​New material for immune health, olive leaf extract + plantain

Recently, Pharmactive has launched its brand of raw materials Isenolic olive leaf extract and plantain mixture to support healthy immunity and respiratory function. The product can be used in syrups, concentrated beverages and chewing products. It can solve the consumer's growing fatigue of tablets, while using the booming immunity and natural trends to attract mainstream consumers in the market.
Julia Diaz, head of marketing at Pharmactive, said that this is a balance between consumers and product innovation companies, and it is these companies that have driven the supplement industry’s resistance to traditional medicines. Consumers are realizing this and are spending more energy on healthy and good lifestyles. At the same time, companies are looking for the best solutions to meet these consumer priorities and win their minds and trust.

Similarly, the demand for environmental protection measures throughout the supply chain is also increasing. Isenolic raw materials come from olive trees grown in Spain, so raw materials need to be transported at lower distances instead of imported from other places. In addition, olive trees are fully adapted to these areas, so there is no need for large amounts of water or chemical fertilizers during planting.

Significant growth in the plantain market

Plantain has been a traditional medicine used to relieve sore throats in the Mediterranean for centuries. With the surge in consumer demand for natural ingredients, plantain combines the bioavailable Verbascosides with Phenylethanoids, an organic compound composed of plant-derived phenylalanine and tyrosine. These two phytochemicals have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, tissue healing and antibacterial activities against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Plantain is a wild, nutritious leafy vegetable that has been regarded as a very valuable medicinal food for centuries. It has a long history of safe use in the treatment of pulmonary congestion, dry cough, and irritating cough. It is usually consumed as a hot tea mixture or hot soup. In addition to natural beneficial compounds, the leaves also contain gums, which can provide soothing cough suppression and lower respiratory tract anti-inflammatory effects.

SPINS market data shows that in the 52 weeks ending October 6, 2019, the sales of plantain in multiple retail channels have increased. In terms of specialty food channels and mainstream multi-channels, plantain has become one of the top 25 functional raw materials sales in the United States, with market sales of 1.3 million US dollars and 192 million US dollars respectively, an increase of 6%. In terms of natural sales channels, plantain is a best-selling digestive health ingredient. Sales of this type of product were US$3.8 million, an increase of 9.3% over the previous year.

New immune health products

At the end of March, people began to notice the antiviral effect of olive leaf extract due to the initial immune tension. Since then, the immune industry has grown with the development of new products, ranging from carrot fiber to dairy ingredients.

In general, immune health products are increasingly appearing in global food and beverage releases. According to Innova Market Insights, between 2014 and 2018, the average annual growth rate of products with immune health claims was 15, and the packaging was positive. Highlighting immunity claims, ingredients like vitamin C and selenium are becoming more popular.