I. Overview & Market Context

The global nutraceutical and functional food market is entering a major turning point.

In 2026, the region's two largest industry exhibitions Vitafoods Asia 2026 (Bangkok, Thailand) and Fi Asia Indonesia 2026 (Jakarta, Indonesia) - showcased numerous new technologies and products centered around key themes such as healthy longevity, preventive medicine, and clean label. Insights from both events highlight a significant shift in consumer demand from "treatment" to "prevention," aiming toward the goal of "living healthier for longer."

In response to these prominent market trends from both exhibitions, Kanematsu Vietnam proposes a diverse portfolio of functional ingredients to support businesses in product development and market expansion in Vietnam.

II. 4 Key Trends Driving the Market in 2026

Advancements in Gut Environment & Microbiome (Pre/Pro/Post-biotics)

With ongoing progress in research regarding the relationship between the gut environment, immune function, and brain health, the market is evolving from a traditional probiotic-centric approach to advanced prebiotics and postbiotics.

In particular, prebiotics that selectively activate gut microbiota and highly stable postbiotics are gaining significant attention as ingredients that support immune health and target the gut-brain axis. Product development is active across a wide range of applications, from infant nutrition to functional beverages and healthy snacks.

Expansion of "Beauty-from-Within" and Plant-Based Markets

The concept of "Beauty-from-within," which supports beauty and health from inside the body, is expanding globally alongside the growth of the plant-based market.

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of environmental impact and sustainability while seeking solutions to reduce allergen risks and lower dependence on animal-derived ingredients. Consequently, demand is rising for the following plant-derived materials:

• Plant-based collagen
• Plant-based peptides
• High-functionality plant proteins
• Functional plant milk
• Herbal & botanical extracts

These ingredients are widely utilized across beauty, anti-aging, sports nutrition, and overall wellness sectors.

Healthy Ageing and Joint / Mobility Care

Alongside demographic aging, a growing number of consumers are pursuing active lifestyles, driving strong interest in maintaining the health of joints, cartilage, and connective tissues.

In particular, naturally derived functional ingredients with scientific evidence and upcycled materials from sustainable manufacturing processes are drawing attention. The market is expanding beyond seniors to include sports enthusiasts and health-conscious younger generations.

Clean Label and Natural Ingredients

When selecting products, consumers care not only about the formulated ingredients themselves but also about their origin and manufacturing background. Key terms expected to gain even greater importance include:

• 100% natural origin
• Non-GMO
• Free from synthetic additives
• Traceability from sourcing to finished product

III. Functional Ingredient Solutions Offered by Kanematsu Vietnam

Leveraging the global network and expertise of the Kanematsu Group, Kanematsu Vietnam provides high-value-added ingredients tailored to key trends in the Asian market.

1. Oligomate®: GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharide) supporting gut environment improvement

A next-generation prebiotic that supports gut microbiota and contributes to enhancing immune function.

Oligomate® is gaining attention as a reliable GOS that combines safety and trust for health-conscious consumers.

• Infant formula and nutritional foods
• Dietary supplements
• Functional beverages

2. VC-H1®: Plant-Derived Collagen - Vegan beauty solution

VC-H1® responds to the expanding plant-based market, offering a new alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. It supports brand differentiation and creates new market opportunities in the rapidly growing beauty & wellness sector.

• Maintains skin moisture and supports healthy skin
• Free from the distinct odor of fish collagen, enabling product development focused on "Beauty-from-within"
• Offers possibilities for creating new product concepts for the vegan market

3. Natural Colors - Natural Solutions for the Clean Label Era

With growing consumers focus on transparency and safety, our lineup of natural colors offers the following key features. We support manufacturers in enhancing product value and reaching new target consumer groups through a natural concept.

• Plant-derived coloring solutions
• Achieves excellent stability across a wide range of applications
• Clean label alternative to synthetic additives

4. Egg Shell Membrane - Next-generation material unlocking natural nutritional value

As an innovative and sustainable resource gaining widespread interest, eggshell membrane holds new potential in functional and health food sectors. It provides new business opportunities for developing high-value-added, sustainable health foods backed by scientific evidence.

• Rich in collagen, elastin, and various bioactive components
• Supports joint and skin health maintenance
• Contributes to a circular economy by effectively utilizing natural by-products

IV. Turning market shifts into new value creation

The nutraceutical and functional food market in Vietnam is expected to experience further growth. As consumer needs become more sophisticated, the importance of high-value-added products backed by scientific evidence will continue to rise.

More than just a raw material supplier, Kanematsu Vietnam acts as a strategic partner supporting customers from product concept formulation, ingredient proposal, and formulation design to commercialization, contributing to your new value creation.

Please contact Kanematsu Vietnam for consultation on ingredient selection and product development aligned with market trends.