Weekly Trade Insights

1.A Summary of the Color-Protecting Effect of Common Color Retention Additives on Food Colors

Pigments such as Ponceau Red, Amaranth Red, Allura Red, Citrus Yellow, Sunset Yellow, Brilliant Blue, and β-Carotene are commonly used in food processing. Most of these pigments have poor color stability and are prone to fading, which makes it difficult to meet production requirements. However, experiments have proven that color retention agents have a certain protective effect on the stability of pigments.

Color retention agents such as Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP), Sodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Citrate, Phytic Acid, Sodium Erythorbate, and Calcium Lactate have a significant color-retaining effect on most commonly used pigments.

Effective combinations for color retention include: for Ponceau Red, Phytic Acid 2/10,000, Sodium Tripolyphosphate 2/10,000, EDTA-2Na 1/10,000, and Sodium Hexametaphosphate 1/10,000; for Amaranth Red, EDTA-2Na 2/10,000, Sodium Pyrophosphate 1/10,000, Sodium Tripolyphosphate 2/10,000, and Phytic Acid 2/10,000; for Allura Red, Sodium Tripolyphosphate 2/10,000, Sodium Hexametaphosphate 2/10,000, EDTA-2Na 2/10,000, and Sodium Pyrophosphate 2/10,000; for Sunset Yellow, Phytic Acid 2/10,000, Sodium Pyrophosphate 2/10,000, Sodium Citrate 2/10,000, and Sodium Hexametaphosphate 1/10,000; for β-Carotene, Sodium Erythorbate 1/10,000, EDTA-2Na 2/10,000, Phytic Acid 1/10,000, and Sodium Pyrophosphate 1/10,000.

( Source: FIEU Food Ingredients Union )

2.Alternative Proteins "Rising in Price," Pea Protein Soars

Driven by health and sustainability factors, plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular, which has driven the demand for plant-based protein sources. According to Markets and Markets market data, since 2019, the plant protein market has been growing at a CAGR of 14.0%, and it is expected to reach $40.6 billion by 2025. Mintel market data predicts that by 2027, 75% of protein demand will be plant-based, and the global market demand for alternative proteins continues to rise.

( Source: New Nutrition )

3.Finding Space for Fitness, Health, and Functional Trends

As consumers place more emphasis on fitness and healthy lifestyles, experts point out that consumer demand has put greater pressure on beverage companies, requiring them to expand their product offerings.

The rise of fitness lifestyle trends has driven the demand for sports drinks and protein drinks, both of which are targeted at consumers who wish to enhance performance and recovery. For example, people often drink protein shakes to promote muscle growth and recovery, while sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes, which is particularly useful during intense exercise. "The trend towards functionality and hybridity blurs the strict sports connection, broadening the audience. Identity-related associations based on sports will always be a core feature of these products and drive them forward, but now we see products that stack functional claims, not just sports performance, thereby broadening relevance."

( Source: FIEU Food Ingredients Union )

4.Global Functional Beverage New Product Trends

In recent years, the launch of new global functional beverages has significantly increased. According to the Innova Global New Product Database, after several years of steady development, the launch of new functional beverages grew by 18% between 2023 and 2024. Especially sports drinks have seen a strong market demand with an average annual growth rate of 11%.

In regional markets, the focus of new product launches for functional beverages varies. The European market is particularly concerned with functional juices and ready-to-drink sports drinks, with a significantly higher number of launches than the global average. At the same time, the Asian market is mainly focused on fortified dairy drinks, with the launch of iced tea drinks also exceeding the global average. In North America, innovation is mainly concentrated on a new generation of iced teas and carbonated drinks, while in Latin America, dairy drinks lead the market, including fermented dairy products, flavorless milk, and alternative dairy products.

( Source: New Nutrition )

5.Denmark's Q2 GDP increased by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter

According to preliminary data released by the Danish Statistical Office, the second quarter GDP increased by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter. This expansion was driven by pharmaceutical companies, which also caused a 1% contraction in the Danish economy in the first quarter.

( Source: Foreign Butler Consulting )

6.Shipment speed look! Will the strike on the East Coast spread to the West Coast port?

This is a question that cannot be ignored by shipping companies, terminal operators, and the entire country, as employers of ports on the East Coast and the Gulf Coast of the United States are nervously waiting for the end of the strike deadline set by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) on October 1.

The current six-year ILA master contract covers longshoremen and other port employees from Maine to Houston and will expire on September 30. The two sides have not arranged any contract negotiations. The main issues are wages, benefits, and automation. Now, the International Union of Dockworkers and Warehouse Workers has given considerable support to the International Shipping Association. The union approved a new master contract with employers in August 2023.

ILA ports handle about half of the country's trade.

( Source: Logistics Baba )