China Focus: Chinese brand appeal, tighter transport rules, mental health trends, and more

China’s appeal: Chinese food brands eye global growth via Singapore

China food brands are tapping the surge in demand for Chinese products, partnering Scarlett Supermarket to gain international exposure for global expansion.

Scarlett is based in Singapore – a country widely regarded as the gateway to Asia and a global testbed for international cuisine due to its diverse demographics and high tourism rates.

Such partnerships are needed to take on competition from incumbent brands like Nestlé and Indofood, which retain dominance in the region through continuous innovation and strategic collaborations.

China tightens transport controls on edible oils, alcohol and syrups

Food and beverage firms with China dealings face tougher transport compliance rules for alcohol, edible oils and syrups starting this year.

“These new regulations will govern the transportation of five major liquid food categories in China, specifying the need for specialised tank trucks and standardising the licensing procedures for this, clarifying the responsibilities of all involved parties including the product manufacturers and transporters,” SAMR Director of Food Safety Sun Huichuan said.

Food and mental health in China: 2026 trends that brands should watch

Recent studies suggest that food consumption can influence mental health and stress levels among the Chinese population.

Meanwhile, China’s growing focus on mental wellness is shaping food trends, driving demand for fresh foods, dairy and lower-sugar options that balance health and indulgence.

These shifts highlight broader innovation opportunities for brands seeking to align indulgence with wellness.

Trade war impact: China’s health foods exports to the US slides 14.7% in 2025

The United States is China’s largest health foods export destination; however, exports were down 14.7% last year partly due to U.S. trade tariffs and changing trade policies.

China exported health foods worth US$623 million to the United States last year, down from US$730 million in 2024, following a nearly 60% jump from US$457 million the year before. The market share of China health foods exported to the United States also fell from 17.1% in 2024 to 13.5% in 2025.

UPFs linked to uric acid risk in young, middle-aged adults: China study

Adults under 60 found to eat more ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), putting them at risk of getting hyperuricemia (high uric acid), leading to gout and kidney diseases.

These findings suggest that age-specific dietary recommendations targeting UPF reduction may be relevant for hyperuricemia (high uric acid) management, particularly in younger and middle-aged populations.