the crazier the flavor, the better.” While 69 percent of global consumers say they love to experiment with new food concepts, this rises to 79 percent in the 26 to 35-year-old age group. 

In another example of the international nutrition industry embracing a Japanese ingredient, Naturex recently launched Ultimine Zinc as the latest addition to the koji minerals portfolio. Known as a “miracle mold,” koji is a culture widely used to make fermented products such as soy sauce, miso, amazake and sake. Naturex is part of Givaudan, which recently introduced a collection of botanicals that can promote skin health in a bid to “capture the essence” of Japanese beauty rituals. Earlier this week, Cosmax NBT noted that the Japanese beauty-from-within market is particularly active. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell

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