Weekly Highlights: Nestlé and Yuanqi Forest Launch New Products; Raydelin and Vivici Secure Over $100M in Funding; Celsius Holdings Files IPO Following $1.8B Acquisition

Raw Material Dynamics

1、EuromedLaunch Derived from PersimmonsWeight ManagementRaw MaterialsPerFix

On February 26, plant-based ingredient supplier EuroMed launched PerFix, a persimmon extract aimed at weight management. PerFix is produced using locally sourced Mediterranean persimmons and has completed clinical validation for weight management. The production process employs a proprietary extraction method, using ultra-pure water as the sole solvent, preserving key bioactive compounds such as tannins, polyphenols, and carotenoids.

Plant View: The sources of weight management ingredients are constantly expanding.

Source: FoodBev

2. Nuritas Launches Sleep Ingredient PeptiSleep

Health Ingredient Supplier Nuritas to Debut Its Innovative Sleep Health Ingredient PeptiSleep™ at This Year’s Western Natural Products Expo. PeptiSleep™ is a natural plant peptide ingredient derived from rice bran protein, available in powder form, suitable for capsules, tablets, gummies, gels, chewable tablets, and ready-to-drink beverages. It can replace popular sleep ingredients (such as melatonin or magnesium) or be used in combination with them.

Plant Focus: Attention on Natural Sleep Ingredients.

Source: Nuritas

New Product Updates

1. Nestlé Launches New Grapefruit Oolong Flavor Collagen Peptide

On February 27, Nestlé launched a new Grapefruit Oolong flavored collagen peptide product. Each sachet of this new product contains 10,000mg of collagen peptides, specifically the VERISOL® collagen peptides, which have intellectual property rights. It is sugar-free, fat-free, and each sachet contains approximately 39 calories. It can be mixed with lattes, water, or juice.

Perspective: The amount of addition is one of the important dimensions in the competition among collagen-based beverages.

Source: Sam's Club

2、ELECTRO X Launches New SLIM Electrolyte Concentrate

On February 20, ELECTRO X launched SLIM Electrolyte Concentrate. This new product is made from pink lemon, pomegranate, L-carnitine, and white kidney bean extract. Each sachet contains ≥500mg of L-carnitine and electrolytes, with a sodium-to-potassium electrolyte ratio of 2.4:1. It can be consumed before or after meals to block carbs. The flavor is pink lemon pomegranate.

Perspective: The innovation of electrolyte beverages is no longer limited to hydration. By incorporating other functional ingredients, the health-oriented directions of electrolyte water are continuously expanding.

Source: ELECTRO X

3. Yuanqi Forest Launches New Ice Cream Soda Lactic Acid Bacteria Original Flavor Carbonated Beverage

Recently, Genki Forest launched a new product: Ice Cream Soda with Lactic Acid Bacteria, which combines soda and lactic acid bacteria for a creamy bubble texture and a sweet-tangy refreshing taste. The product uses an imported New Zealand milk source + a formula with six strains of bacteria working together in fermentation. With fewer calories than an apple per bottle, it targets diverse consumption scenarios such as dining, parties, and shopping.

Plant Perspective: The crossover combination of soda and lactic acid bacteria targets consumers' dual demands for nutrition and innovative taste.

Source: Genki Forest Tmall Official Store

4. Yuanqi Forest Launches Vitamin B Water

Recently, Yuanqi Forest's Alien launched a new Vitamin B water product, available in two flavors: Citrus and Sunny Green Grape. The new product is low in sugar and calories, containing elements such as Vitamin B1, B3, B6, and zinc. Each 500ml bottle contains 0.5mg of Vitamin B1, 0.55mg of Vitamin B6, 2mg of zinc, and 5.5mg of niacinamide, with fewer calories than an apple (280g per apple).

Plant Perspective: From electrolytes to vitamins, functional beverages are continuously evolving.

Source: Xiaohongshu @Genki Forest Drinks

5. Overseas Companies Launch MCT + Collagen

In February 2025, Power Life launched a "MCT + Collagen" energy supplement product suitable for people with different levels of exercise intensity. Peak MCT & Collagen is a nutritional supplement that shows potential in supporting "muscle, bone, and energy." The formula combines plant-based collagen, biotin, and MCT powder, with a vanilla flavor.

Perspective: With the increasing interest in plant-based foods, plant-derived collagen has garnered attention from businesses.

Related Reading:Overseas Companies Launch MCT+ Collagen, Targeting the Sports Nutrition Market

Enterprise Dynamics

1. Nutraceuticals to Acquire Alani Nutrition for $1.8 Billion

On February 21, according to foreign media reports, energy drink company Celsius Holdings announced its decision to acquire Alani Nutrition for $1.8 billion (approximately RMB 13.06 billion), including $150 million in tax assets. Founded in 2018, Alani Nu primarily sells energy drinks, sports nutrition supplements, and other products, positioning itself as female-friendly and high-quality. In the most recent reporting period, Alani Nu's retail sales increased by 78% year-over-year. Through this acquisition, Celsius hopes to leverage Alani Nu’s established influence and brand loyalty to drive incremental growth in the energy drink sector.

Perspective: A Major Acquisition of Alani Nutrition, Reinforcing Its Core Business.

Source: FOODBEV

Investment and Financing

1. Precision Fermentation Company Vivici Completes $250 Million Financing

On February 25, according to foreign media reports, Vivici, a Dutch precision fermentation startup, raised €32.5 million (approximately RMB 250 million) in its Series A funding round. The investment was led by Invest-NL and ABP, with participation from InnovationQuarter as well as existing shareholders DSM-Firmenich and Fonterra. The funds will be used to expand the production of its recombinant β-lactoferrin, explore new markets, and launch bovine lactoferrin under the Vivitein brand in the second half of 2025. Vivici’s β-lactoglobulin is clear in color, neutral in taste, and can be used in applications such as ready-to-mix protein powders, ready-to-drink protein beverages, and protein bars.

Perspective: With the increasing consumer demand for healthy food and growing environmental awareness, animal-free dairy proteins have gained capital favor.

Source: Green Queen

2. Synthetic Biology Company Relin Completes Over 500 Million Yuan in Series C Financing

Recently, synthetic biology company Relin Bioscience completed a C-round financing of over 500 million yuan, jointly invested by Songhe Capital, Cornerstone Capital, Changde Xingxin, Baiyin Kejian, and Changde Deyuan. The investors include management entities of government or industry funds such as Shenzhen's "20+8" Future Industry Fund, the sub-fund of the National Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Guidance Fund, and the Changde Synthetic Biology Fund. The proceeds will mainly be used for capacity expansion and new product development.

Currently, Reddlin has over 20 products entering commercialization, with more than 10 products awaiting mass production. Its product portfolio has gradually expanded from oligopeptides and polypeptides to monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, widely covering four major sectors: functional skincare, nutritional health, biomedicine, and animal protection agriculture.

Perspective: Synthetic biology investment remains a hot topic.

Source: 36Kr Pro

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