According to Mintel Data, 60% of all new food and beverages launched in Asia Pacific (including confections) are focusing on clean label claims. It appears that Asia has not been immune to the rising health awareness trend and is responding by producing food products that are healthier, smaller in portions and lower in sugar and calories.
Euromonitor data estimates that size of the confections market in Asia Pacific to be US $37 billion. The potential for launching clean label products is immense, however, what counts as clean label is still ill-defined. Some manufacturers focus on eco-friendly packaging while others stay away from artificial ingredients. As more and more people focus on producing healthier products, the criteria for clean label will surely become a topic of greater focus.
You wouldn’t automatically consider it of much importance, but a primary focus for clean label confectionary manufacturers is color. Color plays a grand part in attracting consumers but is mostly added through the use of artificial dyes. Today’s manufacturers are exploring the possibility of replacing these dyes with natural ingredients, while still producing a product that is both vibrant and aesthetically pleasing for social media.
One of the biggest concerns is the use of titanium dioxide, a whitening agent frequently used in foods that contains nanoparticles. Studies on the negative health effects of nanoparticles led to titanium dioxide being banned in France starting 2020.
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